FAQ'S (2)

About Magni USA:
Magni USA is currently organized by myself, Greg Gremminger, in Ste. Genevieve Mo., for the purpose of importing and distributing Magni autogyros in the U.S.A.  We work closely with Magni Gyro in Italy on such details as shipping, monetary exchange, kit content and pricing. The Magni factory has a modern large production and development facility and is continually updating tooling to be able to expand the North American and world market. We are currently accepting orders for both kits and fully factory-built versions of the M-14, M-16 and M-18 models.

We are evolving Magni USA at the urging and support of Vittorio Magni in Italy. Vittorio's long-range plans are to expand the market for the Magni line of autogyros beyond the European and African markets, where the majority of Magni machines are now operating. This plan is now at the stage where production facilities are prepared for the increasing volume of world sales.

We are also developing Magni USA in order to demonstrate and influence what we believe to be the fuller potential of the autogyro as a sport aircraft. Consistent with the ultimate Magni philosophy, we also believe there are significant improvements to be demonstrated in gyro safety and utility through the 
application of good and diligent training, a quality and durable product, close customer support, and proven safe operating characteristics. See the Magni Philosophy and the Magni USA Philosophy. Magni USA is designing business practices which, hopefully, will maintain and expand the enviable European Magni safety experience here in America.

Back to the Top

Where is Magni USA?
Our home base will be at the Perryville, Mo. airport, located about 70 miles south of St. Louis on the Mississippi river. Our home is in Ste. Genevieve Mo., about 30 minutes away. We also have a grass airstrip available in Ste. Genevieve.

We are currently conducting M-16 training from both the concrete runway at Perryville or on our grass airstrip in Ste. Genevieve. For training or builder support, we intend to make arrangements to either travel to the builder's location or have the builder bring the machine to our home base - whatever is most convenient for both parties at the time. A number of excellent accommodations are available in the area.

Back to the Top


What is the status of Magni USA?
First, the Magni factory in Italy has expanded its trained factory personnel to fully utilize the new factory and tooling to service the rapidly growing Magni market. This includes finalizing production molds and facilities for packaging and shipping of kits. CNC and welding tooling is operational to meet the expanding market. The initial deliveries of M-14 and M-16 kits to American customers have been successfully accomplished. 

Secondly, Vittorio Magni expects Magni USA to provide training in an M-16 Trainer for all builders of a Magni autogyro. Vittorio also expects Magni USA to provide close builder technical support to assure a quality assembly from a kit. I have my Gyroplane CFI rating and training in our M-16 is available at Perryville Missouri. We require 3 introductory training hours prior to placing a Magni gyro order.

Thirdly, the first M-14 and three M-16 kits have been delivered and are currently under construction.  All are currently flying with happy builders.  I have completed assembly and flight testing of our newest model M-16 which is now in use for training and introductory flights.  Minimal problems have been encountered in the assembly of the initial kits. Very detailed Assembly Manual and Parts Lists are completed and are under continual refinement from the latest construction experiences.

Fourthly, we have successfully accomplished FAA approval of the M-14 and M-16 models to the 51% Amateur-Built Experimental category. We intend to do the same for the M-18 model on the first M-18 kit delivery to the U.S.

Back to the Top

When Can I purchase a Magni?
Orders for the M-14, M-16 and M-18 models are currently being accepted. See What is the status of Magni USA? above.

Back to the Top

Can I build a 51% kit?
The M-14 and M-16 kits are currently on the FAA approved list for 51% Amateur-Built aircraft kits.

We intend to conduct the same 51% approval inspection for the first M-18 kit delivered to the USA.

Back to the Top

How long will it take to build a Magni?
The conservative estimate for the M-16, partially enclosed, 2-seat Trainer is about 350 hours. The two initial customers completed their M-16s in under 300 hours.  An experience builder may be able to assemble a kit in 200 hours.  The airframe is a surprisingly simple assembly. The majority of work will be in steel and fiberglass finish, wiring, and engine/instrument installation. The factory will pre-assemble the rotorhead.

Back to the Top

Can I buy a Magni Fully-Built?
Yes. Magni USA, L.L.C. can sell a factory-Built Magni gyro to U.S. Purchasers. These machines will be fully built and test flown at the factory in Italy. They will be slightly disassembled for shipment to the U.S. At our base in Perryville Mo., Magni USA, L.L.C. will re-assemble the machine, certify the machine (in the Purchaser's proxy) in the EXPERIMENTAL - EXHIBITION category, and 
perform the initial flight check-out and test flight.

The Experimental-Exhibition category allows for operation of aircraft under special rules slightly different than the Amateur-Built certification category:

The aircraft certification must be renewed annually with the FAA (by letter to the FAA). The operator must identify (annually or just prior to flight) all airports where the aircraft will be operated. This can be by a list of airports in the annual certification letter, or it may be by FAX just prior to flight to that airport. The Purchaser will not be issued a "Repairman's Certificate" for that aircraft (as the builder is in the Amateur-Built category). That means that the Operator must obtain A&P logbook entries for annual inspections and major repairs. The FARs do however, allow the owner/operator to perform considerable routine maintenance and minor repairs - the same as owners of other certified aircraft.

Back to the Top


What about Engines?
The Magni autogyros are currently supplied with Rotax engines. Magni requires that only those particular Rotax engines be used on any kits sold. The engines will be supplied with the kits - simply because the same engine would cost much more if purchased in the U.S. The Magni philosophy and requirement is that the engine and its proper installation is a critical element contributing to the 
safety record of all Magni machines. This is also the philosophy of Magni USA. The Magni models have all been carefully designed and tested with the Rotax installation. The Italian Rotax Service Center has worked closely with Magni to finalize each model engine installation to best assure reliability and performance. The Magni factory has extensively tested and proven each engine installation. The European experience is that this pays dividends in reliability and performance. Consistent with that philosophy is that all 4-cycle engines (2-place models) will be supplied with an electronic engine monitor - standard.

Several models have several Rotax engine choices - see Specifications for each model.

Back to the Top

What are the prices and accessories?
Prices for the specific model and engine option are listed on the U.S.A. Price web page. These prices are FOB our base at Perryville Missouri, and include packing or shipping costs. All prices are subject to change without notice.  Prices do vary with the exchange rate with the European Euro Dollar.  This is computed on the Price page.

Also, as described in our Magni USA philosophy, to best assure performance and safety, we intend to require that each assembly be inspected and test flown by myself or a qualified Magni USA representative. We also intend to require that each Magni builder receive training and/or transition training in the M-16 trainer from a qualified Magni CFI. Compliance with these requirements will be 
stipulated in the sales contract, and some costs for these services may be included in the purchase price.

Back to the Top

Performance Specifications?
See the links to each Magni model above.

Back to the Top

What about Safety?
Safety is the single most important reason we are forming the Magni USA distributorship in North America - next to our love of gyros and our belief in the gyro safety potential. It is our belief that it is no mere stroke of luck that the Magni autogyro has demonstrated a near perfect safety record elsewhere in the world. There are currently approximately 200 Magni autogyros flying world wide. They have been operated by Magni customers throughout the world for most of the past ten years. The basic Magni design has been flying in Europe and Italy for over 20 years. There have been three reported pilot error accidents in Magni autogyros - one requiring a hospital stay for two weeks.  Unfortunately, there has been one fatality in South Africa - due to improper and unsupervised assembly of parts from a previous owner - controls came loose. These accidents, while certainly regrettable, have demonstrated the superb crash protection of the all welded-steel frame.  None of these accidents were the result of pitch stability issues.  One of the major safety features of the Magni line of gyros is their high inherent stability and strong resistance to the flight instability issues of Pilot Induced Oscillations (PIO) and Power Push-Overs (PPO)..

We believe this record is the result of the Magni philosophy of diligent and quality attention to training, robust structural design and superb and forgiving flight qualities. I'd like to address several flight safety issues more specifically:

Back to the Top


Where can I learn more about what makes a gyro safe to fly?:
We suggest you follow the pertinent discussions on the Rotary Wing Forum.com Conference Forum.

Also, A lot of us believe a major factor in the safe flying of gyros is the pilot understanding and appreciating the many factors that may affect their personal flight envelopes. In December, '99, I began a series of articles in the PRA Rotorcraft magazine for just that purpose. These factors and their importance to the new gyro student are a major reason I decided to help make the Magni 
available in the U.S. We believe that Magni autogyros most exemplify the principles and practices of stable and forgiving gyro design. See the Magni Gyro Mechanical Design Philosophy and Flight Characteristics Philosophy.

Back to the Top

What makes a Magni so stable and safe to fly?
Specifically, from a flight safety standpoint, we are very impressed with the handling and flight characteristics of the Magni autogyro designs. The Magnis' exhibit airplane-like control and stability at all flight speeds. The 2-seat models, in standard configuration, are capable of stable and comfortable flight speeds in excess of 100 mph. The single seat M-18, with the optional enclosure, is capable of stable and comfortable flight at 85 mph - limited only by engine power. Surf the specifications web pages. We believe the Magni design is highly resistant to PIO ("Pilot Induced Oscillations") or PPO ("Power Push-Over" or "bunt-over"). There have been no reports of such events, and these machines are regularly flown at cruise speeds of 100+ mph. At the same time, skilled Magni pilots can 
demonstrate the superb low speed maneuverability and qualities for which gyros are so popular. The Magni designs are the result of innumerable iterations and flight tests to harmonize the many factors that influence the flight characteristics of an autogyro. Vittorio Magni emphasizes that it is this harmony of all these factors, and not necessarily the result of any one or two factors, that result in the final flight and stability qualities exhibited by the Magnis autogyros. These factors include:

It is the purpose and goal of Magni USA to continue and demonstrate this impressive safety record in the North American market. We will continue and apply the Magni principles of good training, reliable construction and maintenance, and close customer support that have helped earn this exceptional 
safety record. In this way, and by demonstrating this stable and forgiving autogyro design, we hope to influence improved safety within the entire sport of gyro aviation.

Back to the Top

Where can I see a Magni?
We have our M-16 Magni trainer based in Perryville, Mo. There is an open invitation to visit us here.



Back to the Top

USA Distributor:
Magni USA, L.L.C.
Greg Gremminger
17225 Pleasant View Dr. ~ Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
(573) 883-2541 ~ (573) 883-2866 (fax)
gyrogreg@ldd.net

    Rotorcraft Conference Forum