I have been going to the PRA annual convention since before it was relocated to Mentone. I look forward to it every year. 
I have made friends from all around the country (and some from other countries) at this gathering. 
The Mentone Airport is now one of the best sites in the country for “rotary aviation”. 
It is a place where like minded people meet to spin rotors, share stories, present innovative  ideas and get their feet off the ground. 
It has been the place where many in our sport were introduced to Gyros for the very first time. 

Please don’t let this awesome venue fade away. Do what you can to help prepare this wonderful site for its role in the future growth of the rotorcraft sport and community. 

This is a 30+ YEAR investment for FUTURE gyro-pilots. The PRA is a wonderful resource for introductions, education, training and safety in rotorcraft flight!  PLEASE support YOUR  flying community!

PRA works hard to spread the word that Rotorcraft are fun and safe! They also support that training is the key to safety. Please help keep the runway in shape to encourage more aircraft to use it.

I believe improvement of the runway at Mentone is essential to the contribution of the PRA to the continued growth and safety of the gyroplane community.
-  Greg Gremminger, Magni USA, LLC.

The PRA Board deserves our support in this endeavor to restore the airport's runway.   

Every bit helps! Please contribute what you can to keep this runway operational!

The PRA is the only voice for gyrocopter owners. Just do what you can. 

Support the PRA and the Gyroplane community

PRA is the only voice we have. SUPPORT THE PRA

Popular Rotorcraft Association Inc is a nonprofit organization focused on education and the promotion of Rotorcraft flight.

The Popular Rotorcraft Association (PRA) was established in 1954 by Igor Bensen for the promotion, training, and safety for all those who love rotary-wing flight (Gyroplanes).

The PRA headquarters is located at the airport in Mentone Indiana.

The airport is a privately owned, public use airport. C92 (Owned by the PRA)

It is a wonderful facility with a 2,500' x 40' runway, Hangar space, Air-conditioned Classroom, Lunch stand, Rotary Wing Museum, Camping Spots and More!

This is the site of the annual PRA convention, typically held the first week of August.

For more information, see: [www.pra.org](https://pra.rog)

Popular Rotorcraft Association Inc

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We are reaching out to you today on behalf of the Popular Rotorcraft Association because we need your help.

We are dangerously close to losing a critical resource that if lost, will have a negative and lasting effect on the gyro community.

Those of you who have attended any of the PRA conventions in the last few years are well aware of the current state of the runway, and the toll the elements have taken on it over the years.

It has been determined that the current asphalt is beyond repair, and there is no simple quick fix that would make sense financially. The asphalt is simply at the point that it needs to be replaced.

We now find ourselves in a catch-22 position.

Many pilots have chosen not to attend the past few conventions, because of the rough runway conditions. And, with the reduced revenue from lower attendance, the funding to repair the runway is not available.

It's because of this that we need your help and support to ensure this venue can see a new lease on life so the future generation of aviators can experience it.

To replace the **entire** 2500’ x 40’ surface would come at a cost of about **$350,000**.

We understand this is a big undertaking, but the PRA board of directors are proposing that we try to at least get a start on the project.

We’ve obtained a quote to replace the first 600’ of the runway, starting from the taxiway on the south end and proceeding north. The cost of this **initial** section is quoted at **$125,000**

We understand that 600 feet is of course not enough for all operations, especially for the larger machines, but it will be a good start. It will be enough for most landings, and an area for the flying competitions and more.

Just for reference, 600 feet is the distance from the south end of the runway up to a point about parallel to the museum building.

Also included in this quote is a paved pad to the East side of the runway, just south of the taxiway. This is the area where flight instructors normally stage their machines for training flights.

The paving company has assured us that this work can be completed in plenty of time to be ready for the 2024 convention, which will be held July 31st through August 3rd.

But we need to act quickly!

We are happy to say that we have already raised $22,000 towards this goal!

Now, if we can exceed our **initial** goal of **$125,000**, we will expand this project and use all available funds to continue the pavement to the north. The paving company is aware that the scale of this project may grow and is prepared to accommodate.

How far could we go? Half the runway? More? Oh, how wonderful that would be!

**As a reminder, the PRA is a non-profit 501C-3 organization. Your donations are tax deductible.**

Please consider helping us with this cause to assure continued great years of conventions for current and future generations of rotorcraft enthusiasts. This is a wonderful facility that we can’t let fade away!

Getting the runway back into pristine condition is the only thing holding the convention back from being the wonderful event that it has been and can continue to be for years to come.

We will have beautiful "Perpetual Plaques" for each of the categories displayed in a prominent location at the airport. Engraved names of our donors, will remind everyone of your generosity!

Along with our deepest gratitude, donors will also receive:

$10,000 - PLATINUM MEMBER- Lifetime PRA Membership, Name on Hangar / Control Tower, Free Admission & Camping at Conventions*, Plaque Inscription, T-Shirt and Hat

$5,000 - GOLD MEMBER - Lifetime PRA Membership, Free Admission & Camping at Conventions*, Plaque Inscription, T-Shirt and Hat

$2,500 - SILVER MEMBER - Lifetime PRA Membership, Plaque Inscription, T-Shirt and Hat

$1000 - BRONZE MEMBER - Plaque Inscription, T-Shirt & Hat

$500 - ALUMINUM MEMBER - T-Shirt & Hat

*Banquet fees not included

Donations in any amounts are greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much for your consideration and generosity!

Popular Rotorcraft Association Inc

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Popular Rotorcraft Association Inc