Learn to Fly Gyroplanes!

A gyroplane offers a unique experience for those interested in a different kind of aircraft. A gyroplane is is NOT an airplane and NOT a helicopter, but something in between. It has rotor blades like a helicopter, but they are not driven by the engine in the air. The mast holding the rotor is tilted backwards a few degrees and as the aircraft moves forward air flows up through the blades and provides rotation to keep them moving. However, the moving blades also develop lift which holds the aircraft in the air.

Whether you are new to flying or an established pilot come out and take a flight in the gyro it's a whole new experience!

About Rick Niles

Rick Niles is a Gold Seal Flight instructor in gyroplane and airplane. He holds airline transport pilot ratings for single and multi-engine airplane land, with commercial pilot privileges single-engine airplane sea, gyroplane and glider with over 3000 hours of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineer from the University of Southern California and a Master of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He has the experience required to provide dual instruction in the following airplanes:

  • Beechcraft Bonanza (BE36)
  • Cessna 150 (C150)
  • Cessna 152 (C152)
  • Cessna 172 (C172)
  • Cessna 310 (C310)
  • Cessna 414 (C414)
  • Piper Cherokee (P28A)
  • Piper Dakota (P28B)
  • Piper Arrow (P28R)
  • Piper Seminole (PA44)
  • Piper Seneca (PA34)
  • Socata Tampico (TB9)

Rick is based out of Tipton Airport which is located at the intersection of MD-198 (Fort Meade Road) and MD-32 in between Laurel and Odenton and just south of Fort Meade. The gyroplane is located in Hanger 80. When entering the airport turn left and it is the first large hanger on the right side. It is right past the FBO building with the flag poles.

About the Aircraft

All training will be in an Rotary Air Force 2000 GTX Gyroplane. It is the Cessna 172 of Gyroplanes that is, there were more RAF 2000 gyroplanes built than any other gyroplane. It has an enclosed cabin with side-by-side seating

Rick also owns a single-place Rotor Flight Dynamics Dominator open place gyroplane for his own personal use.

How much?

Gyroplane rental for dual-instruction is $140 / hour. Flight instruction is $60 / hour. Each hour of flight instruction includes a free hour of ground instruction. In the course of normal instruction that is more than enough ground time, but will require some home self-study. Most lessons are fuel/weight limited and last less than one hour.

For more information see our FAQs page