Air Command Gyro Flight

The Air Command single-place gyroplane that I owned from 2001 to 2006. They have also been referred to as "gyrocopters" or "autogyros." They preceded the success of the helicopter by twenty years and helped to solve the riddles that helicopters had, even though the developer of the autogyro, Juan de la Cierva had no intention of advancing helicopter technology.

They use an unpowered, freewheeling main rotor to generate lift, while thrust is provided by a pusher propeller. This machine is powered by a 64 hp Rotax 532, carries 12 gallons of fuel, which is good for about two hours with reserves. It flies around the pattern at 50 mph, and cruises at 70 mph.

This particular machine is not an ultralight, nor is it a light sport aircraft. It was certificated in the Experimental - Amateur built category. A license is required to fly it (at least a solo student signoff). Anything worthwhile to do requires training and this is something that cannot be done by just jumping into it and going for it. There are many of our ancestors that tried the same approach with no success. If you're contemplating flying one of these fabulous machines, find a Gyro CFI or LSA instructor. They can be found on the Popular Rotorcraft Association website under "Flight Instruction."

Video courtesy of Jed Udall of Wild World Productions www.jedudall.com

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• gyrocopter
• gyroplane
• autogyro
• helicopter
• flying
• ultralight
• rotax
• air command
• autorotation
• gyro

[cfrankfly]

I saw one of these when they first came out.

Sorry they are no longer in production as far as I know.

I am a fixed wing pilot that was ground-briefed prior to flight.

I am sorry to say that I aborted the take-off just prior to rotation, no issues, just scared.

In hind site I should have continued to fly it as it was a really great machine fir it's time.

[rotorznwingz]

@cfrankfly I think it was probably a good idea to abort at the time. Just imagine trying to do the right rational thing if you're locked up scared. However, it's never too late to start flying again though. At least get some dual training somewhere.

[schlusselmensch]

Despite what practically everyone says, there was quite a thorough self training program laid out by Bensen in the early days that, if followed faithfully, allowed many pilots to fly their gyros safely without any one on one instruction. It is quite beneficial reading if you can find a copy. I don't suggest you do it (unless it is the only option and you just MUST fly) but the oft spouted "dual or die" is not really true.

[rotorznwingz]

@schlusselmensch In those early days, the "self-training" was accomplished with towline training, and was effective, since there really wasn't any dual training available. When two-place machines appeared, training effectiveness increased and the FAR Part 101 towline training has become virtually obsolete. Maybe you can present some data that the imperative to fly somehow diminishes the risk? Whatever happened to "takeoffs are optional, but landings are mandatory?"

[schlusselmensch]

@rotorznwingz If that is you in the clip, you are far too young to recall (you lucky bastard), but the towline training was a small part of the self train syllabus.

And there are still parts of the world where you could construct a giro and not be able to obtain dual. Are you still flying giros by the way?

[Giddimskennels]

Great flying great video.