Groen Brothers Launches Gyroplane Fractional Program

HawkShare is a new fractional ownership program for Groen Brothers Hawk 4 gyroplanes, launched just a few weeks ago.

The four-seat Hawk 4 being developed by Groen Brothers Aviation of Salt Lake City is claimed to be the world's first commercially viable gyroplane, with a top speed of 150 mph, near-vertical takeoff and landing, and far less complexity than a helicopter.

The turboprop powered plane (the rotor is freewheeling) is entering final stages of FAA certification.

HawkShare is proposing one-eighth shares in the Hawk 4 for $99,000, less than $900 a month for management and operational expenses, and $226 per flight hour for fuel and maintenance reserve.

David Groen, president and CEO of Groen Brothers Aviation, said he expects fractional ownership to be popular as many people don't fly enough to justify the expense of owning their own aircraft.

In other news, Groen recently announced it is moving production to its facility near Phoenix, AZ. It also set up the Obayya & Groen Brothers Saudi Co. joint venture in Saudi Arabia to market Hawk 4s in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Asian portions of the former Soviet Union. Plans are for it to eventually become an FAA Certified Hawk gyroplane production facility for deliveries in that part of the world.