Are transponders suggested for gyro planes?

[Richard Randolph]

I am to begin lessons in a Gyro plane in three weeks. I am a fixed wing instrument rated pilot with 1850 hours (Bonanzas). I’ve always enjoyed cross country flights and expect to do that once I get certified to fly Gyro planes and most likely will be buying one. How do Gyro pilots avoid having a transponder if going into class C airports, or request flight following? I’m sure I will never go into a class B with a gyroplane. In other words - should I buy a transponder? Thanks for any assistance. Richard Randolph.

 

[Sv.grainne]

I think a transponder is required for flight in Class C airspace and highly recommended if you plan to use flight following.

 

[Richard Randolph]

I think a transponder is required for flight in Class C airspace and highly recommended if you plan to use flight following.

Yes, it is required for class C. but there’s some exception, I believe, if the plane/gyro is not equipped with a transponder. Flight following I don’t believe is possible without it. I’m just curious what Gyro pilots experience in general with no transponders - how did they cope without it?

 

[Vance]

If I am going to fly in class Charlie airspace on inside the mode C veil in a gyroplane I am required to have a transponder and ADSB out.

Having an altitude reporting transponder in a gyroplane may be helpful to air traffic control in class Delta airspace.

 

[Loren Jones]

Yes, it is required for class C. but there’s some exception, I believe, if the plane/gyro is not equipped with a transponder. Flight following I don’t believe is possible without it. I’m just curious what Gyro pilots experience in general with no transponders - how did they cope without it?

Most operating without transponders live and operate in airspace that doesn't require it. If you're going to use it for XC life is much easier with a transponder. I opted to put a transponder and ADS-B in my single-seat, open frame GT-VX2 because I live under a Bravo airspace and didn't want to have to keep it elsewhere.

 

[WaspAir]

Are transponders suggested? Yes

Are they required? Sometimes, some places.

There are a zillion pilots out there who never look outside their cockpits, for whom any warning you can trigger (ADS-B, TCAS, whatever) may save your life.

P.S. I would put one in anything. I own two gliders, both equipped with Mode S.

 

[Abid]

I am to begin lessons in a Gyro plane in three weeks. I am a fixed wing instrument rated pilot with 1850 hours (Bonanzas). I’ve always enjoyed cross country flights and expect to do that once I get certified to fly Gyro planes and most likely will be buying one. How do Gyro pilots avoid having a transponder if going into class C airports, or request flight following? I’m sure I will never go into a class B with a gyroplane. In other words - should I buy a transponder? Thanks for any assistance. Richard Randolph.

You will need a transponder in a gyroplane just like you need in an airplane. Same for ADSB. You won't need a transponder if you stay away from Mode C veil and class C and class B airspace.

 

[Richard Randolph]

Most operating without transponders live and operate in airspace that doesn't require it. If you're going to use it for XC life is much easier with a transponder. I opted to put a transponder and ADS-B in my single-seat, open frame GT-VX2 because I live under a Bravo airspace and didn't want to have to keep it elsewhere.

I too have Class B airspace close by - Charlotte, NC. What would I expect to pay for both? Are there any deals for gyros since they usually are list as “experimental?”

 

[Richard Randolph]

Yes, it is required for class C. but there’s some exception, I believe, if the plane/gyro is not equipped with a transponder. Flight following I don’t believe is possible without it. I’m just curious what Gyro pilots experience in general with no transponders - how did they cope without it?

 

[Abid]

I too have Class B airspace close by - Charlotte, NC. What would I expect to pay for both? Are there any deals for gyros since they usually are list as “experimental?”

I recommend using something like Sandia STX165 mode C transponder (because you are never going to fly above 18k feet) and echoUAT + SkyFx bundle for ADSB in and out.

The bundle I think ends up being around $3800

 

[Vance]

I too have Class B airspace close by - Charlotte, NC. What would I expect to pay for both? Are there any deals for gyros since they usually are list as “experimental?”

Experimental Aircraft do not need the same FAA approval that certified aircraft do so avionics tends to be less expensive for Experimental aircraft.
The prices have been coming down for ADSB out and legacy transponders are fairly inexpensive. If I recall correctly three years ago I spent around $1,500 for everything except installation which I managed with friends.

 

[Richard Randolph]

I recommend using something like Sandia STX165 mode C transponder (because you are never going to fly above 18k feet) and echoUAT + SkyFx bundle for ADSB in and out.

The bundle I think ends up being around $3800

Thank you!

 

[Richard Randolph]

Experimental Aircraft do not need the same FAA approval that certified aircraft do so avionics tends to be less expensive for Experimental aircraft.
The prices have been coming down for ADSB out and legacy transponders are fairly inexpensive. If I recall correctly three years ago I spent around $1,500 for everything except installation which I managed with friends.

Great advice - thank you!

 

[Loren Jones]

I too have Class B airspace close by - Charlotte, NC. What would I expect to pay for both? Are there any deals for gyros since they usually are list as “experimental?”

I went with the Trig solution.... didn't go through Aircraft Spruce but this is the one: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/avpages/trig-2020bundle-11-16299.php

 

[Richard Randolph]

I went with the Trig solution.... didn't go through Aircraft Spruce but this is the one: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/avpages/trig-2020bundle-11-16299.php

Thank you - very helpful. I am considering a purchase of a Tango Gyro. The builder needs to know what I want in it prior to building.

 

[okikuma]

I am to begin lessons in a Gyro plane in three weeks. I am a fixed wing instrument rated pilot with 1850 hours (Bonanzas). I’ve always enjoyed cross country flights and expect to do that once I get certified to fly Gyro planes and most likely will be buying one. How do Gyro pilots avoid having a transponder if going into class C airports, or request flight following? I’m sure I will never go into a class B with a gyroplane. In other words - should I buy a transponder? Thanks for any assistance. Richard Randolph.

Hello Richard,

The decision will be based on what type of flying profile you desire to perform with a gyroplane.

Owing and flying an old school, open framed Bensen / Brock type of gyroplane as an "ATV of the sky" boring holes in the local area over a minimum populated area, then the need for a transponder with ADS-B out will be very low. Owning and flying a more modern European style, "touring motorcycle of the sky" gyroplane XC from one location to another, then yes a transponder with ADS-B out will be necessary.

Wayne

 

[Tyger]

Thank you - very helpful. I am considering a purchase of a Tango Gyro. The builder needs to know what I want in it prior to building.

Get the transponder and connect it to ADS-B Out.

 

[Richard Randolph]

Hello Richard,

The decision will be based on what type of flying profile you desire to perform with a gyroplane.

Owing and flying an old school, open framed Bensen / Brock type of gyroplane as an "ATV of the sky" boring holes in the local area over a minimum populated area, then the need for a transponder with ADS-B out will be very low. Owning and flying a more modern European style, "touring motorcycle of the sky" gyroplane XC from one location to another, then yes a transponder with ADS-B out will be necessary.

Wayne

Thank you Wayne. I have always wanted to make a few trips flying low and slow. My Bonanza XC flights never allowed me to do this for many reasons. I think I am going to need one so that I have the freedom to do both - local and XC. I love the illustrations of flight differences. Thanks again!

 

[Abid]

Thank you Wayne. I have always wanted to make a few trips flying low and slow. My Bonanza XC flights never allowed me to do this for many reasons. I think I am going to need one so that I have the freedom to do both - local and XC. I love the illustrations of flight differences. Thanks again!

Wait. You are going to do low and slow XC in a gyroplane and you are ordering a Tango? With a Yamaha engine?
My advice would be to stick with a Rotax 4 stroke aircraft engine if you are going to do XC. It is expensive but it is also less likely to quit just at the wrong time.
Is Tango still making gyroplanes. Their main assemblies (frame rolling carriage, composites, props and blades) all came from Russia and I know that isn't happening any longer. I think they were trying to setup something in the US but I was not aware that they had finished setting up production here? Have they?

 

[Tyger]

Is Tango still making gyroplanes. Their main assemblies (frame rolling carriage, composites, props and blades) all came from Russia and I know that isn't happening any longer. I think they were trying to setup something in the US but I was not aware that they had finished setting up production here? Have they?

It sure sounds like he is ordering one from someone...