I live in Western Washington, and I’m about to undertake flight training for my sport pilot license. I am looking for a two place Gyro that my instructor can use for training in my local area. He is fully equipped to train at the general aviation level, but his Gyro is not suitable for sport pilot training, and I am looking for something that I can use here. I am shopping in the $10,000 price range.
As someone new to the Federal Aviation Regulations they may be very confusing and daunting.
The maximum takeoff weight for a gyroplane that is legal for a Sport Pilot to fly is 1,320 pounds with some other limitations thrown in.
The gyroplane I train Sport Pilot, Gyroplane students in has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,400 pounds. It means that my Sport Pilot clients can’t solo in it. It does not mean I can’t train them in it.
Most of the Designated Pilot Examiners I use for the proficiency check ride have their own gyroplane that I transition the clients into.
To use their gyroplane for the proficiency check ride you will likely need to travel some distance to them.
If you do not have a pilot certificate you will also need five hours of solo time before you are qualified to take the proficiency check ride.
A single place gyroplane may be used for your solo time.
It is possible to take the proficiency check ride in your single place gyroplane at your location.
Any qualified flight instructor should be familiar with these Federal Aviation Regulations.
His instructor certificate must be specifically for gyroplanes for time with him to count as dual instruction, endorse you for solo flight and to be able to endorse you for your proficiency check ride. Just any flight instructor (fixed wing or helicopter) won’t do.
It is unusual for an airworthy two place gyroplane to sell for less than $20,000.
Please give me a call at (805)680-9523 from nine am to nine pm pacific time for answers to questions about gyroplane training. I am a gyroplane flight instructor and do not charge for phone calls.
I wish you all the best on your gyroplane adventure.