Gyrocopter Experiences & Lessons

Gyrocopter, gyroplane, autogyro or autogiro - they are all essentially the same thing, it's just a different name.

No! Gyrocopters might look like miniature helicopters but they're not. And no, they're not toys either, these are proper airworthy aircraft that you can fly in!

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.

Whilst they can't hover and execute sheer vertical take offs like helicopter, autogyros need very little space to take off and land and they can fly at very slow speeds, making them excellent for surveillance work. They are also a lot cheaper to buy and maintain than a heli, for an aircraft that flies almost as well as an entry-level chopper.

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'!

That all depends on the model of gyro you have, how many people are on-board and how big the fuel tank is. But on average, you can easily be cruising the skies for around two hours, covering in the range of 130 miles on a full tank. For these gyrocopter experiences, vouchers are offered in terms of flight time, usually giving you a 20, 30 or 60 minute flight.

To fly solo in a gyrocopter you do need a PPL(G) - that's to say Private Pilot's Licence (Gyrocopter). However, for these trial lessons no previous experience is necessary and if you're up for it, you'll be able to have a go at the controls during your flight too.

If you want to learn to fly a gyrocopter you will need to undertake a programme of training that includes theory and practical skills at a qualified training school. Whilst the cost is quite significant, it's a lot less expensive than learning to fly a helicopter or a plane. Likewise, our gyrocopter lessons start at under £50, making them a lot cheaper than light aircraft or heli lessons.

Unlike other aircraft, gyros can't stall or spin. However, there's an inherent risk involved in flying, no matter what form of aircraft you use to get up into the sky. All our autogyro pilots are fully qualified and licensed, with all aircraft meeting current CAA safety regulations.

Traditionally, autogyros are indeed open cockpit. Having said all that, there are increasing numbers of new generation gyros that are fully enclosed. The little cabin is rather snug, but it does mean you are protected from the wind a lot more. And you have the advantage of a side by side cockpit, so you can sit next to your pilot and learn and awful lot by watching what they are doing as they fly. We've got experiences in both types of gyro.

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:

• Essex
• Hampshire
• Yorkshire
• Kent
• Perthshire
• Oxfordshire
• Northamptonshire
• Lake District
• Yorkshire
• Wiltshire
• Devon
• Doncaster