Utah Rotorcraft Association

PRA Chapter 2 - Serving Utah and the Intermountain West

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History

Upon discovering that there was no local organization serving the needs of builders in the northern Utah area, five local enthusiasts launched the Utah Rotorcraft Association in July, 2007, and affiliated with the Popular Rotorcraft Association as its local Chapter 2. Our meetings and events have drawn members and guests from at least seven western states, making obvious a similar void throughout the US Intermountain West.

Founding member and URA President Doug Barker shouldered most of the costs associated with starting the group and its monthly newsletter, which grew to a circulation of more than 60 by the end of the group's second year. On that anniversary, the newsletter was budgeted from the association's treasury, relieving Doug of that burden, but it also became necessary to limit the mailing of paper newsletters to dues-paying members to control costs. Effective in October, 2009, URA now has an electronic newsletter available free to all, in addition to the paper version mailed to members.

Purpose and Activities

Our bylaws define our mission as the promotion of education and safety among enthusiasts of personal rotorcraft, including gyroplanes, helicopters, and their derivatives. While "personal" includes both Standard Category and Experimental aircraft, the greatest unfilled need for a shared knowledge base lies among homebuilders. While other organizations offer some needed resources for builders of rotorcraft, they're either too general in their focus, or not specific to our region. URA will strive to fill this void.

As a practical matter, the best practices and training available from the commercial and military helicopter segments are also important to homebuilders, so URA works to create events and meeting programs which will draw participation from these interests.

It is possible to spend many millions of dollars to obtain and learn to fly a helicopter. There are also homebuilders who have managed to get airborne under a set of rotors for under $10,000. Regardless of where along this cost continuum your intentions fall, the one common need is proper training, and helping you find the necessary resources will be an ongoing goal of URA.

Welcome!

Members of the Utah Rotorcraft Association range in age from early-20s to mid-80s. Some of us are already licensed pilots, some are in training, and for some flying a personal rotorcraft is still just "a twinkle in the eye." We already have several experimental rotorcraft under construction, a few built and flying, and an annual event becoming a must-visit for many. The Intermountain West is blessed with outstanding VFR weather, spectacular places to fly, and a growing list of training facilities for students in both helicopters and gyroplanes.

You are not alone. We look forward to supporting you in reaching your goals, and sharing the sky!