BENSEN GYROCOPTER

Plane & Pilot

Tuesday, September 01, 2009 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipović

Key Takeaways:

The Bensen Gyrocopter was a popular homebuilt rotorcraft, allowing enthusiasts to construct it from plans and kits using basic tools.
It offered versatility, available as glider (1-2 seat) or single-seat powered models, towable or flyable, with float options, capable of climbing to 12,500 feet and cruising at 60 mph.
Bensen Aircraft Corp., the originator of this sport, is no longer in business, despite a large community of rotorcraft fans.

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There are more than 20,000 active rotorcraft fans in the United States. Originator of the sport is Bensen Aircraft Corp. With purchase of the plans and component kits, it is possible to build a machine in a few weeks of spare time with only a drill press and a few wrenches. Bensen Gyrocopters can be towed behind a car or boat or flown under their own power. Float models are also available. The simple glider models are available as one or two-seaters. The powered gyrocopters are available only with a single seat. Bensen’s Gyrocopter is capable of climbing to 12,500 feet. (It is said “for each 500 feet in altitude, the seat gets two inches narrower.”) The powerplant is a 72- to 90-hp McCulloch. Bensen Aircraft is no longer in business.