Trip Overview
Craparo-Dabbs World Record
October 3, 2015 — October 15, 2015
Hey, guys! Dayton & John here. We appreciate all your support for our trip. We are really looking forward to keeping y’all up to date with each part of our adventure. Drop us a line, and we will do our best to get back with you as soon as we can. Thanks a bunch!
Trip Log
Comments
I know they are going to be super busy, Robert, but any details would be GREATLY appreciated. This is a... read more
I know they are going to be super busy, Robert, but any details would be GREATLY appreciated. This is a super cool trip. Do they have a "tracker" on?
0 commentsRobert, what is the link to their SPOT tracker - Greg?
Robert, what is the link to their SPOT tracker - Greg?
0 commentsWhat an exciting Send Off! Looking forward to following you daily!
What an exciting Send Off! Looking forward to following you daily!
0 commentsGreg and Doug, their spot tracker is on now. Click the TRACK THIS TRIP link and you should see them. We... read more
Greg and Doug, their spot tracker is on now. Click the TRACK THIS TRIP link and you should see them. We saw them take off at about 6:15. They were planning to stop in Waco to drop off a cell phone to one of Dayton's clients. Then, it's on to LOVE FIELD in Dallas. They're sleeping in the pilot's lounge tonight. Sean Thomas and Rob Waldrum are planning to meet them at 3:00 AM to weigh the machine. Then, it's on to Santa Monica CA. They're hoping to make it to CA by 9:00 PM Pacific time. I'll post PIX later tonight of their take off from John's place in CROSS COUNTRY ESTATES.
0 commentsLooking forward to seeing pictures of your 4:30 send off. Would love an email telling me your fuel stops,... read more
Looking forward to seeing pictures of your 4:30 send off. Would love an email telling me your fuel stops, just so I can watch! Hope the sun comes up soon and warms you up!
0 commentsGood luck on this exciting trip. When you get back, I think it is time for a Magni M-24 record!!!!
Good luck on this exciting trip. When you get back, I think it is time for a Magni M-24 record!!!!
0 commentsGreat Pictures, Rob!!! I know they appreciate their 'send off' crew! Looking forward to hearing ya'll... read more
Great Pictures, Rob!!! I know they appreciate their 'send off' crew! Looking forward to hearing ya'll are safe in LA and can rest and get warm!!!
0 comments11:00 Sunday evening. Just heard from Dayton that they made it to Lake Havasu AZ and will overnight there.... read more
11:00 Sunday evening. Just heard from Dayton that they made it to Lake Havasu AZ and will overnight there. With a couple of hundred miles to go and fog setting in over 7000 ft matin ranges, they made decision to hold off flying until Monday morning.
0 commentsWait.....why aren't we getting updates from the PILOTS????? Hello, Dayton and John???!!!
Wait.....why aren't we getting updates from the PILOTS????? Hello, Dayton and John???!!!
0 commentsWhat's going on?? I thought LAX was in the "travel plans". Did weather get in the way??
What's going on?? I thought LAX was in the "travel plans". Did weather get in the way??
0 comments“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there... read more
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” ― Leonardo da Vinci So wake up and get going already. Take Care Scott
0 commentsDoug, Word from last night was that fog was moving in. I think they had an issue or two with airports not... read more
Doug, Word from last night was that fog was moving in. I think they had an issue or two with airports not having their gas. Haven't heard this morning but last night they were staying in Lake Havasu area.
0 commentsLooks like you had to turn back to Desert Hills late last night. What happened? What record are you... read more
Looks like you had to turn back to Desert Hills late last night. What happened? What record are you trying to set, LA to NY? What is the current record and when was it set? What is your time goal?
0 commentsI think fog moved in, Cliff. They are not very good at keeping us updated, though, are they???? :)
I think fog moved in, Cliff. They are not very good at keeping us updated, though, are they???? :)
0 commentsAt 1:30 (central time) they had stopped for fuel about 50 miles N/E of Palm Springs CA. Dayton says the... read more
At 1:30 (central time) they had stopped for fuel about 50 miles N/E of Palm Springs CA. Dayton says the decision to turn back last night was a life saving choice. Kudos to good decision making. They should get to Santa Monica around mid-afternoon. To the questions about what record they're trying to set - I'll ask to John to fill in details when he has time to post.
0 commentsI'm following this grand adventure moment by moment. Dayton and John are helping folks discover that... read more
I'm following this grand adventure moment by moment. Dayton and John are helping folks discover that gyroplanes aren't just for flying around the patch. I have some photos of the two of them shortly after their arrival Sunday evening at Love Field, but I haven't discovered how to post them here.
0 commentsHi Cliff John can answer your questions most directly, but FYI, here's the text of the press release... read more
Hi Cliff John can answer your questions most directly, but FYI, here's the text of the press release for the trip. Ira PRESS RELEASE Contact: Jay Tyler +1 (201) 786-4550 Texas Pilots Will Crisscross United States to Set World Speed Records in Experimental Aircraft Two pilots plan to depart from Dallas Love Field on 4 October 2015 in an attempt to set three world speed records over recognized courses in a two seat open-cockpit gyroplane. The duo will fly the following routes: Dallas to Los Angeles, Los Angeles to New York City, and New York City to Dallas. John S. Craparo and Dayton A. Dabbs will act as co-pilots during this National Aeronautic Association (NAA) sanctioned flight. Their aircraft is a Magni M16 gyroplane designated as an Experimental Amateur Built (EAB) flying machine. The pilots will alternate as pilot in command (PIC) of the aircraft during each leg of the flight. The M16 has two open cockpits which situate one pilot in front of the other. Each cockpit is equipped with dual controls. The pair will navigate the gyroplane at various altitudes taking advantage of favorable wind and weather conditions. Plans call for cruising altitudes from 500 to 12,500 feet above the ground. The aircraft is equipped with advanced navigation and radio transceivers. Satellite tracking will allow the mission support team and all interested parties to track the flight in real-time. The public can follow the satellite track at gyrotrips.com. Major airports visited during the flight will include Dallas Love Field, Santa Monica Municipal Airport and LaGuardia Airport. Dabbs states, “Aside from any record setting, we would like to display the capability of this small aircraft as a comfortable and economical touring vehicle for short and long distance travel.” The gyroplane uses about 5 gallons of premium auto fuel for every hour of flight. The gyroplane cruises at 100 mph. John Craparo stresses the safety and stability record of the aircraft. He also says, “It is fun and its simple controls make it easy to fly for a properly trained pilot.” John S. Craparo, 56 years of age from Georgetown, TX, is a retired senior vice president of HewlettPackard Company. He holds pilot privileges in airplane, seaplane, gyroplane, powered parachute, glider, and hot air balloon. He is also a certificated advanced ground instructor and aircraft repairman. Dayton A. Dabbs, 30 years of age from Taylor, TX, is the president of Lone Star Magni Gyro, Inc. The company trains gyroplane pilots and is a leading distributor for Magni Gyroplanes in the USA. He holds commercial pilot privileges in airplane and gyroplane. He is also a certificated flight instructor (CFI) and aircraft repairman. He is authorized to issue pilot certificates as a designated pilot examiner (DPE). A gyroplane is a category of aircraft utilizing non-motorized overhead rotor blades for lift with an engine driven propeller for forward thrust. The Magni M16 is an open cockpit two place carbon fiber and steel aircraft equipped with a 115 horse power Rotax 914 turbocharged aviation engine. The rotorblades measure 28 feet in diameter. The gyroplane, as configured for the record attempt, weighs 1,100 pounds. The aircraft can cruise at 100 mph at a maximum altitude of 14,000 feet. The precursor of the modern gyroplane was the Autogiro, invented in 1923 by Juan de la Cierva of Spain. The aircraft was hailed for its ability to make very short takeoffs and landings. In addition, it was extremely safe due its inability to suddenly lose aerodynamic lift which plagued fixed wing airplanes of the day. During the 1930’s the Autogiro was imported into the United States under license to aviation entrepreneurs like Harold Pitcairn and Wallace Kellett. Advanced models of the original design were developed in the States by these men. In May 1931, the experienced exhibition pilot Johnny Miller took off for the west coast in an attempt to be the first person to cross the country in an Autogiro. Amelia Earhart, who was better known than Miller and much better financed, also left the east coast trying to add that title to her list of aviation triumphs. When she reached California in her Pitcairn Autogiro, she was surprised and angered to learn that Miller beat her there by a week in the same make and model machine. During this period, Autogiros were regularly flown from the lawn of the White House and the US Capitol. In 1939, Miller and Eastern Airlines entered into a contract with the US Postal Service. Miller was contracted to fly the world’s shortest airmail route between the rooftop of the Philadelphia post office and the Camden, NJ airport. Miller flew over 3,000 successful flights between the downtown office building and the airport over the course of twelve months. The gyroplane used by Craparo and Dabbs carries the same registration number as the Kellett Autogiro flown by Miller, N15069. It is also dressed with a modernized Eastern Airlines logo from that era, a stylized eagle in a circle. The Autogiro was displaced by the helicopter during the Second World War due to the latter’s vertical takeoff and landing capability. In the early 1990’s Vittorio Magni, an Italian engineer, developed the prototype for the modern gyroplane flown by Craparo and Dabbs, the very versatile Magni M16. The M16 is now flown all over the world for recreation and commercial use including pipeline patrol, traffic reporting, agricultural spraying, ranching and police surveillance. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines criteria for Experimental Amateur Built (EAB) aircraft and upon passing rigorous government inspection issues a special Certificate of Airworthiness. The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is the nation’s oldest flying organization. It is the official sanctioning body for national and world record flights as a founding member of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, the World Air Sports Federation (FAI). Attachments: Record Flight Schedule and Route High Resolution Photograph of N15069 Flight Logo Flight Map
0 commentsIra - email your images to rdabbs@gyrotrips.com and we'll pose them. Thanks for your post.
Ira - email your images to rdabbs@gyrotrips.com and we'll pose them. Thanks for your post.
0 commentsYou guys are in our prayers. Keep flying safe. Enjoy the adventure.
You guys are in our prayers. Keep flying safe. Enjoy the adventure.
0 commentsComments Continued
The trip so far is fantastic. We have shared PIC duties with the larger burden on Dayton so far. It should even out as we progress. I must say the FAA has been fantastic. I cannot say enough about the ATC as they are familiar with our record attempt and fully suppotive expediting us through Class Bravo aotspace We were delayed at Parker, AZ and found no gas at Belen we had to wait 2 hours for skydive pilot to pump fuel. Weather came into play as we were pressing to make LA in one day. We had to turn back en route to Big Bear do to darkness and heavy fog . We overnighted at Lake Havasu then morning thunderstoms pushed wheels up back an hour. The challenge for a speed record is that all time is countrd, not just flying time. Departure for NY will be at 7am tomorrow morning... hope to land LaGuardia on the 8th!
0 commentsJohn and Dayton.....Way to go....you are making great progress. On to the city that "if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere" NEW YORK, New York. Safe (and speedy) travels my friends!
0 commentsThanks, Ira for the new pix of their leaving Love Field Sunday morning. We'll post them later today.
0 commentsThey are either stuck in Santa Monica or their tracker is off. Maybe they just decided to check out the sites in SM??? Can't blame them...
0 comments1:40 central time Tuesday afternoon. Just talked with Dayton. They spent the morning getting the oil, filters, etc needed to change oil in the Magni. It's done now and they should be departing Santa Monica within the hour. Dayton says they plant to fly through the night. We'll see!
0 commentsCiao Dayton e John, lo staff MagniGyro veglia giorno e notte sulla vostra straordinaria avventura. Grazie di esserci!
0 commentsQuestions from the gallery... What airspeed are you trying to maintain? What groundspeeds have you been able to achieve? What altitude ranges are you finding favorable winds? Be sure to stay WAY away from D.C. :)
0 commentsOh, I hope you are enjoying the AMAZING creation of Almighty God as you fly over places like the Grand Canyon! So thankful for your wisdom on when to stop! Fly safe and enjoy the opportunity to see the US!
0 commentsHallo guys, I'm Dayton's Italian Mamma ... fantastic adventure. I cannot believe... Both be carefull. we want you back as THE WINNERS! Bik kiss - Eli
0 commentsI talked with Dayton for about a minute this morning around 9:30 central time. They were getting ready to leave Flagstaff AZ. Looks like they're basically following Interstate 40 eastbound.
0 commentsGreetings to Luca and Elisabeta at the Magni Factory in Besnate, Italy - glad to have you on gyrotrips.com following John and Dayton's trip.
0 commentsAt 5:30 central time Wed afternoon, I'm waiting to hear from Dayton why their tracker isn't moving. Will update as soon as I know something.
0 commentsRobert, could have been a not so nice line of storms (very unusual for my home state I might add) that looked like they were very much in their way of forward progress! My wife called and we were expecting a second straight day of measurable rainfall. I think they are back at it ---headed toward the goal of Kansas City or somewhere along those lines. -As long as they are SAFE!
0 commentsThey are landed in Clayton...I suppose from the spot. I'm happy to know that...storms and darkness, better to go to sleep (like in Italy now!) Ciao and vlf!
0 commentsGlad to see you finally stopped! Doug, I'm glad to know they made it past your storms! Those were suppose to be OUR storms in central Texas! Dayton and John, I'm praying protection, comfort, staying well fed, and staying well rested over you! Can't wait to see all the pictures! KEEP US UPDATED!!!
0 commentsCongrats on making it to Dodge City the hard way (NIGHT Flying). I spent my Night Shift watching you guys. Be Careful. Take Care --Scott
0 commentsI was very happy to meet John and Dayton and chat with them for a while. Great guys, and what a way to travel! Come back anytime-blue skies and tail winds to you! I'll save that forgotten water bottle ;-)
0 commentsDAY 6: Decatur airport, Illinois...after 1000 km today, they are ready to restart? Unbelievable!Many thanks for this exciting adventure.. I'm sorry, but I will check your progress tomorrow morning..now is time to sleep here! Ciao and remember vlf!
0 commentsJohn, Dayton--I strongly suggest you both turn around and see if you have "posteriors" left as you both have been flying your BUTTS off. Nice job. Onward to New York ----SAFELY!
0 commentsI'll be away from the site until Friday afternoon. Hopefully, Dayton and John will post updates. The spot is active so please continue to follow. Thanks to all.
0 commentsThey are in NY--Just got a TEXT-Dayton says He's happy but EXHAUSTED! What a GREAT accomplishment!! Nice job!!! GET SOME REST!!!!!!!
0 commentsJust talked to Dayton....after an all night flight (with many stories, I'm sure) they've landed safely at LaGuardia! Can't even imagine how exhausted, but they are on a high after a successful, across country trip! Thank You Jesus!
0 commentsWe're very proud of you guys, but we're also very relieved to see that tracker isn't moving yet… hope that means you're both getting some zzzzzzz's. Congratulations on your world record.
0 commentsYou are SMOKING!!!! We are pulling for. Hi from Pete, Denise, and Victoria here in Alaska :-)
0 commentsHey how can we get a patch of the Craparo Dayton expidition logo? I want one for my flight suit. Or atleast a T-shirt?
0 commentsI'm ready to see some pictures!! Show us some sights.....give us some details.....Don't just leave us hangin'!!!!
0 commentsThis morning we landed at LaGuardia Airport. We came in over a light cloud cover and made a landing on Runway 4. The control tower announced during landing that an American Airlines flight should line up and wait on to 22 while we made our landing. Dayton was the pilot and we made a very nice touchdown before the first turn off which turned out to be the old Marine Air Terminal where the plane has been tied down. Prior to coming into LaGuardia. We we're delayed as we crossed the Midwest and eastern states. Our original plan was to spend an hour or two at Morristown New Jersey in order to prep ourselves for the flight into the Class Bravo. That plan was thwarted as wee had to turn back due to heavy fog in central Pennsylvania. We relocated to a small, a very small, airport in eastern Pennsylvania where we spent about an hour sleeping on the concrete after refueling the plane, At about 5:30 am we prepped ourselves for the flight into LaGuardia. We had to be in before 6:30 a.m. in order to be sequenced with the light commercial traffic which would be ramping up throughout the day. As stated before, the FAA gave us expedited habdling in support of our record attempt. We have also been told this is likely the first ever landing of a gyroplane or Autogiro at KLGA. Attached are some photos that you might find interesting including the landing some mountain climbing over Arizona and New Mexico where we reached altitudes of up to 10,000 in the mountains. We also battled some storms which we skirted around for the most part but did get us in the aircraft a bit wet. Thus far we have had zero problems with the aircraft War of the engine oil has been running perfectly. On Sunday we should leave for Dallas to complete the third leg of what we hope become official world setting marks for gyroplanes on recognized courses. I'm a bit tired now so I'll sign off for the night I will update this further over the weekend.. As always thanks for your support.
0 commentsI'm inclined to say you guys are crazy, but as Vince Vaugh said, "How many times have people said 'that's crazy,' only to turn around and say 'that's genius.'" Have a safe trip home, you crazy geniuses! We love you!!
0 commentsNice work guys ---and welcome home guys!! Time to get some rest and turn in your paperwork for a WORLD RECORD!! I can't wait to see the pictures and hear the stories!
0 comments10' to Love Field DALLAS!!! Thank you guys, many many many thanks for this impressive adventure! Thank you also for the night flight.. the only way to done us an unforgettable morning here in Italy!!!!
0 commentsWelcome back. Looks like that last stretch arriving in Dallas at 4am was rough. Can't wait to see the pics.
0 commentsBENTORNATI A CASA! CONGRATULAZIONI E GRAZIE MILLE PER TUTTE LE EMOZIONI CHE CI AVETE REGALATO NEGLI ULTIMI 10 GIORNI ! CIAO E SEMPRE VLF
0 commentsDayton made it as far as the sofa. That's where he is now and will probably still be there this time tomorrow. Congrats to John, Dayton, and to the Magni's for this successful trip.
0 commentsGreetings from Pike County Illinois, I had the pleasure of meeting John and Dayton as they were refuelling at Penstone Municipal Airport in Pittsfield IL.
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