After 3 hrs of dual...

[REDHORSE556CES]

After my first 3 hours of dual I've finally had a bit of an epiphany. I've got some of those lazy fixed wing pilot reflexes to over come. Turns while still a bit rough are fairly good for a tyro.

My take-offs still need practice, I'm used to pulling back on the yoke and letting the aircraft attain flying speed and simply fly off the runway. Gyros take more attention to detail, back on the tailwheel, stick forward (hold it on the mains), firm application of power and then lift off.

But my approaches and flares are going to need the most work. I'm used to that FW, lazy, wide downwind pattern, leisurely turn to crosswind and again to final approach; out some distance, get the aircraft lined up, adjust for crosswind and let it jus-s-s-s-s-s-t settle on the runway. All different deliberate actions, with a gyro it's all one action:Power off, nose down while beginning a 180 for final, maintaining constant airspeed, compensating for crosswind (left stick-right rudder, vice-versa), flaring at the proper height (I'm always too high).....all of it supposed to be one smooth action...I'm still having to work at integrating all of that into one process..

Cross-control will take some learning; again the fw pilot kicks in...I'm used to seeing the aircraft bank in cross-crontrol. The airframe of the gryo doesn't, the rotor does all the "tilting".

Anyone who thinks they can learn to fly gyros in a program of self-tutoring is messing with their own heart beat! I have many more hours of dual before I'll fly alone.

But I will get there...By the Great Pitcairn!!! I'll get there!!!

[FrankieJ]

Charlie,

Thanks for the heads up I too am a fixed wing pilot (20 years) seems to me I have to learn all over again! (about to get dual instruction in gyro). Its like flying a FW backwards?

[RazorBlake]

Hey Charlie,

Your story sounds like my training and flying skills. The fixed-wing has helped in many ways, but has also hindered in some ways. At least we aren't dumb-founded at the mere thought of climbing into the air sitting upon a machine with a propeller. Having some air smarts is great, but mastering the gyro specific skills are a whole new ballgame. I enjoy the 180 degree turns to final, that's fun. If you're like me, I've found that lots and lots of repetition have helped iron out most of the problems. Flaring too high is definately one of my pitfalls. My airplane I'm flying for full-time work is much higher than what a gyro lands. Waiting until just a foot off the deck just doesn't feel right. I've got a total of 12 hours dual now and I'm hoping for solo in the next few hours. Sounds like you've identified your areas of attention, I'm sure you'll be smooth and stable after a few more hours. I think take-offs were the hardest for me to figure out, but they're working great now. Good luck and happy flying!

[Doug Riley]

Charlie: You're having the usual experiences for a transitioning FW pilot.

Yes, gyro takeoffs have two distinct stages: (1) get the rotor up to RPM and (2) get the aircraft up to flight airspeed. In a FW plane you only have #2 to worry about.

When I started teaching, I thought that takeoffs would be the most difficult task for students. It turns out that landings are more challenging for most people, though.

Just about everybody flares too high -- over and over again! One way to cure this is to try some run-on landings. Don't do a distict flare at all. Just fly her right onto the deck at a modest speed and idle power. Pull the stick hard back only AFTER your wheels touch.

Have fun. It'll become second nature and then you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

[Harry_S.]

Don't fret over it Charlie.

IMO, most student pilots, whether it be FW, Helicopter, Gyroplane, Balloon, Airship etc...and I'm included...found the most difficult maneuver to learn / master was the landing...more so, when solo. :)

Once you nail a good landing, you'll utter the old cliche'...*what was so hard about that.*


Cheers :)

[Robert G. Stark]

I have over 13,000 hours FW, If you think you are having problems learning the gyro, think about that.

[Red Sky]

After my first 3 hours of dual I've finally had a bit of an epiphany. I've got some of those lazy fixed wing pilot reflexes to over come. Turns while still a bit rough are fairly good for a tyro.

Hey Charlie,

Are you working with Brad at Olney? :cool: