Calidus to California — A Gyrocopter Adventure

Day One

This story actually begins in the summer of 2015, when I first flew an open cockpit MTO Sport gyroplane from Austin, Texas to Los Angeles, then up the coast to San Francisco, then back to Austin. It was one of the most transformative trips I have ever taken, and the memories of those three weeks never fails to evoke a smile. I had flown many cross countries in gyros and airplanes, but there was just something special about this trip.

My open cockpit MTO Sport from AutoGyro USA

Now, at long last, I have the opportunity to relive that journey…or part of it, at least.

Since April of this year (2020), I have been in possession of a Calidus enclosed tandem gyrocopter owned by a fellow who had asked me to help him sell it. However, with COVID-19 putting the brakes on a lot of discretionary spending, it was just not getting much serious interest. But finally, after much effort, a buyer surfaced in California. So, naturally, I volunteered to deliver the gyro to the new owner.

The Calidus Gyrocopter from AutoGyro USA

Today, December 20, 2020 was my first day traveling west with the gyro. I woke at 5:30am, grabbed a shower, threw my suitcase in the trunk, and drove to the airport. As you can see in the…