I have recently been looking into building an autogyro, but I am wondering how hard they are to fly. I have been flying r/c airplanes for several years and have become an accomplished pilot. Would I have any problems with flying an autogyro such as the Kellet produced by Autogyros of Arizona? Also, how are the controls used to pilot an autogyro? The Kellet has left and right tilt on the rotor, along with an elevator and rudder. Do you use the tilt of the rotor to bank into a turn and then use the elevator to maintian altitude and bring it around or is the rudder used? Just wondering so I'll know what I'm getting myself into if I decide to build one.

Hi,
If you are an accomplished pilot, you should not have any problems flying a gyro. The Kellet is a very good autogyro but because of the work required to build and the expense, I would not recommend it for the first one. However, if you have someone that is experienced in flying gyros and can trim it out for you, go for it. Also, a good place to have it checked out would be at the autogyro meet in Ohio this Fall.

The head tilt, (lateral tilt) act like ailerons. Elevator does work but ususally requires a combination of throttle and elevator. Rudder is pretty much the same but is used extensively for ground handling and keeping the gyro pointed into the wind during take offs and landing.

A successful take-off is probably the biggest challenge to new autogyro pilots. Keeping the gyro pointed directly into the wind and understanding when the rotors reach auto-rotation is necessary and takes some time and experience.

After your first successful flight with an autogyro, flying heli's or winged aircrafts will never be the same.

Phil

Thanks for answering my questions.

Unfortunately, there aren't any autogyro pilots where I fly, so there goes the idea of getting someone to fly it for me the first time. Autogyros of Arizona assure me that if I take extra special care to setup the autogyro the way the plans say to that I shouldn't have too much of a problem. But, I'd hate to spend the time and money just to have it returned to kit form on the first flight. I'll do some more research before I decide for sure. Manybe I'll be able to find someone who lives nearby who has had experience with r/c autogyros.

Hi Noone,
Suggestion>
Steve Tillson at Autogyros of Arizona has been known to offer
his services as a test pilot and/or instructor.
Might do well to contact him?
You could start a whole new movement in your area!
Good luck!

Hal [email protected]