Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gyroplane?
A gyroplane is an aircraft that 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.Can I get my gyroplane pilot certificate?
Yes, BUT! I encourage you to look in Title 14 part 61 of the code of federal regulation for the details of the requirements for gyroplane rating. If you have an existing Pilot's license (e.g. Airplane) you do not to take another knowledge test. One of the major requirements for getting your gyroplane rating is solo flight time.Can I solo in your gyroplane?
No. Unfortunately there are very few gyroplane with normal operating certificates. Almost all (including mine) are operating under an experimental certificate. It is not legal to rent an experimental aircraft.What? Experimental Aircraft?
Most gyroplane are given airworthiness certificates under the Experimental Amateur-Built rules. This isn't as scary as it sounds. My gyro was built my with 100% supervision of a FAA certified aircraft and power plant (A&P) mechanic with many years of experience. I share a hanger with a number of other A&P mechanics that also review and offered comment on construction. A "normal" airworthiness certification requires an factory-built aircraft with a long involved process for the company to achieve certification. There has not been enough demand in the gyroplane world for a company to achieve that level of approval.Is it legal to give instruction in an experimental aircraft?
Not usually. However, because most gyros are experimental, the FAA has given me a Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) to allow me to give flight instruction in my gyroplane. The idea is that it is safer that gyroplane pilots receive some instruction rather than no instruction.How do I get meet my solo requirements for a gyroplane certificate?
You need to own a gyroplane! This is steep requirement and many people that fly with me are just looking to gain some experience and see how they like the class of aircraft.So can I just go buy a gyroplane?
Well, yes...BUT, if you buy an already built experiment aircraft you either need to have the original builder provide the annual inspection or find an A&P with an Inspection Authorization (IA) that is willing to sign off an experimental aircraft. Find this person first and many mechanics aren't willing to risk their certificate for your one aircraft.The other option is to build your own. That is what a lot of people have done including me. I can do my own annual condition inspection for my aircraft because I was granted a repairman's certificate when I got my airworthiness certificate for my gyroplanes.