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
What We Do