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Frequently Asked Questions on Autogyro / Gyrocopter / Gyroplane / Autogiro
WHAT IS A GYROPLANE / AUTOGIRO / AUTOGYRO / GYROCOPTER?

"GYROPLANE" is an official term designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) describing an aircraft that gets lift from a freely turning rotary wing or rotor blades, and which derives its thrust from an engine-driven propeller. Historically, this type of aircraft has been known as autogiro and gyrocopter. These early names and their variants were filed as trademarks.

Gyroplanes derive lift from freely turning rotor blades tilted back to catch the air. The rushing air spins the rotor as the aircraft is thrust forward by an engine driven propeller. Early gyroplanes were powered by engines in a tractor (puller) configuration and were relatively heavy. Modern gyroplanes use pusher propeller and are light and maneuverable. With engine in the rear, the gyroplane has unobstructed visibility.

 
WHAT IS AUTOROTATION?

Oncoming airflow through the rotor causes it to spin, producing lift, this is called "AUTOROTATION".

 
HOW IS THE GYROPLANE DIFFERENT FROM A HELICOPTER?

A Gyroplane can fly more slowly than airplanes and will not stall, they can fly faster than helicopters but cannot hover. Since rotorblades on a gyroplane are powered only by the air (autorotation), much like a windmill, there is no need for a tail rotor for anti-torque. The gyroplane is a stable flying platform unlike a helicopter which pulls the air down through engine powered rotor blades making it possible to hover, but also making a helicopter complicated and expensive to fly. Due to the autogyro's inherent simplicity, it is easier to operate and less expensive to maintain than helicopters. Helicopters at high altitude and out of ground effect, avoid hovering whenever possible, to fix surveillance on one spot, proper procedure for all helicopters is to circle in a slow orbit and the same can be achieved by the Gyroplane also, but should have enough speed to keep its rotors running at the optimum RPM.

 
HOW SAFE IS THE GYROPLANE? WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE THE ENGINE FAILS DURING FLIGHT?

The first major safety feature is that since the rotor is not powered the Gyrocopter can land with slightly less control. Descending keeps the rotor turning and you can get horizontal distance for the loss of elevation. Of course with no power the Gyrocopter can land in a short distance, all you need is a small runway - just enough space to accommodate your rotor span, you won't go taxiing into something on landing. Of course the major drawback of Gyroplane as compared to a fixed wing is that it cannot be equipped with a rescue parachute and therefore incase of structural damage, safety can be a major issue.

 
ARE GYROPLANES EXPENSIVE TO OPERATE?

Though as compared to fixed wing aircraft, Gyroplanes are power and fuel hungry machines but the simplicity of Gyroplane design translatses directly into lower maintenance and more economical operation when compared to Helicopters in general.

 
WHAT FUEL DOES A GYROPLANE USE?

Gyroplanes having 80 to 100 hp engines use 92 Octane petrol (premium uleaded like "Speed", etc.), nowadays available at almost all petrol filling stations throughout India, but for those having more than 100 hp engines the recommended fuel is either 97 Octane Petrol (available in big cities only) or 100LL Avgas (not easily available even on airports).

 
DOES A GYROCOPTER NEED AIRSTRIP OR RUNWAY FOR OPERATING?

Gyroplane can have STOL (Short Take Off & Landing) capability in a strong nose wind conditions but otherwise they need approximately 100 metres of runway to take-off and land.

 
HOW HIGH AND FAST CAN A GYROPLANE FLY?

Normally Gyroplanes fly at an altitudes less than 2,000 feet ASL but they are capable of flying as high as 15,000 feet ASL. Though the VNE of an Autogyro may be higher, they economically cruise at speeds ranging between 100 to 160 kmph (depending upon the wind and weather conditions). Since Gyroplanes need more power (in comparison to their fixed wing cousins) to fly, they cannot fly faster and longer and are therefore good for short recreational hops only.

 
WHERE DO I PARK MY GYROPLANE?

A Gyroplane does not have wings, only a twin blade rotor, which makes it quite comfortable to park in small spaces. Moreover you can always tether its rotor blades in line with the main body, put it on a trailer, bring it home and park it in your garage, like a car.

 
DO I NEED A LICENCE TO FLY THE GYROPLANE?

Yes, the minimum eligibility is 17 years of age and 10th standard certificate, but otherwise in case you already have a valid Private Pilot Licence (PPL) (fixed or rotary wing) or higher, you are qualified to fly the Gyrocopter after certain minor formalities and 5 to 25 hours of hands-on experience.

 
CAN GYROPLANE BE UTILISED FOR TRAVELLING? ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS?

Autogyros / Gyroplanes like Microlights fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and are used the world over for personal transportation, sports and recreation. As to restrictions. under Indian rules, except for a few notified area, microlights are allowed to fly just about anywhere. Otherwise microlights can fly anywhere outside uncontrolled airspace subject to "Rules of Air". If you do want permission to fly in the controlled airspace, you must be in radio contact with the nearest ATC. You will be able to see from the map, where you can fly and where you can't. But nearly all microlights do actually fly in controlled airspace, all you do is file a flight plan with the nearest ATC and get the required permission to enter and fly. Basically with the right qualifications and equipment, you can just hop into your gyroplane and fly as and when you please.

 
HOW CAN GYROPLANES BE IMPORTED INTO INDIA?

As of now, until rules are formulated by the DGCA, import would not be allowed.

 
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