Can anyone explain the process to obtain an AWC on a single place gyro and getting a license to fly it?
I'm training in a 2 place machine but can't solo the CFI gyro, in order to fly the machine I've been told the machine has to have 40 hrs on it but that I can't solo in the machine or fly off the 40 hrs.
Whole process seems very confusing.
Was also told that the kit I build has to be US Certified. How can I confirm this?
Bobby
I am going to try to keep it simple Bobby and only talk about one thing at a time. There are actually several separate questions in your post.
Usually a person is signed off to solo a specific airworthy aircraft with some transition training involved if it different than the training aircraft.
In my opinion a gyroplane does not need to be built from an approved kit to be registered as experimental, amateur built.
There a list of tasks that must be completed by an amateur for fun and education.
Here is an example of a list:
https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av...built/kits/media/AmBuiltFabAssyCklistGyro.pdf
Most people use a designated airworthiness representative to help them through the process. It is the DAR’s job to see that it complies with the rules for EAB aircraft.
I worked with a representative from my local Flight Standards District Office for the new phase one in The Predator when I installed the larger engine, prop and rotor blades. That is considered a major change so I had a new phase one to fly. It was 25 hours and that was not really enough time to do the testing. I had to fly within a 25 mile radius of my airport.
Once an aircraft has an airworthiness certificate there is a phase one period (typically 40 hours) were a pilot who is certificated in that category and class needs to fly it in a restricted area and basically test it for the pilot’s operating handbook that they then write.
This started when the FAA found that most accidents happen during the first 40 hours of operation of an EAB aircraft.
The limitation for who can fly it is in all of the more recent operating limitations issued as a part of the airworthiness process.
Once phase one is completed anyone with an appropriate category and class certificate, even a student can fly her if he has the proper endorsement from a certificated flight instructor.
If you find a gyroplane that you can use for five hours to satisfy the solo requirement and get your Sport Pilot, Gyroplane certificate than you can fly the phase one on your own machine.
I recommend having an experienced gyroplane pilot make the first flights to make certain she is rigged correctly and help to correct any problems. In my opinion this is not a job for a newly certificated pilot.