TC Gyroplane Pilot Permit (GYROP) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Gyroplane minimum flight hours

A Gyroplane Pilot Permit requires at least 45 hours total flight time, including 20 hours dual instruction and 10 hours solo flight, per Canadian Aviation Regulations.

Passenger currency requirement

To carry passengers, a pilot must have completed five takeoffs and five landings within the preceding 90 days in the same category and class of aircraft.

VFR fuel reserve

For day VFR flight, a minimum fuel reserve of 30 minutes at normal cruising speed is required; for night VFR, the reserve is 45 minutes.

Pilot-in-command responsibility

The pilot-in-command is responsible for the airworthiness and safe operation of the aircraft, including ensuring all required documents and maintenance records are current.

Class C airspace requirements

Class C airspace requires a two-way radio and an operable transponder; a clearance must be obtained before entering, and VFR minima are 3 miles visibility.

Circuit joining procedure

At a controlled aerodrome, join the circuit on the downwind leg at 45 degrees to the runway threshold at circuit altitude, normally 1000 feet AGL, unless ATC directs otherwise.

Mandatory frequency calls

At an MF aerodrome, radio calls are required before entering the circuit, on downwind, on final, and after clearing the runway, on the published frequency.

Right-of-way on final

An aircraft on final approach has priority over other aircraft; a lower aircraft has priority over a higher one, and overtaking aircraft must pass on the right.

Density altitude effect

Density altitude increases with temperature and elevation; a 10°C rise or a 1000-foot elevation increase raises takeoff ground roll by approximately 10 to 15 percent.

Best rate of climb speed

Best rate of climb speed (VY) for a light gyroplane is typically 45 to 55 mph, providing the greatest altitude gain per unit of time.

Approach speed on final

Final approach should be flown at approximately 1.3 times the minimum level flight speed, typically 50 to 60 mph, adjusted for wind and gust conditions.

Weight and balance limits

Exceeding the forward center of gravity limit reduces rotor authority and increases takeoff distance; exceeding the aft limit reduces pitch stability and control authority.

Autorotation principle

A gyroplane rotor autorotates, driven by aerodynamic forces rather than engine power; the engine drives the propeller, and lift is generated by the rotating blades.

Dissymmetry of lift

The advancing rotor blade sees higher relative airspeed than the retreating blade; blade flapping equalizes lift across the disc and prevents excessive roll.

Rotor blade stall

Rotor blade stall occurs when the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle, often from low airspeed or high load factor, reducing lift and control authority.

Gyroplane hover limitation

A gyroplane cannot hover because the rotor requires forward airspeed to maintain autorotation and lift; unlike a helicopter, the rotor is not engine-driven.

Longitudinal stability

Longitudinal stability in pitch is provided by the horizontal stabilizer and the rotor's flapping tendency to align with the relative wind, damping pitch oscillations.

Power push-over effect

If the thrust line is above the center of gravity, applying power causes the nose to pitch down, requiring counter-input to maintain pitch attitude.

Adverse yaw in gyroplanes

Adverse yaw is minimal in gyroplanes because roll is controlled by tilting the rotor disc rather than by ailerons, so rudder coordination is less critical.

Dutch roll oscillation

Dutch roll is a coupled yaw and roll oscillation damped by the vertical stabilizer; abrupt control inputs can excite it, and smooth inputs reduce the tendency.

Wind gradient on approach

Wind gradient is the decrease in wind speed near the surface; on approach, a gyroplane may experience a sudden loss of airspeed and require power adjustment.

Mountain wave turbulence

Mountain waves form when stable air crosses a ridge, producing severe turbulence and downdrafts on the leeward side that can extend several thousand feet above the ridge.

Frost effect on lift

Frost on rotor blades and airframe disrupts airflow and can reduce lift by up to 30 percent; it must be completely removed before flight.

Standard lapse rate

The standard temperature lapse rate is 2°C per 1000 feet of altitude; temperature inversions can trap moisture and cause fog, reducing visibility.

Magnetic variation rule

Magnetic heading equals true heading plus magnetic variation; use the memory aid east is least, west is best when converting between true and magnetic directions.

VOR radial tracking

A VOR radial indicates the bearing from the station; to fly toward the station, track the reciprocal of the selected radial and correct for wind drift.

Distress and urgency calls

Mayday is used for distress and Pan-Pan for urgency; each is repeated three times at the start of the radio call, followed by identification and position.

Emergency transponder codes

Transponder code 7700 indicates an emergency, 7600 indicates radio failure, and 7500 indicates unlawful interference; these codes alert ATC to the situation.

Altimeter setting procedure

Below the transition altitude, set the current altimeter setting; above it, set standard pressure of 29.92 inches of mercury or 1013 hectopascals.

Dead reckoning navigation

Dead reckoning calculates position using heading, airspeed, and elapsed time; it should be combined with pilotage by reference to landmarks for accurate navigation.

Special VFR clearance

Special VFR allows flight in controlled airspace when VFR minima are not met; it requires 1 mile visibility, clear of cloud, and an ATC clearance.

Gyroplane registration marks

A gyroplane must display its registration marks, and the certificate of registration and certificate of airworthiness or flight permit must be carried on board.