The association represents gyroplane pilots and enthusiasts in Southern Africa. We share the passion and pleasure of flying one of the most remarkable flying contraptions ever conceived.

What's in a name ?

Autogyro, autogiro, gyrocopter and gyroplane; are these all the same? The first gyroplanes to fly were essentially conventional light aircraft that had the wings shortened or removed and a set of rotor blades added. Autogyro and autogiro (the spelling used by original manufacturers like Pitcairn) was used to describe these puller-engine gyroplanes. Gyrocopter is actually a product name owned by the Bensen Gyrocopter Co. that started manufacturing pusher-engine gyroplanes in the 1950's. Just like not all swimming pool cleaners are Kreepy Kraulys, not all gyroplanes are Gyrocopters. The CAA and ATNS use the term gyroplane to describe these aircraft. Gyroplane or the shortened 'gyro' is most frequently used by pilots and enthusiasts of these magnificent flying machines.

What's so great about flying a gyroplane ?

Gyroplanes are safe. Because the rate at which the rotor turns is independent of the airspeed of the gyroplane, a gyroplane does not stall at low airspeed. A gyro will instead go into a controlled descent as engine power and airspeed fall below the minimum required for level flight. The rotor of a gyroplane is also not powered by the engine, but is in constant autorotation. Rotor RPM is therefore independent of engine power and the rotor will continue rotating as long as there is relative airflow over the rotor blades. By eliminating the two most critical and potentially dangerous attributes of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, the gyroplane provides a safe, stable flying platform for a well-trained pilot. In the event of a complete engine failure, a gyroplane can be safely controlled to a safe landing spot and landed with zero ground roll if necessary.

Gyroplanes are stable. A gyroplane's rotor blades are long and narrow and therefore need to rotate fast to produce enough lift to keep the aircraft airborne. The high wing loading of the rotor means only a small portion of the blade is in contact with a section of air at any given time. The long blades can also flex a great deal, absorbing rapid vertical direction changes. The rapid rotation of the rotor creates enormous rotational inertia that resists rapid changes in direction. All these attributes combine to make the gyroplane highly resistant to gusting wind and thermal conditions.

Gyroplanes are manoeuvrable. It may sound like a contradiction, but the same characteristics that make a gyroplane so stable also allows it to be turned around any axis with consummate ease. There are no large flying surfaces that need to be pushed onto the airflow in order to change direction. A well-trained pilot can make a gyroplane pirouette with ease and grace at a wide range of airspeeds.

Beware the unwary.

There is no aircraft that can compensate for an untrained or unsafe pilot. The controls and systems found on most gyroplanes may appear similar to those found on most conventional aircraft, but a thorough understanding of the small, but vital differences are required to safely fly a gyroplane. Although gyros can be easy and relaxing to fly, good training, and constant vigilance, even for experienced pilots, are absolutely essential. Many of the negative safety perceptions associated with gyroplanes are the result of overly confident but ill-informed pilots. Attitude and Altitude; as in all flying the lack of either will most likely cause your demise.

Flying in South Africa.

South Africans are blessed with perfect VFR weather conditions over most of the country for most of the year. The variety of nature areas from majestic mountains to lush woodland, from rolling green hills and flat grassland to bone dry desert provide breathtaking scenery for any outside-the-cockpit flier. The fairly well-interspersed cities mean that there is enormous open space to fly in, outside the congestion of controlled urban airspace. These factors create a fantastic flying environment for Ultralight, Microlight and Rotorcraft Travel. Many active pilots travel the country extensively and the few non-flying days are filled with many a Flying story.