Frequently Asked Questions
about Gyroplanes
What is
the difference between a helicopter and a gyroplane?
Can a gyroplane hover?
Can a gyroplane take-off and land vertically?
Will a gyroplane stall?
How slow/fast can a gyroplane fly?
What happens if the engine quits?
How long does it take to learn how to fly a gyroplane?
I am an experienced fixed wing/helicopter pilot what training do
I need?
How are gyroplanes in windy conditions and turbulence?
How stable are gyroplanes?
What are experimental aircraft and LSA aircraft?
What kind of license is required to fly a gyroplane?
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.
Can a
gyroplane hover?
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.
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.
Will a gyroplane stall?
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.
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.
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.
How long does it
take to learn 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.
I am an experienced fixed wing/helicopter pilot do I need training?
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.
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.
How stable are gyroplanes?
Gyroplanes that meet the ASTM stability standards are quite stable.
What are Experimental Aircraft?
Aircraft that are not fully certificated (as Cessnas or Beechcraft are) are
classified as experimental. This means they have not met the stringent
airworthiness standards for certificated aircraft.
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.
