Autogyro circumnavigation of the globe

The GGG Essential Guide to:- Japanese Techno Toilets and Other Ingenious Innovations.

2012-01-10T13:49:00.007Z

Welcome to part 2 of Norman's series of informative and tongue in cheek guides to the quirkier side of Japanese life.

The GGG Essential Guide to:- Japanese Techno Toilets and Other Ingenious Innovations.

The Japanese are well known around the world for having a real flair in developing novel and unusual gadgets - and for me the one device that demonstrates this highly innovative spirit most keenly is the (previously) humble toilet seat.

Cold winter weather in Japan often makes for a decidedly chilly atmosphere when visiting the 'Smallest room of the house'. This is especially felt where the Japanese, through adopting an entirely different philosophy towards heating the home, will put much emphasis on keeping the individual person warm rather than the entire house. Therefore, rather than employing a grand central heating system that can easily leak heat away to the outside environment, localised heating of some rooms or areas within a room is often used instead. For example, an electric heater is often found permanently attached to the underside of the dining table to keep your legs warm while you are sitting eating meals, this is combined with a thick table cloth that covers the table and also reaches to the floor all around the diners thus acting as a very effective blanket around your legs to keep the heat in.

Alternatively, an electrically heated rug stretched out on the floor can also help to keep your feet warm (as remember of course, you have no shoes on inside the house or restaurant). Further, rigid corrugated metal hot-water bottles (though now being replaced with more user friendly hard plastic variants) can be used to preheat beds.

However, the quiet, reserved, no nonsense toilet seat remains my favourite example of this philosophy in action...as to have a pre-warmed seat waiting for you before sitting down on a cold day is very much appreciated indeed!

This being Japan however, to only achieve the desired warming of the seat with an integral, fully embedded, fully adjustable, thermostatically controlled heating element would simply be a waste of a great opportunity to showcase some real innovative thinking in the design process. Once a 'Chief Techno Toilet Designer' (CTTD) has committed his manufacturing company to developing an easy reach control console, to be positioned alongside the seat (and one which Captain Kirk would be most happy to see attached to his Commanders seat on the Bridge Deck of the USS Enterprise) then the full gambit of other 'must have' items can also be accommodated and factored in as further luxury upgrades.

You then get a plethora of available options...full seat temperature control (as standard)), big flush - little flush (the Eco option). water pressure and temperature settings for an integral bidet shower unit (complete with hot air drying - which is a feature perhaps not for everyone's liking!), volume control for background running water soundtrack and/or music (presumably some suitably pleasant 'Chamber Music') And as if these were not enough extra features, not only the actual seat gets high tech makeover treatment - one techno loo that I happened to encounter while visiting Kyoto had an additional sensor that both turned on the light and then made the seat lid flip up as you entered the room! Such attention to detail!!

Hair Today - Gone Tomorrow...

Whereas the UK has brought us fantastic innovations such as the Dyson Vacuum cleaner to sweep the floors of your local barber shop, the Japanese have once again outshone the competition with this very handy gizmo for catching hair as soon as it is cut, thus eliminating the need for even getting the Dyson out of the cupboard!

In the UK this product would no doubt have a trendy techno name such as the 'Hair Catcher 3000' or the ,Catch-All-O-Matic'.

You Have A Spare 5 Minutes?

Once you have your hair nicely trimmed what better than to be able to also give your face a bit of a massage, perhaps while you are standing in the busy bus queue in town, waiting to go home from the barber shop. You would be the envy of your fellow bus passengers if you were suddenly able to produce the 'Face Roller-O-Matic' from your inside pocket for a quick 5 minute workout.

Alternatively if a bit of bothersome cut hair has sneaked down the inside of the neck seal of the Hair Catcher 3000 while at the barber shop, you could also quickly whip out your 'Back Scratcher-O-Tron' to scratch away that irritable itch...

Sushi and Satin...

Not to be left out, innovative products for the animal kingdom have also been well catered for in Japan. What about a nice Kimono style leisure suit in which your cat can lounge around the house? No problem sir! The zoomed image on the right features a nice pink shoulder padded neckline (that is assuming a cat has shoulders!), a lovely satin finish and on the left picture the highly appropriate Lucky Waving Cat logo. Any unfortunate Mice that would happen to meet this 'at home' cat would not necessarily risk being caught and eaten, rather, they would be at far greater risk of being invited in and offered some sushi or a fishy canape washed down with a Martini cocktail...Miaow!

See you all for another 'GGG Essential Guide' for use in everyday Japan very soon...

Cheers
Norman
* * *

Norman will be giving us another look at the quirkier side of Japanese life in the very near future. Keep watching the blog, website and Facebook pages for the latest news of the resumption of the flight. We will post any updates as soon as we get them,

The Gyrox Team.

* * *

For More Information Visit the Website

Follow the Adventure on Facebook

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman's Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

* * *

New Year Ninjyas

2011-12-29T14:07:00.005Z

As 2011 comes to an end, all of us at the Gyrox Goes Global team can look back on a year of highs and lows for the Gyrox adventure. The feeling of Deja Vu is also prominent in our feelings with an urge to express the words 'if only'. But since the quest began in March 2010 the words 'if only' have been replaced with the phrase...'Oh well, there's always next year' and we are now looking forward to 2012 with a renewed optimism that Norman and Roxy will finally alight again on to the playing fields in Larne after completing the circumnavigation, hopefully sometime next summer.
In the meantime, Norman has decided to write a number of interesting and entertaining articles about the quirkier side of Japanese life as a New Year present to his supporters whilst they wait for the big day when flying starts again. So how best to start off a series on Japan (very much Norman's second home at the moment) and the unusual side of life there than an article on the famous but secretive Ninjyas.

* * *

How to Spot a Ninjya Living in Your Town

Japanese Ninjyas, (spelt Ninjas in some parts) are those masked superhero figures who are expert at all aspects of Martial Arts. They are often portrayed in films and comic books as mystical (almost mythical) in their superhuman powers and secretive ways. Yet, with their cunning masked disguise (and the highly overactive imagination of your GGG investigative observer) they could easily, almost certainly, be living next door to you in your temporarily adopted Japanese home town. You would simply never know - unless, that is, you are armed with the following 'official GGG essential guide' - How to Spot a Ninjya Living in Your Quirky Town...

The Ninjya Boot - Ninjya typically wear baggy coverall outfits, robed from head to foot. However, to remain nimble on their feet and to perform all their rooftop leaps and overly dramatic high kicks (into thin air) they much prefer to wear boots that have very flexible soles and that prove very sticky for clambering around the rooftops on secret missions.
Rather surprisingly you can buy your very own set of Ninjya boots in regular shops without showing any ID proof of your real (or imaginary) special superhero status.
This boot was spotted in a large hardware store and rather helpfully was on offer in the shop as a 'buy one get one free' deal (which is very useful for fitting out your other foot!).

In Tsuruoka I was fortunate to witness several Ninjya going about their every day 'cover' jobs. Typically it appears that they disguise themselves as Roofing Contractors - as seen here.
However, the baggy trousers and tell-tale Ninjya boots give away the fact that they are obviously on a top secret spying mission rather than simply photographing a broken roofing tile...

The Ninjya Nest - Again, on my travels on foot around the backstreets of Tsuruoka during the late summer I kept my camera handy and kept a keen and watchful eye on the rooftops. My ongoing vigilance paid off on one of my regular trips back from the shopping centre when I spied a very clever construction that could only be described as a 'Ninjya Nest'. This wooden igloo structure would make a fine operational base for a Ninjya hiding out in town; it looks innocent enough until you spot the satellite communications dish sticking out of the top...used for innocently watching the Sumo Wrestling World Championships??? I don't think so!! Interpol, CIA, MI6, NASA...all take note! The nest proved temporary however as it disappeared overnight shortly before a period of heavy rain was forecast...very clever these Ninjyas...

More 'Official GGG Essential Guides', on various subject designed to help your ongoing survival in everyday Japan, coming soon...

Norman

* * *

Please note...No Ninjya was harmed during the writing of this article.
We at the GGG Team look forward to the next installment from Norman's Essential Guides as we are sure they will brighten up the winter months until the spring arrives and the serious business of circumnavigating globe continues.

The Gyrox Team

* * *

For More Information go to the Website

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman's Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

December Round-up 2011

2011-12-23T09:29:00.008Z

December 2011

Winter arrives - Norman poses with snow capped Mount Chokai in the background
Note too, the now harvested rice fields in the foreground

Here we are again! For the second year running I have found myself in an unavoidable position of preparing Roxy for another long winter 'rest' period. I have recently returned (during November) to Tsuruoka and Shonai Airport to perform some ongoing (and annual) maintenance tasks on Roxy - background jobs that need to be done to every aircraft in order to keep it fit and healthy. Performing these works, on a UK registered aircraft whilst sitting in rural Japan however has given their own complexities, especially when you are also obliged to work to the exacting UK CAA standards throughout the process.

Mr Kanda getting to grips with a
big torque-wrench during maintenance

Ever up for a collective challenge however, between the airport Management Staff, ANA maintenance Department Manager (Mr Kanda) and the collective muscle of the airport fire station personnel we were able to source all the requisite tools and equipment needed to complete the tasks in hand.
Happily I can now report that Roxy is well prepared to weather the bitter winter conditions that can see 6ft (2 meters) of lying snow as 'normal'

Green is the colour! And not
just the work overalls,
temporarily replacing the famous
'Red Suit', coolant is made
highly visible so leaks can
be detected more easily.

One of the important jobs has been to replace the summer coolant in the engine.
This had been introduced in Thailand and of course was still perfectly suitable last winter in the tropical 30 degrees 'winter' of the Philippines.
But now with the harsh Japanese winter conditions approaching and with the next stop being Russia and the Arctic Circle, it was an essential task to change the coolant for a version containing much more anti-freeze properties.

Test running the engine up to operational temperature on the apron at Shonai Airport after coolant exchange -
November 2011

You can see from the picture here - of a recent overnight snowfall in Tsuruoka - good anti-freeze is obviously quite important!

No wonder with this amount of snow that some other precautions are taken for the onset of winter. One of the more interesting activities that takes place every year (and highlights the ingenuity of the Japanese in protecting their treasured natural environment) involves protecting all the ornamental trees from these very heavy and sudden falls of snow. The method involves erecting a strong pole up through the branches of the tree, off which an intricate array of rope supports are attached to hold up each of the boughs. In this way when the tree is heavily laden with snow the support pole and ropes take most of the additional weight and the tree doesn't suffer from any broken branches.

And Finally...

With Christmas time fast approaching, it has been fascinating to watch the ongoing preparations in Japan for this festive season. Iconic features that are known the world over, such as the traditional Christmas Tree, is of course very much in evidence. However, this being Japan, things don't always turn out quite as first expected...and the splendid tree seen in a Tsuruoka shopping mall is a case in point. On first glimpse you are impressed by the fine array of decorations on this classic tree, however, on further and closer inspection the wording of the Christmas message at the base of the tree can't help but leave you feeling slightly bemused...

For me, this slightly wayward Christmas message sums up something of the character of such a fantastic, quirky, dynamic, optomistic, unique society that Japan exhibits in abundance.

Circumstances beyond my control have dictated that I have spent a lot more time here than expected - I am very please to report however that this extra time has turned out to be a fascinating experience.

Hopefully the Russian Red Tape will be cleared away to allow a late Spring continuation of the Circumnavigation. In the mean time, during the winter months, I will be kept busy writing up the full account of the numerous adventures that have happened so far in this unpredictable global expedition; situations that you couldn't have even imagined prior to the take off day back in March 2010. Who would have thought then that the flight would still be ongoing right into 2012!!

It only remains for me to wish on behalf of everyone at Gyrox Goes Global, all the best for a happy festive season and hope that we all have a peaceful (and non-bureaucratic) New Year.

Norman

* * *

For More Information go to the Website

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman's Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

* * *

New World Records

2011-12-19T19:35:00.001Z

It has been a while since we have been able to post any news to this blog page but rest assured, Norman has not let the grass grow beneath his feet and has been very busy with preparations for the resumption of the flight next spring.

Norman has also been busy compiling some blog posts that will be run over the Christmas and holiday period, but first we are excited to announce that the F.A.I. (Federation Aeronautique Internationale) has awarded Norman with four new World Records for Autogyro flying.

The records awarded are…

Claim number: 16277 Course/location: Laoag (Philippines) - Okinawa (Japan)
Performance : 127.9 km/h
Date :20.07.2011

Claim number: 16278 Course/location: Okinawa (Japan) - Goto (Japan)
Performance : 111.2 km/h
Date :21.07.2011

Claim number: 16281 Course/location: Goto (Japan) - Oki (Japan)
Performance : 116.1 km/h
Date :22.07.2011

Claim number: 16280 Course/location: Larne, NI (UK) - Oki (Japan)
Performance : 0.79 km/h
Date :22.07.2011

'FAI congratulates the Pilot on these splendid achievements.'

* * *

Obviously some of the speeds may appear to be very slow but this is because the record includes time spent on the ground. Even so, Norman has been breaking and creating records for autogyro flying for nearly two years now and we are sure there are many more to follow, including the main one…First Flight Around the World by an Autogyro.

The F.A.I. World Record Attempt logo on the nose of Roxy.

Everyone at the GyroxGoesGlobal team congratulates Norman on his record breaking achievements and look forward to writing about the next awards. Until then we can look forward to some entertaining and descriptive blog posts from Norman himself coming very soon.

The Gyrox Team

* * *

For More Information go to the Website

Follow the adventure on Facebook

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman's Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

* * *

An Important Message From Norman

2011-09-29T10:40:00.004+01:00

It has been a while since we have been able to post any news from Japan, this is mainly because of the stalemate with the Russian authorities concerning permits for Norman to enter Russian airspace and fly across their country.

As many people will remember from last year, any hold up at this time of year can have a knock-on effect with weather problems further along the route. Because of the length of the delay and because of Norman’s expediency in all matters concerning safety a decision had to be made.

Norman has decided to tell everyone in his own words the decision he has made and why…

Wintering in - yet again….

Who would have thought when recommencing the circumnavigation flight in May this year that I would still be facing the prospect of seeking to overwinter ROXY in yet another far off land only a few short months later in September. Yet this is exactly what has come to pass in the past few weeks while I’ve been waiting oh so patiently for permission to fly on from Japan to Russia and thence onwards to Alaska. The Bering Sea (as happened last year - and of course which happens every year….) has once again begun to pull its all enveloping, winter cloak of snow and ice around itself as an extremely efficient, protective deterrent against any would be open cockpit flyers who would dare to challenge it at this most volatile and changeable time of the year.

This has of course left me with the problem of what to do next? The actual decision to halt the flight (again) has been the relatively easy part. Further north in Russia, the increasingly changeable recent weather patterns combined with early reports from Alaska that the weather there had also already started to turn, meant that by the time mid- September appeared it was quite evident that the Bering Sea crossing would have to be deferred for a second winter. Once again I found myself facing the prospect of finding a safe haven for the aircraft that could logistically accommodate us for the coming months. Various options presented themselves and all then had to be considered.

Flying back South and West towards the warmer climes of the Philippines looked to be one possibility. However on closer inspection, the prospect of making the long open sea crossing between the Japanese Island chain and Luzon Island in the Philippines against the prevailing winds would have proved to be a hugely uncertain physical undertaking, never mind the added logistical minefield of trying to obtain Japanese overflight permission for a second time (when the first time was something of a triumphant achievement in itself). Or a third time for that matter for, of course, if I was back down on Luzon Island I would then have to re-fly the Japanese route back up to Shonai next spring. All in all, it seemed too risky and too complicated to consider any further.

Onwards to (just) enter Russia was another option to consider, however, the blinding and break neck speed that the Russian Permission is still being pushed through their ultra slick Bureaucratic system (“Blinding” as in, catching a glimpse of the welding arc used to weld the box presumably containing my whole permission application to the floor, “Break Neck” as you then trip over it…and “Slick” might just be a typo error…) has meant that we still haven’t got the definitive word from Russia to proceed with the flight. This, after 2 months of waiting and on top of the fact that outline permission had already been given, way back in March 2010 (and before I had commenced the flight at all). This original permission, subject to some easily achieved provisos (such as carrying a Russian speaker, emergency satellite phone and conducting all flights in daylight hours), had been the catalyst, the “green light” if you will, to set off in the first place as I knew full well that without transiting Russia and the Bering Sea this type of circumnavigation would otherwise have been impossible to complete. To be then subsequently told (once we were sure of a realistic date of entry - late July this year) that we would then have to effectively submit the whole application again, as things (and perhaps people?) have moved on since last year, has been very, very, frustrating to say the least…

So, without the onward final permission from Russia (yet) even the prospect of simply flying as far as Vladivostok to overwinter there hasn’t been an allowable option (yet…). This situation may change if the permission does now come through miraculously soon, but on current form it’s perhaps better odds to back me achieving all out victory in the All Japan Sumo Wrestling championships that are being screened on TV at the moment…

Therefore, with both the Philippines and Russia ruled out for these various reasons, it was then left to our obvious first choice option, namely to seek permission to overwinter the aircraft precisely where it is now: - Shonai Airport, Yamagata Prefecture, East Japan.

The facilities at Woodland Airpark (where the aircraft wintered last year) and the special care and attention given there by Jay Cook, will prove to be a very hard act to follow, but the very capable and imaginative staff at Shonai Airport are certainly hoping to rise to the challenge! The flight restrictions placed on the aircraft generally in Japan mean that most ongoing activity at Shonai will likely be ground based maintenance and taking measures to guard against the much colder winter weather (after all, 6 feet of drifting snow is not that common in the Philippines…) and we can expect more updates on this new chapter of Roxy’s already very chequered (!) history in the coming weeks and months.

Indeed so much has been happening on the ground in Japan since my arrival here 2 months ago, that I feel there are many more fantastic stories to tell to the blog as we collectively gather around our online winter fireside*,waiting for the late arctic spring to appear once again. Varied topics will feature here, such as “how to spot a Ninja living in your town”, “living with techno toilets (and other gadgets)”, “plastic has never looked so tasty!” and “Rice harvesting for beginners”.

*with apologies of course to all our followers who happen to live in hotter parts of the world and who perhaps have no concept of what a “winter fireside” is, lucky you!

Now, where did I leave that Sumo Belt…?!

Cheers N.

* * *

Norman arrives at Shonai where Roxy will now spend the winter.

It is sad news that once again bureaucracy has brought this magnificent adventure to a grinding halt. The fact that our brave aviator is doing something unique and for such a good cause seems to go over the heads of these faceless pen pushers in so many countries, but they haven’t reckoned with the tenacity of Norman Surplus.

Norman hasn't been idle whilst in Japan. Here, he is giving talks to local schoolchildren.

You can guarantee he will be back in the spring, equipped with the necessary documents that will allow him to finally finish the first ever circumnavigation of the globe by autogyro. We hope you, Norman’s faithful followers, will all be back next year, cheering him on and showing your undying support that Norman has appreciated so much over the last 18 months.

Norman has actively been promoting "Ganbarou Tohoku !!" Tohoku is the region directly affected by the Tsunami back in March and Ganbarou means "Go on! We are with you!" Here Norman applies a "Ganbarou Tohoku !!" sticker to Roxy at Shonai.

Norman will be returning home to his family very soon, after a sad farewell to his new friends in Japan and of course Roxy, with the promise of returning soon. We at the Gyrox team will still be working hard to keep everyone informed and entertained during the winter months until the day arrives when we can announce that the adventure is on again.

Thank you all for your past support and we hope you will stay with us until the flight of a lifetime has reached its goal, next year.

The Gyrox Team

* * *

(Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permission from gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more information, go to our website

ConsiderDonating to Norman’s Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timeline website

* * *

Deja Vu: Your help is needed again.

2011-09-03T15:18:00.008+01:00

A feeling of Déjà Vu has descended over the GyroxGoesGlobal camp. Once again we are nearing the cut-off point for continuation of the flight northwards.

With the small summer weather window quickly closing, the realities are that once again Norman may have to call a halt to flight with the hope of resuming it next spring.

The problems, once again, are all down to bureaucracy and the inability of the Russian authorities to issue the required permits that would allow Norman to fly up the east coast of the Russian mainland before making the treacherous crossing of the Bering Straits and reaching the aviation-appreciative shores of Alaska, USA.

Norman, as can be expected, is not happy even just contemplating having to call a halt to the flight. Considering what he has been through it will be a shame that some faceless pen pushers will end this epic, brave and unique journey that has inspired so many and kept the world on the edge of their seats for so many months.

But even so, Norman is still upbeat and being a man who never gives up, still has an optimistic view on the events. There has been a massive assault on the world’s media over the last few days by Norman and the Gyrox team, in the hope that with enough public backing then the Russian authorities may change their stance and finally give Norman the permits he so urgently needs.

Read the article in the Guardian newspaper and check out their interactive map for the journey so far. (UK)

Norman has even made the Huffington Post. Click here to check it out. (USA)

Even Russian News TV has given Norman air time and joined in the push to get him flying again.

(Click the links above to see the news articles).

So all is not lost and even though the ‘seasonal’ clock is ticking, there is still time to make that final effort to get to the USA and Canada in time.

How can You, Norman’s faithful supporters, help? There are a number of things you can do.

1. Contact your local Russian embassy and let them know that you and many others are disappointed with the Russian authorities for blocking this amazing flight, especiall as it is for a good cause.

2. Contact your local/national media – press/TV – and make them aware of the problem, suggesting they run something that may make everyone aware of the problems, and maybe use our links to illustrate the story.

3. Go to the Facebook pages (see links below) and post your supportive messages so that we can show that there is a massive worldwide audience watching the events happening in Russia.

Of course, we will keep you up to date with any breaking news concerning these ongoing negotiations and hope that with your support we can reach a positive outcome.

Many thanks for your patience and support

The Gyrox Team

* * *

For more information, go to our website

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timeline website

* * *

Triangular Travel Tales

2011-08-15T13:25:00.038+01:00

As the world waits patiently for the Gyrox adventure to continue, Norman himself has been very busy over the last week, racing around the Island of Honshu, chasing up the elusive permits that will enable him to leave Japan and enter Russia.

His 700 mile triangular journey from Tsuruoka, the city near Shonai where Norman is staying, would take in Kyoto,Niigata and Tokyo. But before departing from Tsuruoka last week, Norman partook of a meal at the cozy Izakaya restaurant with his hosts, Aki Takano and Mr. Muraoka. Here he was able to try a traditional Japanese dish called ‘Natto’, a bowl of fermented soy beans, renowned for its pungent smell.

Norman looking a bit tentative as he tries Natto for the first time

But Norman proved he wasn't just a brave pilot but also a brave epicure too! In fact he does seem to be enjoying the dish and probably asked for seconds! At least there was a good supply of Saki available to wash it down with.

Mmmm, delicious?

A pleasant evening was enjoyed by everyone and during the following days Norman would be off on his grand tour of Honshu Island, chasing the all important pieces of paper needed to start flying again.

Over dinner conversation with Norman and Mr. Muraoka.

Norman and Aki (left) thank the owner and staff at the Izakaya restaurant

Click here to see a video on the right way to eat Natto!

But first, Norman and local English teacher, Mr Noguchi visited a spectacular Firework display in Sakata City about 12 miles north of Tsuruoka. It turned out to be an outstanding display, choreographed in the unsurpassable Japanese way, which amazed Norman.

Norman has managed to capture the spectacle of a Japanese Firework display with this amazing photograph!

Norman’s first destination was Kyoto, approximately 300 miles south of Tsuruoka. He had planned this stop to get some sightseeing in as Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, has an abundance of World Heritage Sights within the city limits.

But first he needed a hotel to stay in and seeing he was in Japan it was only fitting that he try out one of the famous 'Pod Hotels'. Luckily, within 10 minutes walking distance from Kyoto train station was the 'Capsule Ryokan Kyoto Pod Hotel', a modern take on the crowded Tokyo pod hotels.

Traditional 'Pods' at the Ryokan Hotel

Although the hotel has a number of traditional ‘Pods’, Norman chose to stay in the larger (but not by much) Ryokan En-suite Pods, complete with ‘automatic’ toilet!

A Ryokan 'Suite', complete with automatic toilet?

Norman was able to hire a bicycle and was soon off on his travels around the beautiful parks with their amazing, ancient shrines and temples.

The immaculate 7th century Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto

But with sightseeing over (all too soon) it was time to get back on the trail of the all-important permits.

This meant another train ride, this time to the modern capital of Tokyo 250 miles east of Kyoto. A lengthy journey shortened by the speed at which Norman travelled.

Riding on the world famous Shinkansen Bullet train, Norman passed through the Japanese countryside at speeds up to 270 kmh (168 mph), twice the speed he has been travelling at in Roxy!

Norman describes in his own words the journey and this fantastic train…

The Ultra-modern Kyoto train station!

"The Shinkansen “Bullet” trains have been a fabulous way to travel (at 270kmph!-168mph) between Kyoto and Tokyo (and I also travelled from Tokyo - Niigata). The route went past Mount Fuji but alas the summer haze reduced visibility such that it slid past unnoticed on the train…."

Two Japanese icons: The Shinkansen Bullet Train passes Mount Fuji.

"With the train noticeably leaning around the corners you get a real sense for the speed and at times the undulating ground also gave a slight negative G (hump back bridge) sensation as you dropped down slightly over a “hill” - such was the speed that the slightest changes in gradient were amplified into a sensation akin to being on a motorbike winding through the undulating countryside (or riding atop the flying mosquito…) . We careered towards the sides of densely wooded steep hillsides, seemingly certain to smash into the side of the hill, but only to be swallowed whole, in an instant, into yet another blacked out tunnel, a relatively quiet underground world with less sense of speed until you exploded once more into the bright sunshine of the daylight again."

The ultra-sleek and futuristic Shinkansen Bullet Train

"Meeting another train going the other way is the real proof of speed. With the combined closing speed of say 540kmh (336mph) two Shinkansen take only about 6 seconds to flash by each other and these trains remember are very long, perhaps 18 carriages…So fast that you cannot see the windows on the opposite train. Each row of seats, 2 on one side of the aisle and 3 on the other are arranged with one smallish window each side (like on an aircraft) and the very clever part is that when the Shinkansen pulls into the final station on its route all the train seats are designed to swivel around to face the other way for the return journey!!"

The airliner style 'cabin' of a Shinkansen

"No need for loop lines or old fashioned train turntables here! The cleaning staff immediately gets to work turning all the seats while the passengers form orderly queues at each doorway ready to embark. A process that perhaps takes all of 10 minutes and then as a grand finale the 15 or so staff promptly line up on the platform with backs to the train and give a perfectly choreographed collective bow to the waiting passengers! The respect for the passengers and train doesn’t end there as each time the conductor or the stewardesses enter and leave each train carriage during the journey they also turn to the passengers and bow… all very civilised indeed!"

"Cheers, Norman."

Check out this video of a Shinkasen speeding through a station!

The decision to visit Tokyo was made because of the help being received from the British Embassy staff and also because the Russian Embassy is sited there too. Both of them important in the struggle to get the permits arranged in time for Norman to continue his flight before the winter sets in across the Bering Sea.

Some time ago, Norman was invited to stay with a lovely, quintessentially British, family in Tokyo and who have really turned out to be firm “Friends of Gyrox”. They have been helping him navigate around Tokyo to the various Embassies and not only have they been great hosts and of great assistance with the dreaded red tape but they have also accompanied Norman on various social outings in this remarkable capital city.

Norman with a 'Pink Girl'

One of the first outings, last Sunday afternoon, was to Yoyogi Park, the site of the first ever powered flight in Japan back in 1910 by Captain Tokugawa. Here Norman met a 'Pink Girl'. This is a fashion statement in Japan, based around the Manga phenomenon and even goes to the extreme of the girls wearing coloured contact lenses that give their eyes a cartoon/doll like appearance.

Manga eyes on a 'Pink Girl'

On another night-time outing Norman saw something that could have been a sign. In fact it was a sign, but coincidence? Maybe this night club sign was saying ‘Roxy is waiting and you will be flying with her soon’. We all hope so.

It's an omen!

So yesterday, Monday 15^th August, Norman returned by Bullet train to Niigata where he changed to the more relaxed and scenic views of the coastal railway that took him back to his temporary home in Tsuruoka, where he, like all of us, will be waiting for that all important news from Russia.

A busy triangular week!

A week of long distance travel, interspersed with hectic negotiations and pleasant distractions has come to an end and a new week begins with some sense that the trip to Tokyo might well have been worth it.

Norman sending the updates back to us from a very nice Japanese internet cafe!

Our hopes are high for a resumption of the flight sometime this week and Norman is back in place, preparing for that eventuality.

The Gyrox Team

* * *

(Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permissionfrom gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more information, go to our website

‘Like’ us on Facebook

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

Follow Norman and G-YROX (Roxy) live via the onboard tracker

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timeline website

* * *

Island Hopping

2011-08-07T11:52:00.007+01:00

This weekend we have been fortunate to receive a full length blog post from Norman himself. Whilst he has been waiting for those long awaited permits to allow him to continue to Russia he has managed to find the time to write a fascinating travelogue of his journey through the Japanese islands and also explains the delay that is keeping him in Japan for the moment. Enjoy!

Island Hopping

As I write this entry I am now sitting on the “Mainland” of Japan, which, in the bigger scheme of things, is still of course an island in itself. Since setting out from the “Mainland” of the Philippines, Luzon (another big island), I have been making steady progress by hopping from one small island to another, like so many small stepping stones across this huge watery North East Pacific region.

This has been a very different type of flying than what has gone before up to this point. The vast majority of the time airborne has been heading out over hundreds of miles of Ocean in search of a small speck of Terra Firma (or not so Firma as we are now very much in an active Earthquake Zone…) to land on.

Landfall, but not conducive to a landing!

These small oasis of green, usually surrounded by a wave worn rugged rocky coastline, have all been home to very special Island communities who have all been very curious to learn the reasons why I just happened to have singled out their particular island from so many possible landing spots. The main deciding factors have primarily been geographic and logistical as these small islands with less busy airports suit Gyro flying very well. There is often simply no need for Gyros to land at airports with large commercial infrastructure (unless for clearing entry/exit customs etc.). While being “processed” to go through these large metropolises, it often feels like it takes much longer to just get out to your aircraft than it does to actually fly to your next destination!! Much preferable is the small field where a one minute walk brings you through from car park to aircraft apron and perhaps another one minute walk takes you to the tower to have a pleasant, unhurried chat with ATC about the weather, prohibited airspace zones for that day and check any other Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) en route…

The normal daily flight range of G-YROX has also dictated exactly which of the small islands have been best placed, geographically. And so, with only a little bit more selection process than simply stabbing a pin on the map, we chose our ideal island locations and flight planned accordingly.

As I set out from Luzon I wondered what sort of reception I might expect from these islands which just a short time before where a completely unknown quantity. Would I get by on islands where much less English would be spoken, could I get fuel, food, accommodation and money ok? I shouldn’t have worried though, as each one proved out my theory that small island communities are usually very friendly, welcoming people, keen and proud to show that their island is a unique, fantastic place (and so they truly are - every one of them…).

Norman suggests that this en-route island could be its own self contained country! It has agriculture, a city, villages and a harbour...but no airfield...time to fly on.

I think it is something to do with a mutual recognition that on a small island everyone has to coexist in a small space, and depend on each other for help and support in every situation. When a new face suddenly appears (especially riding in, atop a yellow mosquito!! As Roxy has been fondly described this week!) there is a recognition that extends this help and support towards the traveller with open arms. Even in Kadena Air Base (the first overnight stop on my Island hopping adventure) there was that sense of unity of purpose (as you would expect from a military base of course) and the Base structure with its many “on Base” facilities formed almost and island community in itself. An Island within an Island so to speak, within the greater island community of Okinawa.

Earlier on that day I called very briefly to Basco Airport on the Butanes Islands 2 hours flight north of the Philippines. This was purely to pick up some additional fuel that I needed to allow me to reach Okinawa.

Arriving at the Butanes Islands, hoping there IS a runway somewhere!

Although I didn’t have very long on the ground there (and stayed strictly “airside” standing on the Apron as I was now flying internationally) the airport officials all gathered around for photographs and questions and I got a fantastic sense that all was harmonious, peaceful and tranquil on this Subtropical outpost.

Just about every Basco airport official came out to greet Norman.

The “airside flower beds” were manicured to perfection as were the numerous flowering shrubs and trees that accompanied them (how many times would you hear that phrase in Heathrow or JFK!). I departed almost as quickly as I had arrived but with a lasting memory that this would be a lovely place to visit with more time at hand.

Norman joins the group shot outside the quaint and tidy Basco Terminal.

The extreme gradient of the runway (you virtually land on the side slope of a very large and imposing mountain) was a whole different story that will have to wait for another occasion perhaps.

The gradient of Basco's runway is not readily visible in this shot but the end of runway terrain certainly is!

Entering Japan formally in Okinawa, I was eased into the Japanese ways and customs courtesy of the extremely kind and helpful US military personnel stationed at Kadena. Instructed to land on runway 23 Right (Kadena has 2 active parallel runways Left and Right) I was very surprised to be met by an obstruction across the runway whilst taxiing to Taxiway Delta. Someone has stretched what looked like a rope with fishing floats attached right across the tarmac. As I got closer it dawned on me what it was, not a net to catch fish but an Arrester Wire to catch flying fish - Fast Jet aircraft to be precise that would have a trailing hook to catch on the wire on landing.

The arrestor gear cable with 'fishing floats' at Kadena.

I had to call the tower to check it was ok to cross over this very thick wire cable (about 40mm diameter - held a few cm above the “deck” by the fishing floats strung along its length at intervals) - “no problem to cross at low speed” was the reply from the tower, which of course may be easy for a large aircraft (with large wheel diameters to match) but with Roxy’s little wheels, not much bigger than those found on a wheelbarrow, it was a bit more of a “sprackle” (a technical term there for you straight from Northern Ireland!) to climb over. We bumped our way over the cable and quickly taxied on up the hill passed a huge military transport aircraft that could have easily carried 20 Roxy's in its cavernous belly and on to the fantastic reception committee waiting at the aero club apron…

Taxying in at Kadena AFB, Norman and Roxy are dwarfed by the gigantic C-17 cargo plane!

Norman parks up at the Kadena Aero Club apron, his first arrival in Japan.

Norman is warmly welcomed at Kadena by USAF personnel and their families, Japanese servicemen and customs officials as well as members of the Aero club.

Before departing Kadena, Norman obtained permission to have this shot taken with one of the base's F-15 Eagle's.

Onwards the next day towards Fukue Airport, I had to battle a strong headwind for a full three hours in the second half of the flight. It slowed me so much that it extended the flight time by an hour and very much focussed the mind on remaining fuel reserves. I flew low, only a few hundred feet over the water for 3 hours to “keep my head down” out of the stronger headwinds aloft, all the while calculating and recalculating fuel and range figures in my head to ensure we were ok to continue on course. (Alternate airfields en route would have meant a significant deviation of course away out to the east of my track).

Heading north at 272ft above the waves with an indicated airspeed of 97mph that has been reduced to 74mph by the head wind!

Many tiny islands dotted the route from Kadena to Fukue, but none of them appeared to be desirable as a landing place.

The island eventually hove into view and I was very relieved to again have some green stuff passing below the fuselage as I crossed the shoreline.

Norman arrives at the island of Fukue-Jima with its Volcano on the horizon.

Coming in to land on runway 03 at Fukue Airport.

A lovely welcome reception awaited on the apron with the Airport Manager taking time out to personally take care of me throughout the evening. We had a great chat in my first proper Japanese bar/café and my first impressions were that if all the islands turned out to be so relaxed and easy going then I would be having a very pleasant trip indeed through this region.

The Fukue Airport Manager (centre with arms crossed) and his team give Norman and Roxy a warm welcome.

And so it turned out to be, Oki Island was the next hop where the reception party would even bring out a huge welcoming banner!

The flight track to Oki took me close to the Japanese Mainland for the first time. I was struck by the almost manicured appearance of the countryside - no piles of rusting old farm machinery littering up the back yards of the Farmhouses. All available flat land had been turned into very neat and orderly rice fields, with terraces correcting and making order of any unruly land that didn’t happen to start off flat. Even the choice of main crop, Rice, has a uniformity of character that, when observed from the ground, has no untidy straggly corner bits or bits damaged by wind as you would get with Wheat or Maize, it all remains neatly at the same height and colour while it is growing and maintains a very smart and tidy image…. Even the country lanes get in on the act, having a very smart set of white lines down both sides that compliments the dark grey ribbon of tarmac that is forced to turn and twist around the undulating terrace clad hillsides.

Part of the inpenetrable tree canopy seen during the flight from Fukue to Oki.

I was clearly flying over a singularly “different” place. One with a much defined identity and unique landscape that couldn’t be mistaken for any other country visited so far. This was in stark contrast to the gradual changes that I saw within the Tropical Jungle settings of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. When seen from the air, rural, grass roofed, houses in all these countries can appear very similar, Jungle is Jungle is Jungle. But Japans heavily commercialised landscapes suddenly and abruptly changed all that and give me short notice that I was now heading northwards into colder climes and would have to slowly leave the heat and humidity of the Tropics behind.

Norman was amazed by the tenacity of nature and the way the trees have managed to establish a foothold on this tiny rock sticking out of the ocean mid-way between Fukue and Oki.

Arriving in Oki, the spectacle of the large Welcome banner being marched across the airport towards me was quite fantastic! The reception was equally fantastic and much lively chatter through interpreters, Elisabeth and Rika (who proved to be quite the double act!), continued as while we almost ceremoniously pushed Roxy towards her sleeping quarters in the Fire Station building. Chatter, that would continue on to the mechanised Sushi Bar where the little train track of sushi dishes whizzed past us ready to be caught and eaten. Oki is a fascinating Island of very rare species of plants and animals, although sadly I didn’t spend long enough there to see its many sights other than in photos - a sea stack called Candle Rock looked particularly spectacular. Another place I thought would be good to return to some day for a longer visit.

Nortman and Roxy arrive over the fence at a very green Oki Airport.

A great welcome greeted Norman from the many people who had turned out to see him arrive.

Norman, wearing an 'I Am An Eskimo' T-shirt, poses with the Oki airport fire-crew who looked after Roxy during the overnight stay.

Onwards from Oki, the last island hop took me to Shonai Airport on the Mainland... This jaunt across the sea was to set a few pulses racing, though I should point out not mine… the flight was fairly uneventful over the water except the one notable occurrence that the SPOT tracker, decided to deactivate its tracking function mid flight. One green indicator light was flashing away on the SPOT unit (not two - as should have been the case) and it took some time before I realised that not both lights were flashing….once I realised I manually reset it and it worked fine again for the rest of the flight. Sincere apologies, for all those who had become worried on the lack of SPOT signal. I was simply unaware that anything was actually amiss at the time….

Norman 'gracefully' disembarks from Roxy as he arrives at Shonai Airport.

Shonai Airport has proved to be just as friendly and hospitable as their island neighbours and my Shonai English speaking “team” (for there are many!) have really taken me under their collective wing to help guide me in “all things Japanese” so to speak. (Some of these adventures have already been highlighted by our recent blog entries from the Shonai and Tsuruoka area).

Norman toasts the generosity and hospitality of the Japanese people in the traditional way...with Saki, whilst at a night out with 'Shonai Team members' Aki Takano and Mr. Muraoka.

And so, I am now waiting for the necessary flight clearances to enter the very remote Russian Far East and also flight clearances to allow me to leave Japan. These two sets of clearances have then to coordinate together which can be very tricky in this part of the world… Also, of course, I’m watching the all important wind and weather forecasts in preparation to head out to sea once more. This last very long sea crossing before the Bering Sea will see me flying right across the Sea of Japan and making landfall in Vladivostok, Russia. I imagine there will be a similar “quantum leap” in the landscape as I experienced flying into Japan and I will definitely find myself suddenly immersed in yet another very contrasting and no doubt slightly confusing place with a whole different culture to get to grips with…Russian Style!!

I hope everyone reading is ready for a spot of “Borsch” (cold Beetroot) soup on the Menu?

Cheers N.

* * *

I think you will all agree, a fascinating, informative and entertaining blog from Norman. We at the Gyrox Team would like to thank Norman for taking the time to write such a great blog piece and we look forward to reading more from his personal experiences.

Hopefully, the permit situation will sort itself out very soon and we can continue to follow Norman and Roxy as they continue on to the next big adventure…Russia.

The Gyrox Team

* * *

(Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permissionfrom gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more information, go to our website

‘Like’ us on Facebook

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

Follow Norman and G-YROX (Roxy) live via the onboard tracker

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timelinewebsite

* * *

'Spot' Made Easy!

2011-08-03T10:45:00.003+01:00

One of the main drawing points of the whole Gyrox experience that keeps people glued to their computer screens when Norman is flying has to be the ‘Spot’ Tracker. This ingenious piece of modern technology allows everyone around the world to keep track in real time of where Norman is as the route he flies is tracked on a map. We have always tried to make the ‘Spot’ page one of the most publicised links on our various media formats, with the intention that this would allow the general public to feel part of the journey.

But, as is usual with modern technology, not everything can seem that straight forward and we do get regular queries about the operation of the ‘Spot’ tracker website. Because of this we have decided to do a ‘Beginners Guide’ to Spot in the hope that this will enable everyone to make the most out of their own ‘Spot’ experience.

So, let’s look at the basic page. It is a map and on that map is marked the track of Norman’s flight. Each numbered arrow marks an update to the route being tracked. This can be as often as 5 minutes or as long as an hour or more, with 10 minutes being the average. The length of each track between each update marker can be of any length as it depends on the time between updates, the speed of the aircraft and whether there were any other maneuvers that had to be taken which weren’t seen by the tracker.

This does mean that between each update point the track is a straight line. Therefore it doesn’t show any deviations to the course that may have happened mid-way between update points. Sometimes this will show that Norman has flew through a mountain or building when in reality he flew around the obstacle but this detour wasn’t shown as it happened between updates.

If you have opened ‘Spot’ for the first time you will see a basic ‘street’ map of an area of the globe where Norman is now. As illustrated, you can see the track Norman has taken through the islands of Japan. This may seem a bit basic when showing the area and we will explain how to make this a more interactive and visual experience in a bit. For now, please note the ‘button’ near the top left of the screen (marked by a big yellow arrow). This button, with two tiny arrows, can be clicked to open up or close a side pane.

With the side pane opened you get a full log of the journey so far, showing the last 50 updates or the last seven days tracks, depending on which is suitable.

The side pane log has a number of columns that can be used to inform you of what Norman has been doing. The first column on the left has a small box with a cross in it. Click the cross and the row opens up for that update and shows the detailed information just for that posting, including Time, latitude and longitude. Clicking the minus sign will close the row back to normal.

The second column shows the time since the last update and includes the date and time in relation to your locality. (Date only appears if update is longer than 24 hours previous)

The third column gives the CAA registration of the aircraft, in this case our own ‘Roxy’ – G-YROX. Of course, personal taste will decide whether you like the pane open or closed, but it does help to check it out to see how long since the last update was posted. More from this pane to come a bit further on.

Of course, the main visual experience to be had is watching the track make its way across the map. But there is much more to the map than is first obvious.

If when you first open the ‘Spot’ page it will more than likely appear in ‘road map’ format, similar to the image above. This basic map is ideal for seeing the region, locale or whole continent as it will show the different countries and cities without too much detail getting in the way. But as you can see in the image below, there are 4 different formats to see the map in. The four yellow arrows point to the ‘buttons’ that are clickable and on clicking will change the format of the map.

The default is ‘Map’ and gives you a white map with roads, cities and boundaries marked clearly. The button marked ‘Satellite’ once clicked will give you a Google earth image which clearly shows buildings, forests, shorelines, airports and everything else you would expect from a satellite image. What it doesn’t show are any place names or road markings. But if you want to see an unhindered view of the land then is probably the best choice for you.

Possibly the best choice of all is the ‘Hybrid’ format. This shows a full Google Earth image but has all place names and other informative details overlaid. Ideal for checking where the airports are or seeing what interesting places Norman is flying over, the Hybrid option is ideal for a much more involved viewing session, although it can get busy with information the more you zoom in.

One of the main queries we get during a flight is ‘the tracker hasn’t updated for 30 minutes, is there a problem with Norman or is it my tracker?’

Thankfully, we never have to say that it is a problem with Norman, and it may just be that the updates have been updating slowly. But there is a tool on the website that can be used to ‘hurry things up’.

The yellow arrows point to two buttons on the left hand pane. When either is clicked this will ‘refresh’ the track updates and you will see the last update at the top of the left-hand pane and also any new movement of the track in the map pane. If this doesn’t work and there is no update then it probably means that the tracker hasn’t updated since the last time shown. This could be because of a number of reasons that have been discussed elsewhere on this blog.

As with other online maps, like Google Earth, it is possible to zoom in or out to get a closer or wider view of the area where the action is taking place. This is easily achieved by using the zoom controls on the left of the map pane, as shown by the yellow arrows on the image.

This control consists of a calibrated slider that can be moved up and down using your mouse. When your cursor is placed over the slider control it will change into a hand and when left clicked will enable it to move the slider up or down. At each end of the slider is a box with a + or a – sign. Clicking either of these will also zoom in or out, one gradation at a time. You can also click any of the gradations on the slider bar and the map will zoom to that level. It is best to play around with this tool to get used to the different levels of zoom.

As can be seen by the image, you can zoom right in to see individual buildings and vehicles, but you may get a screen saying that ‘There is no detail available at this zoom level’. This will mainly happen in desolate areas with no details, for instance, over the sea, deserts, forests and tundra. If this happens then you have zoomed in too far and all you need to do is zoom out, one gradation at a time, until the details reappear.

Back to the left hand panel and a little bit extra about the options available.

The yellow arrows show a couple of controls that are not readily identifiable as such. Between each column title is a line. This line, when you place your cursor over it turns into a double arrow icon which can be left clicked and held down to enable you to move the line in either direction, opening up that column to see more of the details or vice versa.

You will notice that in the ‘Time’ column there is a small arrow, in this case pointing down. If you click this then it will sort the ‘times’ either by the most recent downwards or the oldest update downwards to the most recent. Clicking on a ‘time’ update will take you to that position on the map. For instance, if you clicked to see the next to oldest update then the map would move to show you where that update was posted.

At the side of each column title is a little box which when clicked will bring up a dropdown menu with a number of other options.

Finally, a few tips that may be of use to you during your ‘Spot’ experience.

· Your cursor will appear as a hand on the map pane and if you left click and hold then the map can be ‘grabbed’ and moved around easily.

· ‘Spot’ is a portable device and as such can sometimes be carried by Norman when he is not flying. So please don’t worry if it looks as though Norman has flown into Temple or has parked ‘Roxy’ in a hotel, it’s just that Norman has carried the transmitter with him on his land travels.

· The ‘Spot’ system is a satellite based application and therefore doesn’t have 100% coverage around the globe. To check whether Norman is in a good coverage area please check out the ‘coverage’ page by clicking here.

· There are other ways to enjoy ‘Spot’ and in fact we may not have discovered everything it can do yet but if we find some new things we will let you know

Norman wearing the bright orange 'Spot' transmitter on his belt during a walkabout at the Giza Pyramids. (Photo courtesy of Eddie Gold)

Hopefully, this blog post has been informative and of assistance to you and if it has helped you to enjoy your viewing experience and also has answered some of your queries, then we can feel happy knowing that you too are seeing the wonderful adventure to the full as we are doing.

The Gyrox Team

* * *

(Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permissionfrom gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more information, go to our website

‘Like’ us on Facebook

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

Follow Norman and G-YROX (Roxy) live via the onboard tracker

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timeline website

* * *

Waiting For News: Norman in Shonai.

2011-07-29T12:05:00.001+01:00

It has now been six days since Norman flew his tiny aircraft into the coastal airport of Shonai on the Japanese main island of Honshu. It was hoped that after a day’s rest he would be off again for the major sea crossing to Vladivostok in Russia, but as those of us who have followed the flight since it started last year will know through experience, plans like these can suddenly be scuppered, sometimes because of weather but more often than not because of bureaucracy and the dreaded red-tape.

The approach to Shonai airport with the volcano, Mt Chokai to the left.

This is what has happened this week. Although this part of the flight had been in the planning for 2 years and regularly updated as needs be, when it came to the actual departure it seems that international bureaucratic negotiations work at a different pace to the mile-crunching speed of the little gyro and its intrepid pilot.

Norman disembarks from the tiny cockpit after arriving at Shonai. (Photo courtesy of Andy Edney)

Many people will have been in awe of the distances covered since Norman left the Philippines just over a week ago, but once again, that epic part of the journey falls foul of another wall made of paper.

Norman is greeted at Shonai by the Military Attache to the British Embassy in Tokyo, Andy Edney (Photo courtesy of Andy Edney)

Rest assured that the paper wall that is holding Norman up is not going to stop him; it is really just a slow moving exercise in patience amidst many negotiations with authorities in a number of countries around the world. As you can imagine, time zones and the language barrier are not conducive to speedy results.

Norman talks with airport staff and Aki the translator (grey suit) whilst Andy looks on following the moving of 'Roxy' into the Airport Fire Station 'hangar' (photo courtesy of Andy Edney)

So, whilst this has been going on and each day is spent waiting for the go ahead to continue the journey, what has Norman been doing to pass the time?

Norman's welcoming comitee at Shonai. The marketing manager for Shonai airport, Mr. Muraoka with Military Attache, Andy Edney and Norman's translator Alegria Takano(Aki). (Photo courtesy of Andy Edney)

It was fortuitous that Norman’s arrival at Shonai had been eagerly awaited and as he touched down there was already a welcome committee to meet him, including a translator, Aki Takano, who would accompany Norman during his stay.

With Aki translating, Norman faces his first press conference at Shonai on arrival day. (Photo courtesy of Andy Edney)

Norman prepares to leave the airport with Aki and Andy (Photo courtesy of Andy Edney)

The first thing though on Norman’s agenda was to check out the ‘Spot’ tracker. Anyone who was watching the flight from Oki to Shonai via the online tracker will remember the world wide panic when the tracker failed to refresh for 4 hours and had Norman stuck in the middle of the sea. But it did reappear just before he reached the mainland.

Norman with friends Aki and Mr. Muraoka at Mt Haguro (Photo courtesy of Aki Takano)

After a night’s sleep and a check of the battery and connections, Norman, accompanied by Aki, went for a drive into the mountains. Wearing ‘Spot’ on his belt, he was later able to check the track and confirm that it was now working OK, although what he didn’t know was that a lot of followers had been watching too and thought he was flying south east and had landed in the woods!

The famous steps through the forest of 600 year old Cedar trees. (Photo courtesy of Aki Takano)

During this drive into the countryside, Norman was able to visit Mt Haguro, a famous area with many shrines and a walk that takes you through a forest of 600 year old trees!

Norman on 'The God's Bridge' on Mt Haguro (Photo courtesy of Aki Takano)

The shrines and temples on the mountain are classed as a national treasure and although we are not sure how many Norman visited we do have some nice photos from this trip.

At the Sanjin-Gosaiden Shrine on Mt Haguro (Photo courtesy of Aki Takano)

Something amuses Norman at the Haniyamahime shrine (Photo courtesy of Aki Takano)

Surrounded by 600 year old forest, the 5 story Pagoda is a Japanese treasure (photo courtesy of Aki Takano)

Norman is dwarfed by a giant bell at one of the temples (Photo courtesy of Aki Tanako)

There are 2,466 steps to the Sanzan Gosaiden Temple at the summit, but we haven’t heard if Norman made the full ascent.

Norman brings up the rear on the ascent up Mt Haguro (Photo courtesy of Aki Takano)

Norman looks a lot livelier on the way down! (Photo courtesy of Aki Takano)

The journey up the mountain included a stop at a traditional tea-house where Norman enjoyed the world famous Japanese tea ceremony.

Norman enjoys a refreshing cup of tea at the traditional 'Tea-House' on Mt Haguro with Sachi Sato, another interpreter friend (Photo courtesy of Aki Takano)

The day after, following the usual sending of emails and numerous phone calls to officials in Russia and the UK as well as in Japan, Norman was met by Mr. Muraoka, his 14 year old son, Yui Sasaki (the official interpreter) and her friend Mari Ikeda (also an interpreter) and they were able to take him to the Kamo Aquarium. A bit different from your usual aquarium, Kamo specializes in Jellyfish! Using Neon lights the jellyfish tanks are a sight to see. Another favourite at Kamo are the seals, sea lions and their pups, one of which Norman got very close to.

Norman with Mari Ikeda (left) and Mr. Muraoka's son arrive at the Kamo Jellyfish Aquarium!

Inside the colourful aquarium. From the left...Mari Ikeda, Norman, Mr Muraoka's son and Yui Sasaki.

So that's what a tank full of jellyfish looks like!

Norman makes friends with a Spotted Seal pup.

Luckily the Aquarium does have a restaurant…unluckily for the jellyfish; the main ingredients on the menu are jellyfish! Norman was persuaded to try the jellyfish ice cream but we have no idea if he liked it or not. You will have to guess by his expression.

Jellyfish Ice Cream! Mari, Yui and Norman seem to like the taste!

The next few days consisted of meeting with airport officials, members of the press and even watching a soccer match with local English teacher, Mr Noguchi, where one of his pupil's happened to be playing.

Multi-tasking! Phoning Andy inTokyo whilst eating sushi with chopsticks. A man of many talents!

Aki has been very hospitable to Norman and has shown him as much of Japanese culture as she can. This has meant sampling the delights of Sushi restaurants, sitting cross legged at very low tables, trying out many different types of sea food served in some amazing settings amongst charming company.

A traditional Japanese setting for a traditional meal of sushi. From the left...Yui Sasaki, Mari Ikeda, Mr Muraoka and Norman

A close up of the 'Sushi Bridge' complete with sea urchin, the yellow paste on the far right!

Norman with many of his new friends enjoying a cold beer at the Suzune restaurant.

Dish of the day at Suzune Restaurant: Sea Bass and Turban Shell!

Norman enjoys a family meal at the Kanazawaya Noodle Restaurant.

A happy gathering at the Happo-Zushi restaurant. It's a good job Norman likes sea food! From the left...Mari Ikeda, Mr Muraoka, Norman and Nagasawa Toshihiro

A visit to a ‘Tea-House’ museum was interesting as a pseudo ‘Geisha Girl’ performed the Tea Ceremony, white face and kimono included.

Norman has been very gracious in his respect for the Japanese people and how they have gone out of their way to show him some amazing hospitality but in the long run, his main aim is to continue with his journey and he, like all of us, wait patiently for that good news to arrive from Russia and then the journey can resume once again.

"Come and join us Norman, you are always welcome" From the left...Yui Sasaki, Mari Ikeda, Mr Muraoka and Nagasawa Toshihiro

Of course, as soon as we hear anything then we will let all the followers know through the various social media channels.

The Gyrox Team

* * *

(Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permission from gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more information, go to our website

‘Like’ us on Facebook

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

Follow Norman and G-YROX (Roxy) live via the onboard tracker

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timelinewebsite

* * *

Norman Reaches Final Japanese Destination.

2011-07-23T20:09:00.004+01:00

Because of the time difference between Japan and most of the rest of the world, the majority of Norman’s followers who have been following the flight on the ‘Spot Tracker’ have either been staying up late, getting up very early or even staying awake all night so as not to miss a minute of this adventure as it plays out live on their computer screens.

But how many of the hardy souls who stayed up to follow the full 5 hour flight earlier today would have realized what a suspenseful, heart-stopping 5 hours it would be?

The day for Norman started really well. A nice weather outlook, a pleasant ride to Oki airport from his hotel and a good turnout of people from the airport and other local bodies all coming to see Norman off.

Prior to today's departure, Norman has a group photo with Oki Airport firemen and an airport official. (Photo courtesy of Elisabeth Pardee)

Luckily, during his stay on Dogo Island, Norman had been accompanied by Elisabeth Pardee who acted as his translator and this meant he was able to receive all the best wishes and messages of praise from the locals who were genuinely pleased that they had met Norman and been part of his adventure.

Normally used to topping up small airliners the Oki Airport refuelling crew are quite perplexed by the 'Turtle-Pac' fuel bag that acts as Norman's back seat passenger! (Photo courtesy of Elisabeth pardee)

Norman’s estimated departure time of 10:00 hrs local, passed by and finally with all farewells said it was time to get Roxy ready for the next leg. This caused a short delay as the refueling people had never come across anything like the ‘Turtle-Pac’ fuel bag in the back seat.

Roxy shares the Oki ramp with a NAMC YS-11 as Norman busies himself with pre-flight checks. (Photo courtesy of Elisabeth Pardee)

But, with this small hitch fixed and the fuel bag engorged with Avgas, Norman lifted off at approximately 10:30 hrs local (01:30hrs GMT/UTC) and headed straight out over the Sea of Japan on a north easterly track towards Japan’s largest island, Honshu and his next destination, Shonai airport, 400 miles away (645km/348nm).

Suited, booted and ready for the off. (Photo courtesy of Elisabeth Pardee)

The first tracker update after take-off showed Norman about 10 miles out to sea, heading in the right direction and although the tracker had been slow to update whilst on the ground, about every 20-30 minutes, it was easy to imagine people around the world refreshing the tracker, waiting to see that orange line move a bit closer to the mainland.

But, 30 minutes came and went with no update. Then an hour passed and nothing. After an hour and a half and with still no update the Gyrox team started to receive messages asking if we knew why. But in reality we were as much in the dark as everyone else. All we could do was recall that this had happened before and not to worry.

But then 2 hours had passed and still no update! No, this hadn’t happened before but it was probably just a hitch with Spot.

By the time 3 hours had passed we were really starting to worry, as were many people around the world. It was time to do something. One of our colleagues, Ahmed Hassan Mohamed, works as a flight dispatcher and is able to call air traffic controllers around the world. So we got in touch with him and he tried to glean some information from Oki and Shonai airports, all to no avail. Unlike most airports around the world, it turns out that the smaller airfields in Japan do not have English as their language and seeing our Japanese is non-existent then this avenue was going nowhere.

It was then that we remembered that Elisabeth at Oki was Norman’s Translator!

A quick email to her and she was immediately on the phone to the authorities at Oki airport and in the meantime the clock showed that it was now 4 hours since the tracker had updated. Elisabeth got back to us straight away with the news that the people at Oki confirmed, as far as they could tell, that Norman was fine and at that moment Spot refreshed and showed Norman approaching the coast of Honshu, not that far from Shonai! Phew!

A special thank you to Paul Curtis for capturing the moment. That long orange line equated to 4 hours of tension for everyone watching.

It was with a sigh of relief that everybody around the world were able to watch the final leg into Shonai Airport where, oblivious to the online drama that had been unfolding, Norman landed safely at approximately 15:30 hours local (06:30 GMT/UTC).

Shonai Airport's coastal location is clear from this aerial view.

The actual flight took 5 hours and covered 400 miles (645km/348nm), the vast majority of it over the open sea. Another great flight that has brought Norman to his final arrival in Japan before he heads off to Russia.

Norman will be having a rest day tomorrow at Shonai, which is well deserved considering the distances already flown since he left the Philippines last Wednesday.

Another country traversed and the big ones coming up, starting with Russia. The logistics of flying across the desolate regions of far eastern Russia will certainly keep us all on the edge of our seats for the proposed 10 day crossing of the country until he flies across the bering Sea to Alaska. A truly magnificent adventure that is keeping us all enthralled, onwards and upwards Norman, the sky’s the limit.

The Gyrox Team

Because Norman isn’t flying tomorrow our blog post will be about the vagaries of the Spot tracker with tips and hints on how to get the best out of following it.

* * *

Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permissionfrom gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more information, go to our website

‘Like’ us on Facebook

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

Follow Norman and G-YROX (Roxy) live via the onboard tracker

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timeline website

* * *

Norman is Okay at Oki!

2011-07-22T19:46:00.002+01:00

Earlier today, Friday 22^nd July, Norman departed Fukue Airport on Fukue-Jima Island at around 11:20hrs local (02:00 GMT/UTC) and headed North towards the main Islands of Japan; Kyushu and Honshu. Generally following the coastlines of these two islands, Norman and Roxy flew past the major city of Nagasaki and eventually turned out to sea near Miho Airport where a 45 mile crossing of the Sea of Japan brought him to the small group of Islands called the Oki Islands where at 16:10 local time he landed at Oki Airport on the Island of Dogo.

The whole flight took just short of five hours with a distance covered of approximately 365 miles (588km/318nm) with no problems and clement weather conditions.

Norman is marshalled in at the quiet Oki Airport on Dogo Island, Japan. (Photo courtesy of Elisabeth Pardee)

Norman was greeted at Oki airport by a Facebook friend, Elisabeth Pardee who was able to act as his translator. We are grateful to Elisabeth for contacting us and giving us an update on Norman’s wellbeing. This is what Elisabeth was able to tell us...

“Norman arrived safe and sound at about 4:10 this afternoon. He was greeted by a combination of airport personnel, tourist information workers, and some Board of Education and public office workers. After he got off of his plane we took him (a BOE employee named Mr. Ikemoto, a Japanese teacher of English named Mrs. Matsuoka, and myself) to get his hotel reservation in Saigo, the main town. Then we went to get sushi at a Kaitenzushi restaurant (one of those places with revolving plates of sushi going around) and he regaled us with exciting stories of his travels. The Oki people were all thrilled to see him. He's made an absolutely wonderful impression here and I think people will be turning out in droves to see him off tomorrow.”

It seems that Norman can bring out the best in people and with his winning smile and warm conversation he inspires so many people who meet him.

For instance, check the personal blog post of Marga Ortigas, the Al Jazeera correspondent who interviewed Norman prior to his leaving from Woodland Air Park. Read it here.

As Elisabeth said, it is expected that Norman will have a great turnout tomorrow to see him off on his next leg. The world renowned Japanese hospitality is certainly being shown to our intrepid traveler. But, another day, and another destination…and tomorrow that means Shonai on the western coast of Honshu Island.

Yet another Volcano will greet norman on arrival. This time it will be Mt Chokai near Shonai!

An estimated time of departure of 10:00hrs local (01:00 GMT/UTC) will see him fly North East, back across the Sea of Japan to his final destination in Japan, Shonai, a distance of 400 miles (640km/345nm). We are still waiting for confirmation of the departure date from Japan and Norman may well have a rest day in Shonai before continuing on to Russia. Keep checking back for the latest updates.

We are hoping for some more images tomorrow, hopefully from Norman’s departure from Oki and maybe an update from Norman himself if he gets time and an internet connection in Shonai.

Another day and another massive flight for such a small aircraft. As Marga says in her blog, “His energy was infectious from the start; his smile enough to brighten any day” and I am sure we all agree.

The Gyrox Team

* * *

(Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permissionfrom gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more information visit our website

'Like' us on Facebook

Consider donating to Norman's chosen Uk charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider donating to Norman's chosen North American charity: Livestrong

Follow Norman and G-YROX (Roxy) live via the onboard tracker

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timelinewebsite

* * *

Norman Arrives at Fukue.

2011-07-21T20:32:00.004+01:00

Earlier today Norman completed his second day’s flying of the resumption of the circumnavigation adventure and traversed the Eastern China Sea, flying approximately 460 miles (740km/400nm) in six and a half hours.

Setting off from the USAF air base at Kadena, Okinawa, at around 10:30 hrs local, Norman flew along the chain of small islands that links Okinawa to the larger Japanese islands in the north. Just before reaching the Island of Kyushu he turned to the east and headed to the smaller island of Fukue-Jima where at around 17:00hrs local (08:00GMT/UTC) he landed safely at Fukue Airport.

His previous days arrival at USAF Kadena marked a great start to the 2^nd half of the adventure, with Norman being greeted many American servicemen and women as well as Japanese staff and a contingent from the Kadena Aero Club.

A couple of members of the club have graciously allowed us to use some of their images from Norman’s arrival and we thank them very much for their generosity.

Norman stiffly disembarks from Roxy, to the amusement of the children and the amazement of the Air Base personnel. (Photo courtesy of Cindia Garcia)

USAF servicemen flock to ask Norman questions about his venture. (Photo courtesy of Cindia Garcia)

Could this gentleman be pointing the way to Fukue or is it more likely he is answering Norman's first question raised after the 6 and a half hour flight..."Yes Sir, the nearest toilet is a mile in that direction". (Photo courtesy of Cindia Garcia)

Group shot of Norman's welcoming comittee with an Aero Club Cessna 172 in the background. (Photo courtesy of Ichikawa Hiroaki)

How do you keep a cockpit this clean after flying all day? (Photo courtesy of Ichikawa Hiroaki)

Roxy's tailplanes frame the vast expanse of Kadena Air Force Base. (Photo courtesy of Ichikawa Hiroaki)

She may be tiny compared to the giant C-17 transport aircraft she had just taxied past, but Roxy looks like the proudest aircraft on the apron as she is admired by everyone. (Photo courtesy of Ichikawa Hiroaki)

We are sure Norman enjoyed the hospitality of the personnel at the air base and the aero club but when you are a circumnavigator the following day will always mean saying farewells to new found friends and onwards and upwards to your next destination.

As stated earlier, Norman’s next destination was Fukue Airport on the island of Fukue-Jima in the Nagasaki prefecture. Unlike the massive Kadena air base, Fukue is a category 3 airport and is a lot smaller but Norman probably suddenly felt at home as he approached the runway.

During the many weeks Norman spent at Woodland Air Park in the Philippines he would fly a number of test flights, quite often circling the local volcano, Mt Arayat, and lo and behold, a mile or two to the west of Fukue airport lies another very similar looking volcano…with the name of…Fukue Volcano! (there may be a local name for it if anyone would like to enlighten us).

Fukue Volcano, an impressive sight from the airport.

With two days flying completed and over 1,200 miles logged Norman is certainl eating up those miles in his amazing little autogyro, Roxy. Tonight he will be receiving traditional Japanese hospitality and should wake refreshed for tomorrow’s leg…Fukue to Oki.

Make sure you log into the Flight Tracker to follow this next leg of 360+ miles over the Sea of Japan.

The Gyrox Team

* * *

Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permissionfrom gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more information go to the website

'Like' us on Facebook

Consider donating to Norman's chosen UK charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider donating to Norman's chosen North American charity: Livestrong

Follow Norman and G-YROX (Roxy) live via the onboard tracker

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timeline website

* * *

Norman has arrived in Japan.

2011-07-20T08:40:00.001+01:00

We are delighted to confirm that after a 9 hour flight Norman has safely landed at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. This incredible feat of airmanship has taken him from the Philippines across the Philippine Sea to Japan, quite an extraordinary accomplishment seeing it was the first leg of the second part of this circumnavigation and the first flight of any distance that Norman has undertaken since last August!

This has been a fantastic start to the resumption of the circumnavigation, not only because of the length of the flight, 730 miles, but because he has arrived in a new country, the 17^th of the journey, and what a place to arrive!

Kadena Air Force Base

Norman will think he has missed Japan and arrived in California instead during his stay at Kadena. It just happens to be the biggest USAF air base in the Pacific and is home to PACAF (Pacific Air Forces).

The approach to the massive Kadena AFB

Kadena Air Base is the home to the Air Force’s largest combat wing—the 18th Wing—and a variety of associate units. Nearly 18,000 Americans and more than 4,000 Japanese employees and contractors make up Team Kadena.

It will seem strange to Norman, after spending so much time at the small grass airfield at Woodland Air Park where he shared the ramp with many microlights, to suddenly find himself parked amongst massive military transports and combat aircraft, including the brand new F-22 Raptor!

F-22 Raptors at Kadena

It has been a USAF base since 1945 and was instrumental during the Korean and Viet Nam wars. During the cold war it was home to the SR-71 Blackbird, Mach 3 reconnaissance plane as well as having a USN presence.

A Lockheed SR-71 mach 3 spy plane at Kadena in 1985

We are sure there will be a fantastic welcome for Norman in Kadena as Americans are renowned for the hospitality, and we expect Norman will be partaking of the odd burger or two.

We are still waiting to hear from Norman about tomorrows flight to Fukue Airport on Fukue-Jima Island but this will also be a marathon. Another 380-400 miles of open water lie ahead. As soon as we get the departure and arrival times we will let everyone know.

But for now, enjoy the American Air Force hospitality Norman, thousands of followers have been watching you tirelessly make your way across the ocean over the last 9+ hours and will no doubt be awaiting your departure tomorrow.

A great flight and a special one to get under your belt. The adventure is well and truly underway again.

The Gyrox Team

* * *

(Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permissionfrom gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more information go to our website

'Like' us on Facebook

Consider donating to Norman's chosen UK charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider donating to Norman's chosen North American charity: Livestrong

Follow Norman and Roxy live via the onboard flight tracker

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timeline website

* * *

And The Adventure Is On Again!

2011-07-20T00:07:00.002+01:00

It is with great pleasure that we can announce that Norman, flying ‘Roxy’ his bright yellow autogyro, has departed Laoag and is now on his way to Japan. The flight, mainly over open ocean will take approximately 9 hours and he is expected to arrive at Kadena Air Force Base around 16:00 hrs (Japanese Time – 07:00 GMT/UTC). You too can follow his flight in real time by going to the ‘Spot’ onboard flight tracker.

Norman and Roxy took off at approximately 06:20hrs, Philippines time ( 22:20GMT/UTC) and headed north to clear the Island of Luzon in the Philippines before starting the massive open-water flight to the Island of Okinawa, Japan, and an arrival at the USAF air base at Kadena.

Before departure Norman was able to send us the latest weather report covering his proposed route and everything looks fine, including some much hoped for tailwinds!

For those interested in the tech side of things, here is Norman's departure weather report

We hope everyone enjoys following the flight on Spot and that you all continue supporting Norman as he continues his quest to become the first pilot to fly an Autogyro around the world.

Check back regularly for updates and make sure you keep watching that orange line on the tracker as it snakes it way across the world to Northern Ireland and home.

Tracker Link…Click Here

The Gyrox Team

* * *

For more information go to our website

'Like' us on Facebook

Consider Donating to Norman's Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman's Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

Follow Norman and G-YROX (Roxy) live via the onboard tracker

Relive the early stages of the flight at the Timeline website

* * *

The Countdown Begins

2011-07-19T20:37:00.006+01:00

We can now announce the departure time for the resumption of the flight. Norman will be departing Laoag International Airport at 06:00 hrs (Philippine time) on the morning of Wednesday 20^th July 2011. This equates to 22:00 hours GMT/UTC tonight, 19^th July 2011.

This very early start means that most fans will be able to at least see Norman’s take-off and probably his arrival at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa tomorrow. So make sure you have the link to the Spot Tracker bookmarked to make sure you can follow every mile of his flight across the Philippine Sea to his first landing in Japan.

The flight is expected to last a staggering 9 hours and arrival time at Kadena is scheduled for 16:00 hrs Japanese Time.

Hopefully the weather will be kind to Norman and Roxy as they make their way across the open sea and gratefully, Typhoon Ma-on which has been causing problems in Southern Japan has started move out to the east and should be no problem for Norman.

To whet your appetite for the upcoming adventure, we have received some photographs and a small video from Mark Gillet of Norman’s departure from Woodland Air Park yesterday. Mark was amongst the many friends and fans that turned out to see Norman fly out of the airfield that has been home for Roxy for 10 months.

Norman prepares Roxy for departure at Woodland Air Park. (photo, courtesy of Mark Gillet)

Ready to go! (photo, courtesy of Mark Gillet)

A final wave and Norman departs Woodland Air Park (photo, courtesy of Mark Gillet)

Here is the Video, also taken by mark Gillet...

So here it is, after all the waiting the adventure is about to restart. In a few hours Norman will settle into Roxy’s cockpit, start the Rotax engine and fly out of the Philippines, heading north to Japan. We hope you will keep Norman company as he traverses open ocean, mountainous terrain, arctic tundra, ice flows and forests over the next couple of months. Check that you have the tracker ready now by clicking here.

All our best wishes Norman for a safe and trouble free flight,

The Gyrox Team

* * *
(Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permissionfrom gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more information go to our website
'Like' us on Facebook
Consider Donating To Norman's Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK
Consider Donating to Norman's Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong
Follow us on Twitter
Follow Norman and G-YROX (Roxy) live via the onboard tracker
Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timeline website

* * *

Breaking News! The Journey is About to Resume!

2011-07-18T14:32:00.010+01:00

It is with the greatest of pleasure that we can finally announce, after 10 months of bureaucratic wrangling and logistical headaches that the GyroxGoesGlobal Circumnavigation attempt will be resuming on Wednesday the 20^th of July 2011 when Norman departs from Laoag in the Philippines and heads out across the sea to Japan.

Just last week, amidst fears that the flight would have to be called off, the Japanese aviation authorities finally confirmed that they would permit Norman to fly the autogyro across their airspace. This had been a massive stumbling block to Norman’s continuance of the journey because in Japanese aviation rules there is no ruling that allows any aircraft under 500kg in weight to fly further than 3km from their local airfield. Seeing Norman intended to traverse the whole length of the Japanese island chain this meant that months of discussion had to be undertaken to persuade the authorities to make a special case for Norman’s flight, culminating in our recent ‘Embassy Appeal’.

Norman and Roxy have been patiently waiting for this day at Woodland Air park

Patience is a virtue they say, but Norman’s patience and persistence is a lesson for us all. His dream to be the first pilot to fly an autogyro around the world meant too much for him to ever contemplate giving up and today that persistence has paid off.

Norman and Roxy head towards the local volcano, Mt Arayat, during flight testing

Of course, just getting the Japanese authorities to say yes was not the end of the story. A whole new routing through the Japanese Islands had to agreed upon, a route that complied with the ‘special flight’ terms of the permit and then because of the long delays, the original permits to enter Russia had to be renewed, not the simplest of tasks when you are at a remote airfield in the middle of the Philippines.

The agricultural patchwork terrain around Woodland Air park

But Norman returned from the Russian Embassy in Manila at the weekend, new visas in hand and then came the task of uprooting from what had been Roxy’s home for the last 10 months.

Norman waves to the assembled press photographers

Time was of the essence as the permits had arrived a lot later in the year than what Norman was hoping for and the short weather window in the far north of the globe would close again leaving Norman stranded in possibly Siberia or the wilds of Alaska or Canada if he didn’t get away as soon as possible.

So in between packing and shipping things back to the UK (things that Norman had acquired over the months), closing up his accommodation and final checks on the aircraft Norman made himself available to the worlds media for a number of interviews and photo/video shoots. The Al Jazeera interview andvideo is available in the previous blog post.

A final au revoir to friends at Woodland’s and the Angeles City Flying Club saw Norman strap himself into ‘Roxy’ and then depart this morning around 10am local for the 200 miles (324 km/174 nm) flight north to Laoag International Airport near the northern tip of Luzon island in the Philippines.

Norman demonstrates the inbuilt hand's off stability of the autogyro

It is from here on Wednesday morning that he will actually resume the record breaking circumnavigation as this was the furthest place he reached last year before flying Roxy back to Woodland’s to spend the winter in a dry hangar. There will be a large press contingent there to see him off as well as many new friends that Norman has made during his time in the Philippines.

Norman pictured on the apron at Laoag International Airport back in August last year. Little did he know it would be almost a year before he would return there to continue his journey

The first leg of the newly resumed journey may well be the most daunting of the whole journey since Norman left Northern Ireland back in March 2010. From Laoag he has a 730miles flight over the Philippine Sea, notorious for typhoons and thunder storms with just a few small islands dotted along his route. His first stop in Japan will be the Kadena Air Force Base on Okinawa Island. This is the first airport that Norman will reach that has customs facilities and therefore must be the point of entry into Japan.

A map of the proposed routing across Japan. It is of course subject to alterations because of weather and air traffic control demands

Our attention will be on the ‘Spot’ tracker the length of that flight and you can watch it unfold live too by going to the ‘Spot’ tracker webpage where his track unfolds live before your eyes. A quick hint when using the tracker…switch to ‘hybrid’ mode for a Google Earth image with place names and sights superimposed on the screen, and you can use the scroll bar to zoom in or out. With the tracker updating every 10 to 20 minutes you too can be part of the adventure.

Finally, what can we say? It’s been a long time coming and everyone at the Gyrox Team, Norman and his family and friends included, have run the gamut of emotions over the last 10 months but it was all worth it. Our intrepid red suited aviator has taken to the skies again and the bright yellow autogyro is on her way home at last. Fair winds and happy landings to you both.

The Gyrox Team

We will of course be updating the blog daily with news from the journey as it happens.

* * *
(Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permissionfrom gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more info visit our website

'Like' us on Facebook

Consider Donating to Norman's chosen UK charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider donating to Norman's chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timeline website

Follow Norman and 'Roxy' live via the onboard Tracker

* * *

Norman Appears on Al Jazeera!

2011-07-18T01:10:00.001+01:00

With the resumption of the round the world flight looming, the world's news media have become interested in our intrepid adventurer again and it was Al Jazeera, the world famous news channel, that recently visited Norman at Woodland Air Park in the philippines. The results were a great interview and an incredible video with stunning flying shots.

You can check out the Al Jazeera story here

or watch the video below

Thank you Al Jazeera for a great article and video. Now for the big one...

Keep watching the Blog, website, Twitter and Facebook for some breaking news coming very soon.

The Gyrox Team

* * *

For more information check out the website
Follow us on Facebook by clicking 'Like'
Consider donating to Norman's chosen UK charity: Bowel Cancer UK
Consider Donating to Norman's Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong
Follow us on Twitter
Follow Norman live via his onboard tracker
Relive the early stages of the flight through the Timeline website

* * *

Show your support for Norman and the GyroxGoesGlobal Circumnavigation flight.

2011-06-29T07:17:00.004+01:00

Norman is still holding out hope for continued support from the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and Ministry of Transport (MOT) as the Chinese have now refused him flying permission for one of the two viable routes out of the Philippines. After months of work, persuasion and meetings the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority have refused our intrepid global gyrocopter pilot permission to fly across their country. Norman has also been working hard with the Japanese authorities to try and work out a safe route across their country. This is a particular challenge as such a flight in such an unusual aircraft has never taken place before and therefore needs special permission from the Japanese Authorities.

We are now calling for help from all the loyal supporters out there to help bring this phase of the journey to a satisfactory conclusion for all. Please contact the Japanese authorities / embassy where you are and ask them to continue to support Norman's world record flight by giving him clearance to fly across their great country."

Add your voice to the our global appeal to urge the Japanese aviation authorities to continue their ongoing support alongside the other 23 countries who make up the circumnavigation route. By acting together, they will allow this official FAI World Record attempt by Autogyro to embark on the second half of its circumnavigation journey.

A special exemption to fly for a short period of days through Japanese airspace will allow the flight to continue and to enable the onward route to be flown during the very brief “Arctic Summer” weather window. The onward route would then cross the Far East of Russia, the Bering Sea, North America and finally the North Atlantic to the FAI finish line back in Northern Ireland.

How to assist - if you can (and in your own words), contact your countries Japanese Embassy Press Office and/or Ambassadors Office, to express your support for the flight and highlight its varied objectives /goals (click here for a list of all Japanese embassies and consulates). This Global flight needs global international cooperation between all the participating countries to succeed and now, with the flight in its greatest “hour of need” we are appealing for your active, global support to help achieve it….perhaps even pass on this link...http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000769639636 to your friends who might then also lend their voice to this “Get Gyrox Going appeal!” We appreciate very much your loyal ongoing interest in this very unique real life (and thanks to satellite tracker, online) 21st century adventure.

Now, let’s all try to get that little yellow aircraft, that’s been waiting so patiently en route in the Philippines, back on course and to get the first Autogyro, after 88 years of waiting, to finally, successfully, gloriously achieve a maiden flight around the world.

Many thanks from Norman and all the GYROX Team.

* * *

Worldwide Japanese Embassies: Email them through the 'contact us' pages.

Deluge Delays Departure

2011-06-26T11:40:00.002+01:00

Test flying and any hope of Norman flying up to Laoag has been halted this weekend at Woodland Airpark because of Tropical Depression Falcon. This has been a devastating tropical storm and has caused the displacement of 300,000 people in the Philippines.

Norman has managed to send us back some photos of the devastation caused by ‘Falcon’ and as you can see, the only flying possible would have been if ‘Roxy’ came equipped with floats!

The deep end of Woodland's runway...2-3 foot of water!

Luckily, ‘Roxy’ and all the other aircraft at Woodland’s are under cover and Norman is safe and dry too.

The view from the dry, or should I say, less wet clubhouse.

As of Saturday night the rain hadn’t abated but the weather report for the area on Sunday morning shows signs of the storm moving away.

Runway 08! Note the Fuel shed under water!

How long it will take for the airfield to dry out is anyone’s guess but obviously Norman will make sure the ground is safe before taking to the skies again.

It is so wet that the local frogs have come into the clubhouse to get dry!

We will keep you updated as and when we receive further details.

The Gyrox Team

* * *

Follow the adventure on Facebook and click 'Like'
For more information check out our website
Consider Donating to Norman's Chosen Charity: Bowel Cancer UK
Norman now has a chosen North American charity to donate to also: Livestrong
Follow us on Twitter
Follow Norman and 'Roxy' live online via the 'Spot' tracker
Consider joining the Authorised Facebook Fan Page
Relive the adventure so far on the Timeline website

* * *

Looking Good in Luzon!

2011-06-20T12:36:00.007+01:00

Preparations for the resumption of the circumnavigation attempt continue apace in the Philippines and we can now give you an update on Norman’s activities over the last couple of weeks.

The second half of the journey will be quite different than the first half, with long open ocean crossings and travel through colder and wetter northern latitudes, which has meant a couple of updates to the gyro, mainly in the form of replacement fuel LED sensors for the unique Turtle-Pac 'in flight' refueling system. Plus the addition of 6 combinations of temporarily attached Camera positions which give tremendous alternative viewpoints around the Gyro, both looking forward and backwards!

Also taking place was a weigh-in exercise where the all-up empty weight of the aircraft (no fuel), pilot (no dinner) and hand luggage were weighed so as to be able to fine tune how much weight of fuel/passenger will be allowed to bring the aircraft up to its maximum take off weight (MTOW) of 500kg.

Norman, with the help of a local tree, weighs all his kit.

But just how do you weigh an autogyro? Not the easiest thing to do but Norman and the guys at Woodland’s came up trumps with a mobile weighing platform and some careful balancing!

So that's how you weigh an autogyro!

Norman has also been continuing with his flight tests in the local area which has included trying out new camera positions. As can be seen from the following images, these give a greatly improved view of the whole Gyrox adventure. Different camera positions are still being tried but we can rest assured that once the journey begins again we are in for some really dramatic images from Norman’s flight.

New camera view of Norman's take-off from Woodland's runway with local volcano, Mt Arayat in the distance.

Dramatic view of Norman as he flies Roxy down the local river.

Norman flies parallel to Woodland's grass runway as an ultralight lands on.

Great view from the new pylon mounted camera as Norman lines up for final approach to runway 08 at Woodland Air Park.

Of course, it’s not all been hard work down in the Philippines. Even Norman gets a day off at times and this allowed him to partake in one of his other favourite pastimes…Scuba Diving!

Vasco's Hotel and Diving Centre.

He and Jay were able to visit Vasco’s Diving Centre and Resort at Olongapo City, on the eastern coast of Subic Bay, about 35 miles south west of Woodland Air Park. The owner of Vasco’s was very nice and even lent Norman some of his dive-school scuba gear, free of charge, so he could dive along with Jay (who had his own gear).

Norman and JC at Subic Bay.

Subic Bay was a major US naval base during World War 2 and after and was the scene of major battles during the war. This has left many wrecks for the accomplished diver to explore. There are even aircraft strewn across the sea bed!

Vasco’s had a lot more than just diving for Norman to enjoy on his days off, including a fine restaurant and bar, a dive shop, accommodation and even a dive museum. Although exchanging his flying helmet for the deep sea diving helmet may have taken the all up weight of the Gyro slightly over the limit!

Norman modelling the latest in Gyro pilot's headgear? Not really, just an old deep sea diving helmet at Vasco's restaurant!

Woodland Air Park is closed every Wednesday and this has given Norman time to take the short journey down to Subic Bay to enjoy these watery distractions, returning refreshed to continue with the preparations for the upcoming flight. He is very closely watching the weather reports as Tropical Storm Egay makes its way across the northern parts of the Philippines. Hopefully this will die out before long and clear skies will see Norman on his way again very soon.

Tropical Storm Egay and it's expected track across the region.

The Gyrox Team

* * *

Follow Norman on our new Facebook Page: Remember to click 'Like'
For More Information go to our Website
Consider Donating to Norman's Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK
Or Maybe Consider Donating To Norman's Chosen North American Charity: LiveStrong
Follow us on Twitter
Follow the flight live via the 'Spot' tracker
Consider joining the Authorised Facebook Fan Page
Relive the flight so far on the Timeline Website

* * *

A Week in the Philippines.

2011-05-23T18:08:00.011+01:00

Following Norman’s arrival a week ago at Woodland Air Park in the Philippines, people may have been wondering what he has been up to. Obviously, because of the long gap since the circumnavigation was put on hold last year, Norman has been extremely busy with updating flight plans and attaining new permits for flying to modified destinations. Major world events over the last 6 months have necessitated a rethink on the original route, and hopefully new destinations will be confirmed soon and then the journey can resume.

But it hasn’t all been a week of paperwork. The weekend Norman arrived at Woodland’s coincided with the Flying club’s ‘Fly-In’. Norman enjoyed all the flying displays and was even able to give a small demonstration of the agility of the Gyrocopter as well as offering some air-experience flights to friends from the local area.

Norman prepares to put Roxy through her paces as Sheila holds on tightly
(courtesy of Tonet Rivera and Sheila Kristine De Leon)

Local friends, Tonet Rivera and Sheila Kristine De Leon, have graciously allowed us to use their images from the day, which include shots of Sheila’s ‘Gyro Grin’ after her flight with Norman and Roxy.

Time to fly! Sheila gives a thumbs up for the flight of a lifetime