Breaking a World Record in Aviation
Everglades University’s Alumni John S. Craparo flew with Dayton A. Dabbs in their Magni M16 Gyroplane aircraft which Craparo built in 2014. The two pilots’ intent was to prove safety, stability, utility and comfort of flying the modern Gyroplane on long cross country flights. The Magni M16 is a two place open cockpit aircraft with dual controls driven by a Rotax 914 turbocharged 115 hp engine.
The duo’s secondary goal was to go where others have not. The two pilots accomplished that goal and broke three World Records and one National Record. Under a sanction from the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), they decided to fly three major cross country routes. The routes were: Dallas, TX to Los Angeles, CA; Los Angeles, CA to New York City; New York City to Dallas Texas. These routes had never been flown for a speed record in a Gyroplane with a take-off weight under 500 kg or 1,102 lbs.
The pilots left on October 4, 2015 and completed the flights on October 14, 2015. Their total flying time was 73 hours in the air.
The claims await official recognition by the NAA and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).
John Craparo graduated from Everglades University with a Master’s Degree in Aviation Science.