Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa
I regard gyrocopters as the motorcycles of the air. When I was in my 20s I would have flown in one. I would have bought and flown a Weedhopper 40 Ultralite (see photo) if I could have afforded it. Presently, my injuries preclude me from even mounting a gyrocopter, but I wouldn't do it even if I were able, just as I wouldn't ride a motorcycle.
I'm sure that flying a gyrocopter is exhilarating. I have flown small helicopters that weren't much larger, and always removed the doors.
I wouldn't discourage anyone who would like to fly one, but it wouldn't be for me even if I were physically fit. I would suggest that anyone who wants to give it a try should be sure to get a model that is "FAA type certified," just as I would want for fixed wing aircraft that I would fly.
There is also a significant qualifier regarding only needing a valid driver's license in lieu of a flight medical exam for a Sport Pilot's License. You must not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make you unable to operate a light-sport aircraft in a safe manner.
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Correct on the drivers license and good health. Any pilot needs to take stock in their health before flying anything. There is only one Gyroplane currently FAA certified in the USA and it is the AutoGyro Calidus. Its certified under the Primary Catagory. All of the others are in the Experimental Catagory. Gyroplanes are big in Europe. The Light Sport Aircraft certification is done to ASME Standards in the USA. This reduces much of the cost. I've flown a large number of aircraft and this one is more fun then any of the others.