Autogyro set to amaze at new air show

This is an archived article from 12 June 2023. 

South Ayrshire Council is thrilled to announce that Peter Davies in his Calidus Autogyro, will join the line up for The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight. 

The autogyro, which is part aeroplane and part helicopter, is an amazing aircraft. The amazing thing being the rotor blades are not powered by an engine! They are actually spun by the passing wind as the autogyro moves through the air, which is powered by the propeller on the back.  

Not much bigger than a family car, the Calidus Autogyro is extremely light at only 300Kg, which makes it super fuel efficient and very easy to manoeuvre.  

It has a top speed of 120 mph, but can also be flown as slow as 25mph, which is extremely slow for any aircraft. 

Festival-goers can look forward to Peter showing off his amazing autogyro piloting skills, as he throws this little aircraft across the sky, pirouetting, pitching and yawing. 

He'll even be able to take his hands safely off the controls and wave at you through the glass canopy - so be sure to give him a BIG wave back! 

CEO of theSKYLAB, Dr Geoff Coxon said: "Peter will deliver an amazing display in his autogyro and amaze people at what this small aircraft can do. It's also a great display to generate some interaction with the audience too, as Peter waves at the crowd wearing his day glow gloves which are super easy to see." 

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: "Peter's Calidus Autogyro display will no doubt have the crowds holding their breath when he performs as part of both Friday and Saturday's aerial displays at the festival.  This is a unique aircraft and I'm very much looking forward to seeing Peter in action!" 

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "The Calidus Autogyro is a great addition to the display line-up for the new air show.  This display will be a wow factor for all the family, and children in particular will love to look out for Peter waving with both hands while still in flight." 

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: "We want to make sure there's something for everyone to enjoy at The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight.   We're working hard behind the scenes with partners to secure a great variety of aerial displays and Peter's Calidus Autogyro performance is something completely different where the audience can even get involved!"  

Keep up to date with preparations for The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight at www.ayrshow.co.uk.