The Best Gyrocopter Resources Page, Period!
There is a huge interest in autogyros by people who have visited this site recently. I have written one article introducing the gyrocopter already but that's far from enough to satisfy the curious minds. Trying to find well structured information about this wonderful aircraft using the available search engines can also be a real pain (unless you have found this page ;)).
To solve this problem, I have invested several hours in creating a resource page about autogyros that will help you find a lot of useful information in one place. Save your time and use this page as a reference source about gyrocopters. If you think some important resource or category is missing, let me know in the comments.
Gyrocopter Pictures
Here are four pictures of nice autogyros. Click on each picture to see it in full size. The good thing about pictures on Flickr is that you can use some of them on your website or blog (under certain conditions).
 By cvknet |  By JoostJB |  By JoostJB |  By barrettyman |
Some good gyrocopter images can also be found at these websites: photobucket.com; http://www.flythailand.com/id21.htm; unc.edu; www.luftaufnahmen-hannover.de; http://www.vortechonline.com/bensen/; http://www.skyadventures.co.za/gyrocopter.htm; http://www.kate.aviators.net/gyro1.htm; and of course your favorite search engine.
Note that except the images from Flickr, most of the others are for your eyes only and can't be used on websites or blogs.
Do you have your own autogyro photos that you want to share? Let me know in the comments!
Gyrocopter Videos
The best place to look for autogyro videos is of course YouTube. I have selected for you a couple of really interesting videos.
- Introduction to Gyroplanes (Gyrocopters) by Dan Donley is 10 minutes movie that starts from the autogyro history and guides you further.
- Flying my Bensen gyrocopter - a very cool video recorded by the pilot. It's just 2:30 but is one of the best videos that help you feel what flying with gyroplane is like.
- Gyrocopter High Wind Takeoffs at El Mirage - nice DIY autogyro flight. It takes a while for this guy to start flying, but this video is also very exciting.
- Birdy gyrocopter demo. Birdy is one of the cutest gyrocopters I have seen and this video is really nice. Recorded from the ground.
- Homebuilt gyrocopter - this video is interesting because it shows a gyroplane without engine. This one is pulled by something, probably a car.
Of course you can find other hundreds of gyrocopter videos on YouTube.
General gyrocopter information
Of course the best place to start is our page about autogyros because it's easy to understand. Then of course comes the Wikipedia page which contains a lot of detailed information.
Another must-visit place is the Autogyro FAQ on the Indian microlight site.
How to fly autogyros is definitely a site to visit if you plan on real flying.
Gyrocopter Safety
Gyrocopters are considered safer than other kinds of aircraft although this is pointed out as a myth by Popular Mechanics article. No matter whether you trust the safety myth or not you need to get serious education about the possible risks and safety requirements when flying a gyroplane.
In another great article Ralph Taggart explains that there is an image problem with gyroplane safety. It debunks some popular myths and is a must read for everyone who ever plans to fly an autogyro.
The Lone Star Rotorcraft Club has also a good page answering the question how safe are gyrocopters paying some special attention also on the topic of building an autogyro yourself.
Note that even the resources who call the autogyro one of the safest aircraft emphasize on getting a good training. That's what our next section is also about.
Gyrocopter Training
One thing is sure - even if you know how to flight another type of ultralight you still need a training for flying a gyroplane. You will have no problem finding a training company online - they are so many that I don't see a point placing specific links to training companies here. Instead of that on this page you will some links that will help you learn the basics of the theory for free or cheap - and then decide whether you really want to practice.
E-how's guide on learning autogyro flying isn't much informative but is short and OK for a first step.
Then you can take a look at Pilotjourney's Free learn to fly kit. It's not specific for gyrocopters but is a great thing for people who have no experience.
And then check The Gyrocopter Experience great article How do I learn to be a Gyrocopter Pilot?.
One good way to start learning without paying much but with going deep enough is to read a book. Fortunately the Rotorcraft Flying Handbook
doesn't cost much and is cool enough for going further.When you are ready you can search your favorite web engine or check Thirty Thousand Feet training directory and choose your training school.
Gyrocopter Discussions
Surprisingly even such a strange aircraft have enough fans to have few online discussion forums dedicated to or at least including large sections for it. Here are the best ones:
The Rotary forum is a discussion forum for all kind of rotorcraft. It includes a lot of discussions about gyroplanes.
There is a Yahoo discussion group Autogyro with around 150 members and a good number of discussions.
Occasionally you can find gyroplane discussions at target=_blank>Sport Pilot Talk and at Homebuilt Airplanes forum.
Of course there are also some Google groups but most of them aren't very active.
Autogyro Manufacturers and Dealers
We aren't going to build a directory here. The best place to look for gyrocopter are the search engines, your local yellow pages and again Thirty Thousand Feet.
Here I want to show you two interesting companies. Vortech Online is selling interesting plans and manuals that can help you build very cheap gyros yourself. I have not tried building but they indeed look interesting.
Another interesting site is featuring the unique UFO HeliThruster - a wonderful personal rotary wing aircraft.
Keep an eye on this page, there may be more interesting resources to come!
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Post Your Comment
User comments:
Geoff Woodward at Jan, 05 '10 20:45
Great site, Have bookmarked it.
Reply to this comment
Tee R. at Nov, 28 '10 11:34
Hey this was a great article!I really enjoyed all the good information. Looks like you meant for it to be an informal posting but if you clean it up a bit it will look more professional and probably get more hits. I took the liberty of editing your first 2 paragraphs to clean up the grammar etc and you can re-post it if you want. (Hope you don't mind my 2 cents) But I liked your page and hope you get a lot of feedback!
There is a huge interest in autogyros by people who have visited this site recently. I have written one article introducing the gyrocopter already but that's far from enough to satisfy the curious minds. Trying to find well structured information about this wonderful aircraft using the available search engines can also be a real pain (unless you have found this page ;)).
To solve this problem, I have invested several hours in creating a resource page about autogyuros (misspelled) autogyros that will help you find a lot of useful information in one place. Save your time and use this page as a reference source about gyrocopters. If you think some important resource or category is missing, let me know in the comments.
Reply to this comment
Bob at Nov, 28 '10 11:50
Thanks Tee! I'll replace it as soon as I have few spare minutes, thanks for the feedback. English is not my first language, you see ;)
Reply to this comment
John Maudsley at Aug, 06 '11 21:32
Hi
Just wanted to post a few photo's of a raf which I am starting to restore after it has had a home in the grass for about 6 years. It was rolled over after a forced landing due to engine trouble which was self inflicted, due to operator error. As you can see in the pic's it is going to be a massive job to bring it back to it's former glory, and as I have very limited experience all the advice that can be given will be of massive help. The main structure appears to be fine but the undercarriage is all bent and will need to be re-manufactured. The pod has a number of cracks and a fair bit of fibreglassing will need to be done as well as fixing the seat tank. Any suggestion regarding where I can source parts and a new screen as the sun has deteriorated the perspex, would be appreciated. Unfortunately there is no paper work or doors for the gyro, so as I am a newbie to Subaru motors and to gyro's (trike pilot), I need some advice on the motor model (think EJ 25) and gearbox ( which was apparently only fitted the week before the accident) as well as any mod's which should be done along the way. Not sure but starting to think it may be a ej22 not 25 any help with this would be appreciated. Would also like some input on the type of steel and where to source from for the axle and the support brackets on the undercarriage as well as the front wheel as both are bent and will need replacing. Also if anyone could help with suggestion's for the fibreglassing and the doors this would be much appreciated.
Regards John
Reply to this comment
Bob at Aug, 07 '11 02:11
Hi John, do you need help uploading the photos somewhere? It will be good to see them
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Joe Pires at Jan, 24 '12 09:11
The 2012 Bensen Days Fly in is just around the corner. We would appreciate it if you could include some information or perhaps our flyer on your website.
Joe Pires
Webmaster
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Ed E at Apr, 26 '15 22:47
Hello Everyone,
I'm in the process of going from a Trike pilot to a Gyro pilot and I'm in the market to buy a Gyro and looking for some advise of what type to get.
I have been looking at the "Xenon" and the "Autogyro"
The Autogyro looks very clean and very well built. On the other hand the Xenon has wonderful visibility and has a better payload.
If you have any advise please let me know, or if you know of a totally different Gyro please feel free to tell me.
Thank you EE
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Autogyro at Oct, 09 '17 21:16
AutoGyro UK is the leading gyroplane manufacturer in the UK with over 140 aircraft in the fleet. Since 2005 AutoGyro has transformed the world of gyroplanes into the fastest growing light aviation sector. AutoGyro UK supports its owners with full repair/service facilities, dedicated owners’ web pages and independent engineers throughout the country.
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AutoGyro and RotorSport Gyroplanes at Nov, 09 '17 09:44
We are Providing training and introductory flight lessons.Our aim to be offer best flight training for gyro and we deliver rotorcraft and training globally.
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