Gyrocopters Saved at Newark Air Museum

A Campbell-Bensen B.8M gyrocopter which has been on loan at the Newark Air Museum (NAM) for more than 15 years was recently bequeathed to the museum in the will of UK gyrocopter collector, the late Roger Light.

This complete airframe has been displayed in NAM’s Hangar 1 since it arrived in April 2009 — the first gyrocopter to be displayed at the museum. Built by Campbell Aircraft Limited, B.8M G-ASNY was first registered in August 1967 and, after it was de-registered in 1991, the gyrocopter was stored in the north-west of England.

Additional actions by the museum trustees and its volunteers have also safeguarded a significant collection of other gyrocopter airframe structures, engines, parts and assorted spares. During several visits to north-west England, the items have been carefully gathered together and moved into storage at the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the county border with Lincolnshire.

Work is already underway to sort the items out and to produce an inventory of what has been recovered. All items are in a good condition and early indications suggest that there are at least two nearly complete machines, with three additional main-frame structures.

The NAM trustees have agreed with the executor of the Roger Light Estate that eventually these gyrocopters should be made available for disposal to other suitable aviation collections across the UK.

Zac Yates

 | Website

Zac, born and raised in New Zealand, grew up immersed in aviation, with his father working as a helicopter crewman and living at Wanganui Airport. His passion for aviation started in childhood, building scale model kits and following the global warbird scene. He later trained as a journalist but found mainstream media unfulfilling, leading him to pursue a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer.

Now residing in Blenheim, near the historic Omaka Aerodrome, Zac studies at RNZAF Base Woodbourne and aspires to become a private and warbird pilot. Known as "Handbag" in aviation circles, he shares his love for aviation through photography and writing, connecting with enthusiasts worldwide.

• Spitfire Tribute, Scholarship to Honor Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Pilot
• Full Weekend of Events At Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
• Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Update
• A Chat With Incoming Old Rhinebeck President Clay Hammond