Q-142: I’m contemplating building a medium-size autogyro type model aircraft. One of my concerns is being able to fabricate the rotor blades with any degree of accuracy. Is there any way I might purchase these type blades ready for installation on my planned aircraft?
A-142: The 2005 Toledo Show came to my rescue to help answer this reader question. I visited a booth that had an autogyro displayed on the front table. I wasn’t sure if the people at this booth were selling the entire autogyro or the parts, so I took a closer look.
Mark Smith of AeroBalsa Inc. makes solid wood airfoil sections for model aircraft. He makes these airfoil section out of contest balsa as well as balsa with a basswood leading edge for added durability. The airfoil sections are precision cut on programmed machinery. Right now Mark can make wing sections up to 3 inches wide. He can also make two sections that can be joined with a tongue and grove joint. This would get you close to a 6 inch wing cord. AeroBalsa makes a complete line of autogyro blades that can really reduce your building efforts. You might want to look up there website for more details: www.aerobalsa.com.