ROTARY AIR FORCE SOUTH AFRICA (RAFSA)
SACAA M688 SACAA AMO1309 SACAA/1588/ATO SACAA G1457D – Part 96 Air Operator
AGyroplane is an amateur or production built flying machine similar to a helicopter but in some ways kind of like an airplane. It has a rotor blade like a helicopter but cannot climb vertically and requires an airplane-like roll or run to become air-born. The key to understanding what makes a gyroplane fly is understanding the principal of autorotation.
The origins of Rotary Air Force South Africa date back to 1943 when Bernard J. Haseloh hovered his first experimental helicopter at his shop in Ponoka, Alberta, Canada. Mr. Haseloh was discouraged from building and testing amateur / experimental built helicopters, by the Government who felt that the technology for the power-driven rotor system was too complex for the private individual. To further complicate matters, at that time the Government had no regulations in place for amateur / experimental built helicopters. Therefore, his keen interest in rotary–winged aircraft turned toward the development of gyroplanes, the first of which was successfully completed in 1954.
In 1987 the first RAF gyrocopter went into production with the RAF 1000. Recognising the need for proper flight instruction and to meet the demand for a two-place gyroplane the RAF2000 was introduced in 1989. Discussions started on the marketing potential of a properly designed gyroplane. The RAF believed it could design an aircraft that will offer exceptional versatility, coupled with a level of simplicity in its design that will be within the reach of practically every aviation enthusiast budget and flying capability.
Today the RAF 2000 is production built by the factory in Upington and is a proudly South African product. The RAF 2000 is still available as a kit for amateur built and both kit and complete gyroplane can be shipped worldwide as the company has a large international client base. RAF also offers after sales service.
Rotary Air Force SA together with its sister companies, are the holder of four approved SACAA certifications namely Aircraft Manufacturing in terms of Part 148, Aircraft Maintenance in terms of Part 145, Aviation Flight Training in terms of Part 141 for both Part 61 & Part 62 pilot licenses and Commercial Operations with NTCA in terms of Part 96. RAFSA is currently the only gyroplane company in South Africa that can offer the full service. Rotary Air Force has dedicated countless hours of research and development to ensure that our clients receive a very controllable, user-friendly aircraft. The RAF 2000 is the world’s finest cross-country gyroplane for free spirited individuals seeking adventure. The RAF 2000 is a sporty two-seater aircraft that gives you the freedom to fly in safety and comfort. Whether for work or pleasure you can enjoy the pleasure and thrill of flight with the RAF 2000.
Rotary Air Force SA offers affordable, professionally maintained gyroplanes for sale and flight training. RAF provides a safe and effective learning situation for its students while adhering to safe practice and to applicable federal and state aviation regulations. Rotary Air Force SA will ensure that it provides its clients, once they have purchased their own gyroplane, with an excellent aircraft for flight training as well as to fly upon successful completion of their training.