Rotorcraft/Gyroplane Add-on

[MattPearson]

After consulting the FAR/AIM and a phone call to the FAA placed by Bob Stark of http://www.starksaviation.com , the minimum time specific training requirements for a rotorcraft/gyroplane add-on are as follows:
3 hours flight instruction cross-country (day)
3 hours flight instruction cross-country (night)
3 hours flight instruction in prep for practical
10 hours solo

Does this sound right to you guys?

[pwendell]

Matt,

That doesn't sound right to me. If you are trying to get a gyro addon to a PP-ASEL rating, you are adding a new Category of aircraft. You will need to at least 40 hours in a gyroplane, 20 of which are dual, 10 of which are solo, 3 are dual x-country, 3 are solo x-country, and 3 are at night, plus some minor requirements. Here is the appropriate regulation:

(b) Additional category rating. An applicant who holds a pilot certificate and applies to add a category rating to that pilot certificate:

(1) Must have received the required training and possess the aeronautical experience prescribed by this part that applies to the pilot certificate for the aircraft category and, if applicable, class rating sought;

(2) Must have an endorsement in his or her logbook or training record from an authorized instructor, and that endorsement must attest that the applicant has been found competent in the aeronautical knowledge areas appropriate to the pilot certificate for the aircraft category and, if applicable, class rating sought;

(3) Must have an endorsement in his or her logbook or training record from an authorized instructor, and that endorsement must attest that the applicant has been found proficient on the areas of operation that are appropriate to the pilot certificate for the aircraft category and, if applicable, class rating sought;

(4) Must pass the required practical test that is appropriate to the pilot certificate for the aircraft category and, if applicable, class rating sought; and

(5) Need not take an additional knowledge test, provided the applicant holds an airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, or airship rating at that pilot certificate level


If you have a Helicopter rating, then there is no specific aeronautical experience requirement for a Gyro addon. You simply have to have an instructor sign you off as ready for the practical test and then you have to pass it.

[MattPearson]

I think you are correct. This is so aggravating. Even the professionals don't know their own rules.

[PW_Plack]

Pete, Matt...

It's not as bad as it looks. I don't have my copy of the FARs handy, but if you look up the "aeronautical experience prescribed by this part" you'll find that not all the requirements have to be flown in a gyroplane, only a portion. Some of your ASEL experience will probably count.

This assumes you're aiming for the requirements of Part 61. Part 141 is MUCH pickier on some requirements, especially if you want to move on to commercial or instrument.

[rgraffeo]

Matt,
Beside all the stuff listed above, you also have to make 3 takeoffs & landings at a control tower airport. Also the solo cross country is three legs. I don't remember an hour requirement but I remember the legs had a mileage between points that had to be met.

I'll have to look at my logbook to see what I completed for my add on. I did it two years ago.