Flight Training
The pattern of each flying session will be run as follows:
(1) Pre-flight briefing
(2) Flight training session
(3) Post flight briefing
The flight exercises as listed reflect a progression through familiarisation with the gyroplane and the basic handling skills to more complex manoeuvring and procedural flying. It is not however mandatory for a student to complete the exercises in strict number order if an instructor feels that the student would benefit from an earlier introduction to a later exercise.
The Training Course is split into phases with particular goals for the student to achieve:
Phase 1 Understanding the aircraft
Phase 2 Rotor control
Phase 3 Takeoffs, Circuits and Landings
Phase 4 General handling/flight accuracy
Phase 5 Advanced exercises
Phase 6 Emergencies
Phase 7 First Solo and solo consolidation
Phase 8 Cross Country Flying
Standard required at end of phase 1 and 2.
Although it is not normal to progress to the next phase until an adequate standard has been achieved on the previous one, phases 1 and 2 are an exception because there is obviously far too much to take in during one session. But because virtually all the elements of exercises 2 through 10 are repeated in every lesson, the instructor should ensure that the student displays an appropriate level of knowledge and competence in these two phases as the training progresses.
Standard required at end of phase 3.
Total understanding of all the potentially dangerous aspects of the take off under all possible flyable weather and surface conditions, and other situations and the ability to react to, abandon or control each situation so as to conduct a safe and successful take-off, circuit and landing.
To be able to deal effectively with an engine failure at any point of the take-off or climbout and at any point in the circuit.
Demonstration of a high degree of airmanship and knowledge of airfield and circuit procedures and disciplines.
Standard required at end of phase 4.
A level of competence in all general handling skills such that the student can progress to the flying 'procedures' without the mind being too overloaded to comprehend what is going on. However, perfection is not expected at this stage. Just a good understanding of the basic methods and principles and an obvious attempt to get it right. Perfection will develop later as basic skills improve with continued use and this applies to all the basic flying manoeuvres in phase 3.
Standard required at end of phase 5.
A thorough understanding of aerodynamic principles specific to the gyroplane that prohibit certain types of manoeuvre generally accepted as 'safe' in a conventional aeroplane.
A very high degree of understanding the reasons why, and of unquestionable ability to recognise the onset of dangerous attitudes, together with instinctive and immediate prevention of the aircraft from continuing into potentially dangerous conditions of flight.
The confidence and ability to fly the gyroplane safely and accurately close to the fullest extent of its permitted flight envelope and without ever exceeding it
Standard required at end of phase 6.
Ability to choose a suitable safe area, and to set up a good approach to land following any unexpected power loss simulation.
Ability to choose a suitable safe landing area, and to fly safely just above ground level, to check suitability of surface for subsequent take-off prior to a simulated precautionary landing. This requires demonstrating a high degree of understanding and control of low- level turbulence and awareness of obstacles, together with ability to coordinate turns correctly with regard to wind direction. Acute awareness of the dangers and rules associated with low flying, and consideration for noise and livestock etc.
Standard required at end of phase 7.
All flying skills and airmanship up to flight test standards for the flight exercises completed. Also an adequate knowledge of Air Law, general meteorology, local weather and the ability to predict if local conditions will remain suitable for continued flight. A reasonable standard of map reading ability is required at this stage.
Standard required at end of phase 8.
Good navigational ability. Good ability to predict weather. High degree of airspace awareness.High standard of airmanship. Impeccable radio telephony.
Single Seat Transition Training
The Irish Sport Rotorcraft Club has a detailed core syllabus for transitioning from a two seat gyroplane to a single seat gyroplanes. Due to the variances in aircraft design, flight characteristics and handling qualities, it is not comprehensive but acts as a detailed guide to Flight Instructors for transition training.
