American Autogyro of Covington, Inc. is Georgia's premier authorized dealer of Groen Brother's Aviations American Autogyro featuring the SparrowHawk II autogyro (a.k.a. gyro, gyrocopter and gyroplane). Owned and operated by Randy Stiles since 2004, AA of Covington is located at the Covington Municipal airport just 30 minutes east of downtown Atlanta, GA, offering sales, service, parts and flight training for the SparowHawk II.

Autogyros are one of the fastest growing branches of the rapidly expanding experimental segment of general aviation. The autogyro is most unique in that it has the appearance of a helicopter but possesses the simple flight characteristics of fixed wing aircraft. The only difference is the autogyro will not stall, and can sustain slow flight, hover, fly sideways and even backwards ... all on an unpowered rotor system! The autogyro's rotor system is always in a state of autorotation. The forward thrust produced by the Subaru 2.5 litre 165 h.p. engine produces a relative wind that flows through the rotor blades, causing them turn much like a pinwheel creating lift. Unlike a helicopter, the gyro needs a short distance for takeoff (usually 100 to 300 ft.) and a much shorter landing roll (10 to 20 ft.). Autogyros employ a fixed-pitch rotor system and require no inflight adjustments as the typical helicopter does, making for a very simple and easy flying experience.

Bottom line, autogyros are fun, affordable and extremely safe. Treat yourself to a flying experience not soon forgotten at the Covington airport, or check out our calender for upcoming visits to an airport near you.