Legacy Dominator Gyro Sees Revival

A turning point in the development of sport gyroplanes came after pilots and engineers discovered that first-generation aircraft (such as the Bensen Gyrocopter and the Ken Brock KB2) had engine thrust lines well above the vertical center of mass. This resulted in significant pitch changes when power was applied and thrust increased. In low rotor speed situations, this pitch change could render the aircraft uncontrollable. A second generation of sport gyroplanes sought to solve this problem by moving the thrust line down and in sync with the vertical center of mass. They did this by moving the engine down, which meant that the landing gear would have to be longer to keep the propeller from striking the ground. A good example of this new wave was the Dominator Gyro, first produced in a single-place version and later a two-place tandem.

Designed by Ernie Boyette and Chuck Beatty, the Dominator proved to be easier and safer to fly than first-generation gyros. The gyro’s popularity grew and numerous Dominators are still flying. With the march of time, Chuck Beatty passed away and Ernie Boyette has retired. Dominator production had all but ceased, until Dave Seace and Corey Kirkwood got permission to restart production in Foley, Alabama. Two new Dominators have been constructed. The first one remains with Dave and Corey in Foley and the second aircraft was completed by Ray Barkley of Port Charlotte, Florida.

Ray has a long and interesting history, starting with him signing up for the United States Marine Corps at age 16 (mom agreed). After a tour piloting Amphibious Tracked Attack Vehicles for the Marines, Ray left for Alaska, where he got his college degree and promptly started working as a wilderness guide leading dog sled expeditions (which, of course, had nothing to do with his degree). In the ensuing years, Ray has worked as a commercial fisherman, a sea captain, a certified diving instructor, a construction general contractor, and, as of late, a property manager. He is a man who follows his interests full-speed, wherever they take him.

Ray first became interested in flying gyroplanes after going to a Bensen Days fly-in about seven years ago. He knew he wanted to fly and he knew he wanted something portable that he could take across the country. Ray found an instructor in Tampa, a fellow former Marine, Greg Spicola. Ray would drive from Port Charlotte to Tampa for a few days at a time to try to get in as much instruction as possible. After a few dual hours, Ray learned about a half-completed two-place Dominator under construction in Foley. He wanted it. Persistence paid off and Ray convinced Dave Seace to sell it to him. Ray then completed construction, adding a Rotax 912 ULS (with the big bore kit) and his own details to the aircraft. What resulted was a truly outstanding Dominator, with safety and style enhancements that make it stand out on the ramp.

Ray actually finished up his gyro instruction in the aircraft he built. After his successful checkride, both he and his Dominator were ready for adventure. Ray’s favorite mission is to finish his work for the day, slip off to the nearby Lake Spivey grass strip (20FL) and launch his beautiful creation into the Florida sky. In his neck of the woods, development is minimal and he can soar for hours at low level, observing birds, manatees, and alligators. He literally has thousands of acres as his aerial playground. With his two-seater, Ray loves to fly friends and family members, with his favorite passenger being his Mom, who gave him his gene for adventure. She loves to fly with Ray almost as much as he enjoys piloting her over Florida’s natural wilderness.

Not one to be idle, Ray also fitted out a massive trailer/hangar/living room for his Dominator. Like his gyro, it is adorned with Marine Corps decorations, along with family photos and memorabilia. If it had a shower, you could live there.

What is next for the resurgent Dominator gyros? Corey Kirkwood and Dave Seace plan to ramp up construction of the two-place models, many of which they think will be used for instruction. Stay tuned to Foley, Alabama, for further developments.