Question 1

Why gyroplanes?

Accepted Answer

Put simply, gyroplanes are the safest, most dynamic way to fly. From their inception, gyroplanes were designed to completely eliminate the risk of stall or tailspin, and their free-spinning rotor blades allow for extremely low speeds and very short landing distance. They offer a broad range of possible speed, and provide comfort and safety even in strong winds and high turbulence. Gyroplanes are a fraction of the cost to own and maintain when compared to a helicopter, and require minimal storage space and set-up time, making them the perfect choice for any aviator.

Question 2

What rating do I need to fly a gyroplane?

Accepted Answer

If you're starting with no rating at all, you'll need a Sport Pilot rating to fly a gyroplane, which requires a minimum of 20 hours of flight time, including at least 15 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor and 5 hours of solo flight. Transitioning with a Private Pilot rating requires only a proficiency check and sign off from a certified instructor.

Question 3

How fast can a gyroplane go?

Accepted Answer

The fastest gyro developed by AutoGyro is the Calidus, with a maximum speed of 185kph/115mph. The Cavalon is slightly slower, with a maximum speed of 160kph/100mph.

Question 4

How high can I fly?

Accepted Answer

The record for maximum altitude reached by a gyroplane is 26,663 feet, set by an AutoGyro MTO Sport in 2014. In the United States, altitude at which one can act as pilot in command of an aircraft is limited by one's rating, and a Sport Pilot rating is limited to an altitude of under 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AFL.

Question 5

How far can I fly?

Accepted Answer

Both the AutoGyro Cavalon and the AutoGyro Calidus have a range of up to five hours. For the Cavalon, that equates to roughly 360 nautical miles. The Calidus has a slightly higher cruise speed, allowing it to travel approximately 430 nautical miles.

Question 6

Can I take off and land in the city?

Accepted Answer

Physically? Yes. Legally? Probably not.