BENSEN GYROCOPTER

Plane & Pilot

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

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipović

Key Takeaways:

Bensen Aircraft Corp. pioneered the sport of homebuilt rotorcraft, allowing enthusiasts to construct Gyrocopters from plans and kits using basic tools.
Bensen Gyrocopters were versatile, offered as towable, powered, or float models, and could be single or two-seater gliders, though powered versions were single-seat only.
These aircraft offered notable performance, including an 85 mph top speed and a 12,500-foot altitude capability, though Bensen Aircraft is no longer in business.

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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.