Training

Almost anyone can learn to fly a gyro.  Aside from the limitations listed below, there is very little in the way of preparation required or limitations applied to someone wishing to undertake a few trial lessons.  However, before anyone can solo, they need a student pilot permit.

 

Student pilot permit

To get your Student pilot permit and fly solo (no passenger), Transport Canada requirements are:

Minimum age: 14

CPL / PPL* holder

  • 12 hours of dual flight
  • 20 hours of ground school

Pilot with no license

  • Minimum 12 hours of dual flight
  • 40 hours of ground school
  • Pass the PSTAR exam (at training unit)
  • A category 3 medical certificate, delivered by a civil aviation medical examiner – Find a medical examiner
  • Get the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate (at training unit)

 

Gyroplane pilot permit

To get your Gyroplane pilot permit, Transport Canada requirements are :

Minimum age: 17

CPL / PPL holder

  • Get 30 hours of flight (including dual time)
  • Pass a flight test with your instructor
  • Pass the GYROP exam of TC (50 questions – pass mark: 60%)

Pilot with no licence

  • Get 45 hours of flight (including dual time)
  • Pass a flight test with your instructor
  • Pass the GYROP exam of TC (50 questions – pass mark: 60%)

* PPL: private pilot license CPL: commercial pilot license

 

Privileges of a pilots permit:

DIVISION IV – PILOT PERMITS

Gyroplanes – Privileges

CAR401.20 The holder of a pilot permit – gyroplane may, under VFR, act as

(a) pilot-in-command of a gyroplane of a type for which the permit is endorsed with a rating; and

(b) pilot-in-command or co-pilot of an aircraft for the sole purpose of the holder’s flight training or flight test where

(i) in the case of flight training,

(A) it is conducted under the direction and supervision of a flight instructor qualified in accordance with section 425.21 of the personnel licensing standards, and

(amended 2001/03/01; previous version)

(B) no passenger is carried on board, and

(ii) in the case of a flight test,

(A) it is conducted in accordance with Section 401.15, and

(B) no passenger other than the person referred to in paragraph 401.15(1)(a) is carried on board.

 

Please note.  With the Magni Gyro M16 Trainer we use there is a maximum student weight limit of 120kg (264lbs).  However, even if the student is below this weight, if the instructor is not able to access the full range of flight controls, the student will not be able to fly.  This is a safety consideration and will be entirely at the discretion of the instructor.