Flight Testimonials
Bay Area Gyro’s instructor, Paul, has flown over 300 passengers so far – pilots, non-pilots, kids and adults. People from every decade of life have tried it, from a child of 9, up through many teenagers and people in their 20s, all the way to several in their 80s, three who were in their 90s, and one remarkable 100-year old who arrived wearing the leather jacket he wore to World War II as a bomber pilot! Everyone remembers it as an amazing, unique experience and several have been kind enough to give us testimonials, some of which are printed verbatim here.
I’ve been a private pilot since 1987 and have flown more than 20 different types of Aeroplanes, from gliders to light twins plus a turbine-powered military jet. Of the 1200+ hours of flying that I have enjoyed over the years, flying with Paul and his bright yellow Magni M-16 has been the most exciting flying I’ve ever done. Flying around Lake Tahoe, over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and down the deserted black sand beach at Shelter Cove – all were simply amazing. The unobstructed views, the wind, the exhilaration and Paul’s expertise of flying the gyrocopter is unbelievable. You should try it.
- Robert B. (pilot) -
Flying with Paul was a truly extraordinary experience. I have been a pilot for over 50 years and have flown in many types of aircraft. They have all been fun but some stand out as exceptional. Getting my soaring license is one of those and flying in the gyro was even better. I felt safe but it was exciting. I felt like a bird - at one with the air. In fact a hawk joined us for a few minutes as we cruised over the hills. And then cruising just above the waves at the coast was inspiring. The gyro experience even exceeded the helicopter rides I have had. These are memories I will never forget.
- Bob L. (pilot) -
If you ‘ve ever wanted to fly like a bird, the gyroplane is the aircraft to do it in, and the person to pilot you is Paul. I have had many flight instructors over multiple aircraft, and while some have been good, they've also included the yellers, the jaded, the loosey-goosey. Paul is none of those: he is an excellent teacher with whom you will learn thoroughly and with deep enjoyment. He has never made me feel dumb for whatever rookie mistake I might make (and there have been a few!) and he’s genuinely enthusiastic about the process of learning. He draws on a varied background with multiple aircraft certifications, and over a thousand hours in a gyro. In addition, he has flown hundreds of passengers with all kinds of reactions to flight (wild excitement, initial fear, open-mouthed awe) over the years, so you will be rewarded with a nimble attitude toward whatever kind of learning process you need. Ultimately, I found that Paul has that rare gift of understanding both the psychological and the technical aspects of learning to fly. I highly recommend him as your instructor.
- Caroline P. (Author, former SF firefighter and Gyro pilot) -
I can’t say enough good things about Paul and my experience in his Gyrocopter. He’s an avid- and rabid- aviation enthusiast! I’m a fixed wing commercial pilot and fly all the time. Going into the Gyroplane with Paul was like experiencing flight for the first time again - so freeing! I love my plane, but the Gyroplane is the closest thing to being unfettered and free in the air that I’ve ever experienced. It was like riding a motorcycle in the sky - but better. Paul is a true academic and carries that side with him while flying and instructing, which is nice. But his infectious love of the sky and passion for aviation rules the day, making the experience a perfect balance of science, adventure, art, and sky! It’s an experience not to be missed!
- Dom C. (Pilot, business owner and EAA chapter president) -
A couple of years ago, I took a Gyro ride with Paul. I was initially apprehensive when I saw the small machine but Paul’s gentle demeanor completely put me at ease. He was very clear about his instructions and expectations, and he didn’t start the ride until I was calm and confident in my abilities. In the air, Paul didn’t perform any maneuver without telling me first; always aware of my initial apprehension. But once I was up there, I had no worries. He even let me fly the Gyro by myself for a while, and it was surprisingly easy. It was, to date, the most amazing experience I’ve ever had. I felt completely safe and comfortable in Paul’s piloting skills. If I ever decided to learn to fly one of these, I would definitely have no one but Paul teach me.
- Rhonda F. (Retired Police) -
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it...
- Jenny H. (Paul's wife and specialist in British irony) -
The first time I flew in the gyrocopter I was blown away! It's amazing how low to the ground you can go! As soon as we landed I started trying to get my Dad to sell our fixed wing plane and buy a gyrocopter instead. I have now gone for 3 flights with Paul and any time we see him I try to go again! My Dad is always telling me I should get my pilot's licence, but I say "I would rather get my gyrocopter licence with Paul.
- Antonia T. (Passenger, 13 years old) -
Flying in the gyrocopter with Paul was one of the most exciting things I've experienced in a long while. We raced through canyons, took a jaunt along the beach, and were able to see places you just cannot get to easily otherwise. Paul is a highly capable pilot and an excellent teacher. His British sense of humor coupled with his calm and steady demeanor make for adventure-filled flights every time. I cannot say enough how much I enjoyed my gyrocopter flight and highly recommend Paul as an instructor as well as just flying for fun!
- Mendy T. (Mother to Antonia) -
As an avid hiker and Marin landscape artist, I was THRILLED by the aerial view of trails, lakes, Mt. Tamalpais and the Bay - the puzzle pieces of my inner GPS fell into place! The memory still makes me giddy with pure joy - I loved every minute! Paul is a personable, perfect pilot. But beware: gyroplane mania is infectious!
- Kathleen L. (Landscape Artist) -
From the moment I climbed into the gyro and put on the seat belt, realizing I was sitting in a well deep enough that I couldn’t fall out of it, I was a bird on the wing! What an incredible feeling to soar so silently surrounded by such beauty and to feel so safe and secure in your skills as PIC (pilot in command). At 78 yrs old I was so content to just watch the beauty of the NorCal coast and San Francisco Bay inspire my mind and my camera. I loved that I was able to speak with you on the intercom and ask questions which made me feel even safer. I just can’t thank you enough Paul! It was a wonderful flight that I would repeat in a heartbeat! I could easily be a groupie for you and your gyro!!
- Rosa T. (Grateful wannabe gyro pilot) -
As an excited passenger in my first-ever gyrocopter ride with Paul, I can say it far exceeded my expectations. His pre-flight instructions and explanations on the ground were clear and concise. More than that, the actual experience in the air over Marin and Sonoma Counties was most thrilling. I have flown in single- and twin-engine small planes, flown open-air planes in the Himalayas and even sky-dived out of a plane. Flying in tandem with Paul in the gyrocopter was a highlight. I heartily encourage prospective passengers of any age to grab the opportunity to experience this incomparable thrill and recommend Paul as an instructor for fledgling gyro pilots.
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- Bill B. (Former pilot and Business owner) -
A dream come true! What an exhilarating feeling to have the wind on my face, the incredible bird’s eye view of the scenery of our beautiful coast and vineyards of Sonoma County and feel so content to just be present to the marvels of a gyro. Never thought I’d have this opportunity and so grateful I did. Thank you so much and any time you need an 86 yr old to convince a potential future pilot/adventurer that they should trust you and the gyro feel free to give them my name and number…
- Bill T. (Former private pilot) -