What is a gyroplane?

"Gyroplane" is an official term designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

describing an aircraft that gets lift from a freely turning rotary wing, or rotor blades, and
which derives its thrust from an engine-driven propeller. Historically, this type of aircraft
has been known as the autogiro and the gyrocopter. These early names and their variants
were filed as trademarks.

Gyroplanes derive lift from freely turning rotor blades tilted back to catch the air. The
rushing air spins the rotor as the aircraft is thrust forward by an engine-driven propeller.
Early gyroplanes were powered by engines in a tractor (pulling) configuration and were
relatively heavy. Modern gyroplanes use a pusher propeller and are light and maneuverable.
With the engine in the rear, the gyroplane has unobstructed visibility.

History of Cargo aircraft

Aircraft were put to use carrying cargo in the form of air mail as early as 1911.
Although the earliest aircraft were not designed primarily as cargo carriers, by the mid
1920s aircraft manufacturers were designing and building dedicated cargo aircraft.
The earliest "true" cargo aircraft is arguably the World War II German design, the Arado Ar
232. The Ar 232 was intended to supplant the earlier Junkers Ju 52freighter conversions,
but only small numbers were built. Most other forces used freighter versions of airliners in
the cargo role as well, most notably the C-47 Skytrain version of the Douglas DC-3, which
served with practically every allied nation. Post war Europe also served to play a major role
in the development of the modern air cargo and air freight industry during what became
known as the "Cold War."

The first licensed woman pilot.

Blanche Scott was the first women pilot, in 1910, when the plane that she was allowed to
taxi mysteriously became airborne. In 1911, Harriet Quimby became the first licensed
woman pilot. And later in 1912, Harriet became the first women to fly across the English
Channel.
In 1921, Bessie Coleman became the first African-American woman pilot.

When was the first aerial combat.

On April 1, 1915, French pilot Roland Garros shot down a German Albatros airplane.
Although this was not the first air-to-air kill, Garros’ airplane, a Morane Parasol, was the
first airplane that was modified specifically for the purpose of aerial combat. Working with
designer Raymond Saulnier, Garros had developed reinforced propeller blades that deflected
bullets from a forward-firing machine gun (which made hitting the target easier). Over the
next several weeks, Garros and his airplane scored three more victories until he was forced
to land the plane in Germany territory. He was taken prisoner before he could burn the
airplane, which fell into the hands of the Germans.
The first woman to fly faster than speed and sound.

Jacqueline Cochran
Aviator, born in Pensacola, Florida, USA. She received her pilot's licence in 1932, became
the first woman to fly in the Bendix transcontinental air race in 1935, and in 1938 secured
the transcontinental record. The International League of Aviators named her the world's
outstanding woman pilot (1937–50, 1953). She became director of Women Auxiliary Service
Pilots in the US air force in 1943. In 1953 she became the first woman to fly faster than
sound (in an F-86 Sabre fighter), and in 1964 flew faster than twice the speed of sound.

Ninety-Nines INC International Organization of Women Pilots

First president was Amelia Earhart. Established in 1929 by 99 women pilots to provide
mutual support and advancement of aviation, The Ninety-Nines Organization of Women
Pilots has continued and expanded that mission. Today, the organization promotes world
fellowship through flight, provides networking and scholarship opportunities for women and
aviation education in the community and preserves the unique history of women in aviation.

Following in the footsteps of these early 99s, our members are represented in all areas of
aviation today. And, to quote Amelia, fly "for the fun of it!"