Have you always wanted to be able to fly?  Do you want to train to become a Gyrocopter pilot? 

Gyrocopter flying training is provided by the Gyrocopter Academy (part of the same organisation as the Gyrocopter Experience)*.  The Gyrocopter Academy has fully trained flying instructors who can teach you to fly Gyrocopters.  The flying training follows the official CAA sylabus for PPL(G) licence.  This will enable you to fly Gyrocopters for pleasure and also take passegers (subject to medical restrictions).

If you have never flown before then the process is as follows :

Step 1 : Have an Experience flight to feel for yourself the total exhilaration that you get when you fly in these spectacular machines.  The cheapest way is to attend a group experience flight with the Gyrocopter Experience as described on this web site however if you are really interested in learning to fly then you can book a single introductory lesson.

This is one to one training session with your instructor and includes an extended briefing and a one hour flight in a Gyrocopter.  You will also fly from the pilot's seat right from the start, it is truly amazing.

Step 2 : Book an introductory course for a week's flying with your instructor.  This is a 5 day course and you will be one of two students on the course.  It is fully hands on flying - but expect to spend at least as much time on the ground learning and studying all aspects of flying.  There is so much more to learning to fly than simply hands on control in the air.  It will be hard work, but at the end of the week, most students are able to control a Gyrocopter safely in the air.  Most students will just be beginning to land by the end of the week but most landings will be assisted by the instructor.

Step 3 : Have a few weeks break from the traning (it can be very tiring and we have found that people who take a break actually let their mind consolidate what they have learned).  In your second week of training, most students will concentrate on take-offs and landings.  Round and round in the circuit - taking off, flying around the airfield and landing.  This week can be the most intense week of the training and takes lots of practice.  It can also be very frustrating as just as you are mastering it, the wind will change in strength and direction and you have to practice further.  It is very satisfying to know that you have mastered the art of landing and taking off.

Step 4 : Have another few weeks break and then gear up for probably the most exciting experience of your life.  if your training has been going well you will find that this week is all about emergencies.  What to do if the engine fails for example although this is of course no reason to panic because the Gyrocopter will still be as controllable with the engine stopped as it is with the engine going.  Once you have mastered what to do in emergency situations you should be ready for your first solo flight.  This is something that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Step 5 : Just because you have gone solo does not mean that you are ready for your licence.  Now that you have learned to control the Gyrocopter and able to cope with emergencies it is now time for you to learn to really fly.  This takes practice and confidence.  You will need to do at least 10 hours of solo flight and go on at least two cross country trips and land at different airfield.  The fun factor is tremendous.  All these solo flights will be supervised by your instructor.  You will also fly regularly with your instructor, especially if you have gaps in your training.

Step 6 : It is now time to take your GFT (General Flying Test).  This is when you meet an FI(E) [examiner] who will test that you can fly safely.  If you pass then you can apply for your PPL(G) and you can officially call yourself a Gyronaught!

Note that throughout your training you will need to study for your theory exams.  These are multiple choice exams in Air Law, Meteorology, Human Performance, Navigation and Gyroplane Technical.  These are generally taken as ground school and run in parallel with your course (or as evening classes during the winter months).  You can expect to spend about as much time in ground school as you do actually flying - but dont panic, ground school can be fun too.  The Gyrocopter Academy prides itself on professional flying training both in the classrooom and in the air.

Learning to fly costs £120 per hour whilst you are flying and £40 per hour for ground school training.  You must complete 40 hours of flying training before you can apply for your PPL(G).  If you want to do your training in your own Gyrocopter then the cost is £80 per flying hour for dual instruction and £60 per hour for solo supervision.  In addition you will require a medical ceritifcate and there will be a further cost for your exams.

If you have any further questions then please do contact us.

* The Gyrocopter Experience and The Gyrocopter Academy are both brand names of The Gyrocopter Company UK Ltd (Co reg no SC329193)