FAQ gyro general
Frequently Asked Questions about Gyroplanes (text from www.xenongyroplanes.com)
1-What is the difference between a helicopter and a gyroplane?
2-Can a gyroplane hover?
3-Can a gyroplane take-off and land vertically?
4-Will a gyroplane stall?
5-How slow/fast can a gyroplane fly?
6-What happens if the engine quits?
7-How long does it take to learn how to fly a gyroplane?
8-I am an experienced fixed wing/helicopter pilot what training do I need?
9-How are gyroplanes in windy conditions and turbulence?
10-How stable are gyroplanes?
11-What are experimental aircraft and LSA aircraft?
12-What kind of license is required to fly a gyroplane?
1-What is the difference between a helicopter and a gyroplane?
A helicopter’s rotor is driven by the engine while a gyroplane’s rotor is merely pushed by the air passing up through the rotor.
A gyroplane cannot hover but can often fly as slow as 15-20 mph. In a 20 mph wind a gyro could fly in place.
3-Can a gyroplane take-off and land vertically?
A gyroplane needs a short take-off run from 100-500 feet. A pre-rotator helps the rotor spin up and shortens the take-off roll. Most pre-rotators spin to 150 rpm however the Xenon pre-rotator goes up to 280-300 rpm shortening the take-off roll to 200-300 feet. Landing in a gyroplane can usually be done in about 15-25 feet.
A gyroplane cannot stall. If the stick is held back completely the gyro eventually stops climbing and enters a slow controlled vertical descent. This is a fun maneuver practiced by many gyro pilots. To continue flying the back pressure on the stick is released and the gyro immediately begins normal forward flight.
5-How slow/fast can a gyroplane fly?
Minimum flight speed is approximately 15-20 mph. With a 20 knot wind a gyro can appear to hover. The Xenon 912 version can fly about 110 mph while the turbo versions can exceed 120 mph.
How high can a gyroplane fly?
Most gyroplanes have trouble at altitudes over 7,500 feet. The service ceiling for the Xenon is 15,000 feet but most gyro flying is done from 500 to 1,500 feet above ground level.
6-What happens if the engine quits?
An engine failure is usually a non event as a gyro flies the same with or without its engine since the rotors continue to turn and provide lift. Most gyro pilots regularly practice engine out landings.
7-How long does it take to learn how to fly a gyroplane?
Learning to fly a gyro is relatively easy. New pilots can earn a Sport Pilot license in approximately 20-40 hrs. Experienced helicopter or fixed wing pilots usually need 5-25 hours of transition training.
8-I am an experienced fixed wing/helicopter pilot what training do I need?
Gyros fly differently than either a fixed wing or helicopter. The actual flying is very easy but take-offs and landings require some transition training no matter your current skill level. Expect 5-25 hours of training.
Where can I get training and how much do I need?
Xenon gyroplane dealer centers can train you in your aircraft or in ours. If you have no pilot experience you can expect 40-60 hours for a full private pilot’s license or 20-40 hours for a Sport Pilot License.
9-How are gyroplanes in windy conditions and turbulence?
Because the cabin is hanging like a pendulum under the rotor blades and the rotors are flexible the ride in a gyro is far more comfortable than a fixed wing airplane in turbulence. The pilot will work a bit harder but the passengers may barely notice any turbulence.
Gyroplanes that meet the ASTM stability standards are quite stable.
11-What are experimental aircraft and LSA aircraft?
Aircraft that are not fully certificated (as Cessna’s or Beechcraft are) are classified as experimental. This means they have not met the stringent airworthiness standards for certificated aircraft.
12-What kind of license is required to fly a gyroplane?
The Xenon can be flown with a private pilot’s license with a rotorcraft gyroplane rating or with a Sport Pilot license.