The Gyrocopter Experience

Advanced Training

When you have completed your PPL(G) training and obtained your licence - now it's time to really learn how to fly! When you have achieved around 50 hours of flying time since passing your test it is worth considering some advanced flying. In particular:

Spot landing techniques - with and without power.

There is no doubt about it, being able to land in a very short space is one of the specialities of a Gyro, but being able to spot land with an accuracy of about 10ft takes a lot of skill and judgement... and of course all the judgements depend upon the current strength of the wind.? There are techniques that can be taught and practiced, and practicing them with an instructor is a lot safer than practicing them yourself!? As they say "It's not the flying that hurts, it's the hitting the ground!"

Safe low flying

There are rules regarding low flying but there are places where it is perfectly acceptable, but the dangers of low flying are always present.? The importance of maintaing a safe speed for the height you are flying and making 100% accurate balance turns cannot be overstressed and at all times it is vital that you fly according to the current wind conditions.? Learn how to reduce the risks for low flying.

Navigation, Busy airfields and Controlled Airspace

The majority of Gyro flying can be done away from busy airfields and controlled airspace but why should you. There can be additional pressure, in particular talking to a busy Air Traffic Contol unit but it could make long journeys easier if you have the confidence and skill to?go through controlled airspace and not always have to divert around it.? Practice this type of advanced navigation with your instructor.? It's not as scary as it sounds.

Type Conversions

When you want to fly a different model of Gyrocopter you will have to have training specifically on that type, it is a requirement of your licence.? Work with your instructor to learn about the idiosynchracies of your own machine, even if it is the same model that you trained on.? If you know its limits you will be much better placed to enjoy your new machine to its full potential.

Learn to fly from the rear seat

It can be challenging to learn to fly from the rear seat - for one, you probably wont be able to see any of the instruments and flying really will be "by the seat of your pants".? Unless you hold an instructors rating, it is only legal to fly from the rear seat if you have a qualified pilot sitting in the front seat who is ultimately in control of the aircraft.? Learn to fly safely from the rear seat with a qualified instructor in the front.? This is a vital part of your training and a pre-requsite for taking your AFI entrance flight.

Assistant Flying Instructor Preparation

When you want to become a flying instructor you will have to fly (from the rear seat) with an ability that is far superior that was required when you sat your General Flying Test.? In particular you will have to take off and land in weather conditions that you may be tempted to leave for another day - you will also have to be able to land safely in the event of a real emergency - no matter the circumstances.? Combine all of the above advanced training and ensure that you are ready for your AFI entrance flight with confidence.

Remember the 3 golden rules:

  1. You can never have too much training
  2. You are never to old (or too experienced) to learn new things
  3. You will always learn something new by flying with a different instructor