Q: Regarding the postal worker who flew onto the Capitol grounds on a gyrocopter, I would like to know what they are primarily used for and their cost.
—Carolyn Bailey, Redan
A: Gyrocopters, which also are called gyroplanes or autogyros, are recreational vehicles often owned by aviation enthusiasts or used by police and military forces for patrol purposes. Doug Hughes, a 61-year-old mailman, landed a gyrocopter on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on April 15 to bring attention to campaign finance reform. Hughes was charged with a felony and a misdemeanor and placed on house arrest until his trial.
The version that Hughes flew costs about $10,000, according to the Washington Post, and has a range of 70-80 miles. The vehicles often are built from kits. The Tomball Police Department in Texas bought a two-seat Auto-Gyro MTO Sport for $77,000 in 2011.
Q: Now that more and more candidates have announced their candidacy for president, are they entitled to Secret Service protection? Has Hillary Clinton had protection since her husband was president?
—John R. Siegel, Atlanta
A: Major presidential and vice presidential candidates can receive Secret Service protection within 120 days of a presidential election. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in conjunction with an advisory committee, determines who qualifies as a major candidate. The candidates can decline protection.
Former presidents and their spouses receive Secret Service protection for life, under the Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012. Hillary Clinton also received protection while she was the Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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