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15 experiences found
Gyrocopter, gyroplane, autogyro or autogiro - they are all essentially the same thing, it's just a different name.
Gyrocopters might look like miniature helicopters but they're not. Unlike a helicopter, a gyro doesn't use powered rotor blades to provide the thrust. That's done by a propeller and engine at either the front or the rear of the aircraft. The blades above you auto-rotate when the wind rushes at them, making them turn and provide lift. That's the science bit for you and it's as simple as that really!
Yes she was! 'Little Nellie' featured in the 1967 James Bond film 'You Only Live Twice', having been shipped by Q to Bond in just four suitcases. She was designed, built and flown by Ken Wallis, a former Royal Air Force Wing Commander, now considered as the Godfather of modern gyroplanes.
No. But as Little Nellie's inventor Ken Wallis said when asked how much space a gyrocopter needed for take off: 'a small putting green will do', which is why they are excellent for surveillance work, as they can also very stable at low speeds.
We offering gyro flights ranging from 15-minute introductory flights, to 90-minute cross country adventures. All experiences times are from engine start up to shut down, including taxiing time. As for the range of a gyrocopter, on average, you can easily cruise the skies for around two hours, covering in the range of 130 miles on a full tank.
Yes they're safe and yes you get to fly it! Unlike other aircraft, gyros can't stall or spin. All our autogyro pilots are fully qualified and licensed, with all aircraft meeting current CAA safety regulations. As these experiences are operated at actual lessons, if you're up for it, you'll have the chance to take the controls of the gyrocopter during your flight.
Traditionally, autogyros are open cockpit. That means you get that 'wind-in-your-face', grass-roots aviation experience when you fly in one wearing a flying suit and full-face helmet. The configuration of the open-cockpit is tandem, meaning you will sit behind the instructor. Increasing numbers of 'new generation' autogyros are fully-enclosed. The little cabin is rather snug, but you are protected from the wind and you have the advantage of sitting side by side, so you can watch what your pilot does as they fly. Into The Blue has experiences in both types open and closed-cockpit gyroplanes.
If it's open cockpit you'll be wanting to wrap up with gloves and a flying suit, as it can feel pretty cold up there. Your instructor will advise you on what to wear and bring before you arrive for your flight.
If the power of the engine and the pluckiness of the pilot is there, a gyrocopter can climb to several thousand feet. For these experiences you will be flying at around 1000ft in your gyrocopter.
We work with gyrocopter operators and training schools based at airfields and aerodromes around the country. With a fair few on your books, it's the proof that gyrocopters really are a popular form of flight. Our current locations include:
