Gyrocopter Training: Get Your Rotors Running
Have you ever wanted to fly to work instead of walking or taking an Uber? Well, gyrocopters might prove to be the most readily adaptable to that task, given its simplicity and known safety characteristics. Just imagine your car had wings to fly over the morning routine of swearing in the traffic. I bet it sounds beautiful.
The gyrocopter, also known as gyroplane, autogyro or rotaplane, is a hybrid between a helicopter and an airplane, thus detains very interesting flight characteristics. It’s certainly not a matter of hocus-pocus, but instead a phenomenon called autorotation. Gyroplanes can fly fast and land on a very short distance. No longer just a fun toy for hobbyists, they are poised to transition into a mainstream mode of air transportation. They can fly you around, even more so, you can fly with them around! Find out how simple that is.
Is It Easy to Fly a Gyrocopter?
Gyrocopters tend to be easier to fly than any other fixed wing aircraft. They have only three flight controls: control stick (cyclic), rudder pedals, and a throttle; making it perfect for beginners who have never flown before. Also, they don’t require as much space to be able to take off or land as aeroplanes or helicopters do. Likewise, the cost is much lower which makes this type of flight a lot more accessible than helicopter flying. That explains the growth in popularity, especially for personal use.
How Do You Train to be a Gyrocopter Pilot?
Nowadays, many independent gyroplane schools offer training. The learning curve to become a gyrocopter pilot is very is very similar to Private Pilot, Light Sport or Helicopter pilot training, and requires a significant amount of time. Gyrocopter pilot training normally takes around 30-40 hours. Hence, at least 15 hours under dual instruction and 10 hours of solo flying under the supervision of a qualified instructor. The other 15 hours can be either dual or solo, as required.
These hours are reduced if you already have another type of aircraft license, like a Microlight or Fixed Wing. However, it depends on the gyrocopter school and the individuals, as everyone learns at a different pace.
Once the training course is finished, you have to go through a theory test as well as a practical assessment, known as the General Flying Test. This consists of a series of manoeuvres and procedures under the supervision of an examiner. You should ideally expect it to take about 6 months in total to finish the gyroplane school.
Do You Need a Pilot Certificate (License) to Fly a Gyrocopter?
Yes. There is a specific gyrocopter licence needed – the PPL(G) or Private Pilots Licence for Gyroplanes. But, you do not need a medical to fly gyroplanes!
Usually all gyrocopter licences are issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) upon the successful completion of the CAA approved training course, a General Flying Test (called a GFT) and a number of written and oral ground school exams.
However, you must comply with airspace restrictions and all FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations covering your geographical area.
Picture 1: Gyrocopter training lasts for 40 hours.
What Makes Gyrocopter the Safest Method of Flying?
Gyros may have the most complex image problem in the aviation, as the opinions about gyrocopter safety are polarized. Gyro pilots unanimously believe that their aircraft are inherently safe and easy to fly, whilst some aviators disagree and describe them as dangerous.
The 1st generation gyros actually were dangerous. A major concern of gyroplane manufacturers and regulators early on was the lack of specific training of those who build, buy and fly gyroplanes. At present, the FAA requires that operators have a sport pilot certificate to operate a gyroplane.
Read more about the gyroplane history in our article!
Therefore, the modern gyrocopter is known to be one of the world’s safest aircrafts. The new European designed gyros have a large horizontal stabilizer, center line thrust and a heavily loaded rotor system which has virtually eliminated the previous issues. The refined design, along with the formal training being offered by certified flight instructors, ensure the gyrocopter safety.
Gyrocopters Cannot Stall (Most Common Reason of Airplane Crashes)
The major advantage of gyros over airplanes and helicopters, is safety in the event of an engine failure. In the regular airplane, when the engine falls, the pilot must try to glide the airplane into a landing. Thus, they must search for an area large enough to land the airplane before it crashes. Pilots do train for this, but dead stick landings require more skill, and an airplane still needs a runway to land.
In contrast, the procedure for landing an autogyro after engine failure is the same for landing it under ordinary circumstances. Gyroplanes use the phenomenon called autorotation (self-propelling rotors) to stay in the air. In other words, the lifting force is provided by a non-powered free rotating wing or blade. That means, even if the air stops flowing, lift power isn’t lost.
Picture 2: Gyrocopters are among the safest rotorcrafts
Due to its unique ability, even if the engine failure occurs, gyros do not stall. The rotor starts slowing down, but keeps spinning, and therefore creating lift power. That allows the aircraft to descend gently – not just fall abruptly. In fact, as long as there is wind coming through the rotor blades, they will keep on spinning fast enough to fly and land you safely.
Picture 3: Gyrocopter has a rotor that turns because of the passage of air through the rotor from below.
Can You Take Cross-Country Flights in a Gyroplane?
Yes! Just like with airplanes, you can enjoy exploring new scenery and visiting new airports. However, some restrictions may affect where you can fly a gyroplane. In other words, you must comply with airspace restrictions and regulations covering certain geographical areas.
Gyroplanes can travel at over 160 km/h, and have enough fuel for at least 3 hours. They are designed to cope with the most diverse demands and weather conditions. Thanks to the interchangeable open and closed canopies, any panorama can be enjoyed to the max. So, if you just want to go out to the airport and play for a couple hours, or travel across the country, these gyros are up to it.
Take a Plunge and Gain the Certificate to Fly!
Gyrocopters really are a fascinating piece of aviation history and engineering. They’re a niche product, but a fun one to fly. It’s no wonder that they’ve developed such a dedicated following of enthusiasts! In many countries, there are more gyroplanes being certified than fixed wing aircraft. We look forward to exploring the world of gyroplanes and hope you’ll stick around for the ride.
What We Do
Objava Gyrocopter Training: Get Your Rotors Running pojavila se prvi puta na avio-academy.com.
]]>Gyrocopter Kit: Should you Build or Buy?
Gyrocopters have been around since the 1920’s. Easy to navigate, single seated aircrafts flying over the skyscrapers, with the average speed of 100km/h, have sparked the imagination of many. And since the very beginning, the magnificent appeal of gyrocopters has astonished and won the hearts of the aviation and rotorcraft audience.
From the far end of home-craft hobby development, and gyrocopter kits, gyros have reached the mass production in the last 20 years with companies AutoGyro and MagniGyro leading the gyrocopter market race.
Picture 1: AutoGyro Cavalon gyrocopter model price is between 90.000 – 118.000 EUR
Like many other aviation enthusiasts around the world who get hooked onto the adrenalin they get from the gyrocopter flight, it is reasonable to raise questions about gyrocopter equipment of your own. Afterall, you want your new ultralight aircraft parked in the backyard for a quick getaway.
Looking to find out more about gyrocopters and whether you should build one or buy one? Read on!
Gyrocopter Kit or Factory Built Model?
The decision on whether you should buy the gyrocopter kit and assemble it on your own, or whether you should buy the factory model, will depend on several factors:
- Your gyrocopter budget
- The level of comfort you want to experience
- Prior gyrocopter experience and the rotorcraft knowledge
- Experience with gyrocopter mechanics and assembly
- Time and the level of effort you’d like to invest
Whichever gyrocopter model you decide to take home, it will grant you the amazing experience you will love. And even though the home made models don’t offer the same level of comfort as factory designs, they offer exotic appeal and promise great adventure.
Gyrocopter Kit Cost and Assembly
Gyrocopter kits have developed in the early stage of gyroplane history. Since the gyrocopter development was abandoned after the war, the gyros were considered to be experimental aircraft.
There wasn’t any mass production until recently, and there were limited ways to get your hands on the gyrocopter models. Gyrocopter kits, home assembled ultralight aircraft, have become a trend between the aviation beginners.
The online options for gyrocopter kits range from basic models that are easily assembled, to more high-tech solutions that take more than 100 hours to build.
Using the design specifications from the specialized gyrocopter kit websites, along with the niche market of avio part-s, the home built gyrocopter can be produced with the price of less than 10.000 EUR.
Picture 2: Gyrocopter kits for sale
Ultralight Gyrocopter Purchase
In the last 20 years the autogyro development has progressed towards factory-built production and sales. Technical development, along with the design and safety improvements, have made autogyro the safest flying rotorcraft.
Although they look similar to helicopters, gyrocopter construction and the principle of flying is completely different. Simply put, gyrocopters use an unpowered motor, spinning blades on top, to provide lift. Instead, gyrocopters have a propeller engine on the back that harnesses wind energy to provide thrust.
What makes gyrocopter the safest ultralight aircraft is that they do not stall. Due to their constat autorotation, even if the air stops flowing, the lift won’t be lost and the aircraft will continue to fly slowly. This allows gyrocopters to descend gently and safely.
High tech models from AutoGyro offer customized developments and special solutions. Each gyro model designed in their factory in Hildesheim can serve both as sports and professional application. Cavalon, MTO Sport, Calidus – choose your favorite model and fly into the sky adventure.
Picture 3: AutoGyro Calidus gyrocopter model price is between 70.000 – 95.000 EUR
The next best choice from factory, ready to drive model ultralight gyrocopters are Orion, Voyager and Tandem Trainer from Italian company MagniGyro.
Picture 4: Orion gyrocopter by MagniGyro
How Much Does a Gyroplane Cost?
Depending on your gyrocopter preferences – number of seats, model and the gyrocopter design, the price can vary. The starting price for factory model one-seat gyrocopter is 60.000 EUR. Models like MTO Sport from AutoGyro and Magni Gyro Orion, are the best options for beginners that like to take their adventure to the next level.
The estimation of the total cost of flying a gyrocopter is about $50 per hour including maintenance, fuel and insurance costs. This is less than a quarter of the cost of a helicopter per hour. Some of the gyrocopters can can carry enough fuel on board for three hours’ flight.
The gyroplane requires regular automotive fuel in its 100-horsepower engine.
What do You Need to Know Before Purchasing Autogyro?
Do you need a licence to fly a gyroplane?
Both experienced and beginner pilots require licence to fly gyroplanes solo. An existing pilot with a minimum of a sport pilot licence may operate a gyrocopter after obtaining a gyroplane endorsement on their existing pilot license.
Read our article about Gyrocopter Training and get your moters running!
Once you finish the training, you will have to access the theory test known as the General Flying Test and apply for the Private Pilot Licence. The cost of the licence varies in different countries.
How to get a gyrocopter pilot licence?
Today many private gyroplane schools offer training. Depending on your skills, the gyrocopter pilot school usually takes around 30-40 hours. Hence, at least 15 hours under dual instruction and 10 hours of solo flying under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
How big is a gyroplane?
With wheel spanning 2m, a typical single-seat gyroplane is about 4.25 m long and 4 m high. Empty weight is about 227 kg. The maximum weight for ultralight aircraft is 450kg .
Picture 5: MTO Sport by AutoGyro
How fast can gyroplanes fly?
The most gyrocopter fly at 70km/h to 100km/h. Pal-V One is a motorcycle and gyrocopter and that costs $395,000 can fly the speed of 180km/h.
How high do gyrocopters fly?
most pilots like the scenery at the lower altitudes, most gyrocopters fly under 900 m above the ground. Specially designed gyroplanes have gone almost 6,096 m high.
Ready for Gyroplane Experience
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]]>Autogyro: The Finest Form of Mobility
The Beginning of Autogyro
Autogyro, predecessor of today’s gyrocopter, became popular during the 1930s and 1940s as the first successful rotary-wing aircraft. Its name was derived from the self stabilization accomplished by a four-bladed horizontal screw turned by wind produced in sky. Initial testing began in 1920, and it first successfully flew in 1923. As described in Fortune magazine (March, 1936) it was “the only basic contribution to the art of flight since the Wright brothers rode a biplane into the air in 1903”.
Who Invented the Autogyro?
Video 1. Ken Wallis showing us how to fly
Autogyro was invented to solve the main issue: How to design an aircraft that won’t crash from the engine stalling? This question was prompted by the failure of Cierva’s project. In 1919, Cierva entered an aircraft design contest producing a large three-engine bomber, piloted by Captain Julio Ríos Argüeso, crashed in its initial flight due to the engine stalling.
However, Cierva was passionately committed to developing a safe means of air travel that he didn’t give up. Between 1920 and 1923 he progressively developed autorotation in a series of models, the C.1, C.2 and C.3, but it would be his fourth model that would conquer the air. His designs served as the basis for all future rotary wing aircraft and were later licensed to companies in the UK, the US and elsewhere.
Future Flying Cars
In the later years, stunning aircraft was produced in America by Cierva-licensee Harold F. Pitcairn. In February 1929, Pitcairn purchased the U.S. rights to Cierva’s inventions and the autogyro patents, and established the Pitcairn-Cierva Autogiro Company for licensing its manufacture in the United States. The autogyro had a few years of popularity in the States.
Flying Cars in the Present
A gyroplane renaissance began in Europe in the 2000s, due to advancements in design and more favorable regulations that permitted the sale of factory-completed aircraft to European customers. Gyrocopters turned out to be easy to manoeuvre and possess extremely low operating costs. The cost of operating a gyrocopter is around €80 to €120 per flight hour. Thus, they are perfectly suited for leisure flights across Europe. Consequently, in 2003 in Germany, autogyros were allowed to be registered as ultralight aircraft.
Nowadays, several manufacturers are producing aircraft at high rates that would astonish many helicopter makers and compete in the owner-pilot market. Today’s prominent gyroplane manufacturers include Skyworks Global, AutoGyro, Magni Gyro, ELA Aviación and Silverlight Aviation, and seem capable of producing well-engineered products.
Autogyros are still mostly used in recreational flying, nature observation and sightseeing, but also increasingly in law enforcement and for surveillance flights. According to ARTS: “The police in Brandenburg, Germany, assessed an AutoGyro MT-03 in 2007 for traffic monitoring as well as search and pursuit operations.“ Moreover, gyros play a big role as an inspiration in the game industry. For instance, an open-world game “7 Days to Die”, included gyrocopter within its vehicles.
Sebastian Thrun is Juan de la Cierva of the Modern Age?
In 2010 Sebastian Thrun launched Kitty Hawk. It’s a startup that is testing two personal airborne vehicles — Cora and Flyer, which would essentially be future flying cars. As described in WIRE: “It’s the kind of vehicle that anyone can learn to fly in 15 minutes. The computer does all the hard work, so the human is just left to do the things that people are really good at. Look out the window, decide where you want to go, and just point the stick to where you want to go, and land.”
Media is getting more involved into the whole story. Hence, designboom published that Nirvana autogyro’s gyrodrive becomes world’s first street legal flying car.
Autogyros have drawn special attention of Uber and other air taxi startups. Uber decided to contract with manufacturers and help coordinate efforts to work out regulation, build infrastructure, and develop an air-traffic management system. A company Jaunt Air Mobility is the newest airframe partner with Uber, which is attempting to define and dominate the aerial ride-sharing concept called urban air mobility (UAM). Once that’s all settled and companies start delivering aircraft, Uber would pull them into an urban “on-demand aviation” service.
Learn how to fly with gyroplane with gyrocopter training!
The Future Is All Blue Sky
Autogyros marked a departure from conventional fixed wing aircraft and an attempt to fill a role that airplanes couldn’t. They were the first successful rotary wing aircraft to fly. It’s surely going to be very interesting to follow their future development. While the ground infrastructure of roads is one dimensional, the sky is three-dimensional, and much larger. The ground is getting more and more crowded. And, making personalized flight available to more people really opens up a set of new experiences. It looks like the dream of flying cars is starting to become reality!
We hope you’ve found this article helpful.
What We Do
Objava Autogyro: The Finest Form of Mobility pojavila se prvi puta na avio-academy.com.
]]>Gyrocopter: A Hobby of a Lifetime Transformed
From novelty and hobby of a few, gyrocopters are progressing towards the mainstream sky. Gyrocopter, gyroplane, autogyro, gyro – call them what you like, are one of the safest aircrafts designed. Easy to fly, fun and adventurous, gyrocopters have been one of the favorite toy aircrafts for amateure pilots around the world since the 1930s’.
Gyrocopter, the last remaining secret of the aviation community, surged in popularity with the appearance in hollywood movies. Staring in James Bond’s You only Live Twice, the singles-seat, open cockpit aircraft, raised question and won the hearts of hobby aircraft society. From that point on, autorotating gyroplane aircraft, has become the object of home development and transformation, with crafty designs and many user improvements.
Picture 1: James Bond Little Nelly Gyrocopter – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Little_Nellie.jpg
In the last century, gyrocopters have lived up to its renaissance. With the latest technology developments, it became much more affordable and accessible to many. In many countries today, gyroplanes are present everywhere – from transportation, adrenaline adventure sport, hobby and sightseeing.
From the First Take off To Flight around The World
The gyrocopter predates the helicopter, having been invented in the early 1920s by the Spaniard Juan de la Cierva. The idea behind the gyrocopter development was to produce aircraft that could be flown safely at low airspeed. De la Cierva’s aircraft was equipped with a conventional propeller for forward flight and an articulated, or hinged, air-powered rotor.
The first takeoff happened at the oldest Spanish airport in Madrid, Cuatro Vientos Airfield in 1923. Only two years later, in 1925., De la Cierva’s Gyrocopter has flown for 8 minutes crossing the distance of 10.5 km, a significant accomplishment for any rotorcraft of the time.
Electrical Gyrocopter Future
Due to the high commute in cities and the never ending human struggle with time save, urban aviation along with the tech giants, are on a quest to launch an electrical gyrocopter design back in the air.
At the moment two companies, Skyworks Global and Jaunt Air Mobility, are working on their model of electric air taxis called eGyro. This could make public transportation, along with the private transportation, much faster and pleasant.
According to WIRED ‘Among the many configurations being developed for future electric air taxis—everything from drone-like multirotor affairs to machines with both wings and tilting propellers—the gyroplane might prove to be the most readily adaptable to the task, given its simplicity and known safety characteristics.’
What is the Difference Between Gyrocopter and Helicopter?
There’s one basic fact that must be comprehended before any important talk of gyroplanes can occur: They are not helicopters. They operate very differently and use different mechanic. This confusion between the two kinds of rotorcraft has been increased by the low number of gyroplanes compared to helicopters. A gyroplane can do everything a helicopter can do except hover and take off vertically.
Gyrocopters are a blend of a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft. The significant contrast between a gyroplane and a helicopter is that the rotor of the gyroplane isn’t coupled to the engine. The rotor begins to turn as a result of flying in the air – the auto-rotatory principle – which produces the uplift required for flight. Because of the progressive standards behind its flight, the gyrocopter is likewise referred to pros as the “flying windmill.”
Both gyrocopters and helicopters are very charming and interesting rotorcraft. Moreover, they are capable of different and specific manoeuvres and uses compared to fixed-wing aircraft.
How Does a Gyrocopter Work?
Modern gyrocopters are very different from the first gyroplanes developed in the 1920s, but the principle of work has remained the same.
A gyroplane is a rotorcraft type that utilizes an unpowered rotor in autorotation to create lift. At the same time, an engine-powered propeller on gyrocopter, similar to that of a fixed-wing air ship, gives push to the plane. Because of a separate engine/propeller that provides forward thrust, gyrocopters are much safer than helicopters.
In the event of an engine failure, the gyrocopter will descend, while the main rotor blades will continue to rotate and provide lift due to the continued airflow through. Throughout flight, the gyroplane is therefore in a continuous state of autorotation and behaves similarly to a fixed wing aircraft, except that its wing rotates.
How to Fly ?
Now that we have established what gyrocopters are and how they work, it’s time to learn how to fly them. At least in theory, and then eventually in the sky.
Gyrocopters are easier to fly as they only have three flight controls: rudder pedals, a throttle and a control stick. For beginners, who have never flown before, this type of control over the aircraft is much simpler than a plane or helicopter. In addition to this, gyrocopters don’t require as much space to be able to take off or land as aeroplanes or helicopters do. Most gyrocopters nowadays only require around 4,5 m of runway to go up in the sky and around 6 m landing. That means they can be flown from practically everywhere. All you need is a garden big enough, and you’re away!
Pilot Training
Have you ever consider commuting to your office using your personal helicopter? What about a quick trip for a weekend getaway? With more and more gyroplane pilot training schools opening, this is about to become the future. Given the fact that the technology is making gyroplane technology more accessible in the near future we can expect to have the air flying trend and further development of private plane infrastructure, making the sky more available to everyone.
Gyroplane is an aircraft that falls under the classification of the light sport which does not require an extensive medical analysis as for the plane pilot. The medical exam is the same as for the driving licence. And while it is up to your skills on how much training and pilot exercise you need to fly a gyrocopter, you will have to approach the Private Pilot Exam before flying solo.
For an individual without any prior pilot training or experience, it usually takes up to 40 hours of gyrocopter training, both solo and with instructor, to approach the pilot exam. Most of the gyrocopter enthusiasts then either rent gyrocopters to start their flying adventure, or decide to purchase a gyrocopter.
Above all, there are plenty of quality simulators, console games, and computer games where a ground-locked plane pilot can get his sky-fix in. It’s practically an embarrassment of riches. Our favorite choices for autogyro simulation trainings are FSX and X-Plane.
What are Advantages?
For the aviation beginners, gyroplane’s simplicity makes it as easy for sky introduction. Moreover, gyrocopters are easy to maintain as a motorcycle. Also, you can fly them under sport-pilot rules with a “driver’s license” medical.
The most common single-seat gyroplane is about 4.25 m long and 2.4 m high, with wheels spanning 2 m. Empty weight is about 227 kg. Having these numbers in mind, it is clear that gyrocopters are easier for transportation.
- Small and versatile aircraft and small.
- It can fly at low speed, safely. At zero forward airspeed a gyro will slowly descend, to a survivable landing.
- Gyrocopter can land anywhere.
- It can takeoff from almost anywhere.
- Less complicated than helicopters, resulting in lower acquisition cost – much less complicated rotor hub.
- Lower running costs than helicopters.
Cost and Maintenance
Both the purchase and the operational/maintenance costs are low, infinitely inferior to those of helicopters and fixed-wing aircrafts.
The flight autonomy of the gyrocopter is similar to that of an airplane. Its fuel consumption is significantly lower than that of a helicopter. Given its high operational and takeoff flexibility it is easy to set up gyrocopter refueling points, increasing their range of flight. If necessary, it is possible to attach an additional fuel deposit to double the radio or flight distance.
MagniGyro, ELA Aviation and Trixy Aviation Products. Depending on your design preference, the open cabin or the closed one, speed and other aircraft preference, the price of the gyrocopter can vary. The starting price of the gyrocopter is 60.000 EUR and you can take a look at different gyrocopter models over here.
Safety
Most sport gyrocopters aren’t cute and beautiful. For years, they have been built and developed by the hobby gyrocopter crafters around the world. But, there is no denial, of the magnetic appeal and the fun the gyrocopter aircraft promises.
The question of gyrocopter safety has been complex in the aviation society, and it is closely connected to marginalized gyrocopter development in the past. Since the gyrocopter pilot schools are expanding, and the technology is being development by the big tech and aviation giants, this has changed in the last decade or so.
Due to the lack of training and design imperfection, the 1st generation of gyrocopter was considered to be dangerous. New aviation regulations, along with the improved gyrocopter designs for extended stabilization, has made it the world’s safest aircraft.
With a little bit of gyrocopter school and the formal pilot training offered by FAA certified flight instructors in your country, the gyrocopter safety is ensured and your sky adventure can begin.
Experience
Gyrocopters are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. Want to take your adventure to the skies, as a tourist or as a hobby pilot? Gyrocopter experience is cost-effective, accessible and beautiful in every way.
In summary, gyroplanes are easy and safe to fly if you get competent instruction and fly like you were instructed.
What We Do
Objava Gyrocopter: A Hobby of a Lifetime Transformed pojavila se prvi puta na avio-academy.com.
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