FAA Private Pilot - Gyroplane (PRG) key terms

The category on a pilot certificate that covers gyroplanes and helicopters. A private pilot gyroplane certificate authorizes acting as pilot in command of gyroplanes, subject to class and endorsement limits.

The class rating within the rotorcraft category that applies to gyroplanes. It is issued with the certificate and appears on the pilot certificate; a helicopter class rating is separate and does not transfer.

Two levels of pilot certification. Category describes the broad aircraft group, such as airplane, rotorcraft, or glider; class describes a subdivision, such as gyroplane, helicopter, or single-engine land.

The pilot directly responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft during flight time. This pilot has final authority over the aircraft and must hold the appropriate ratings and endorsements for the flight.

The recency requirements a pilot must meet to carry passengers. For gyroplanes this generally includes a flight review and, for passenger carrying, recent takeoffs and landings in the same category, class, and type if required.

A required review of flight rules and maneuvers with an authorized instructor, normally every 24 calendar months. Satisfactory completion is required to act as pilot in command unless other recent experience or a practical test applies.

The airman medical document required for most private pilot operations. A gyroplane private pilot must hold at least a third-class medical or qualify under BasicMed or another accepted alternative.

The required preparation before flight, including reviewing weather, fuel requirements, alternatives, and aircraft performance. For flights not in the vicinity of the airport, the pilot must also determine runway lengths and takeoff and landing distance data.

The rotor's state in which airflow upward through the disc drives the blades without engine power. It allows a controlled descent and is the basis of the gyroplane's engine-out glide and landing capability.

The aircraft weight divided by the area of the rotor disc. Higher disc loading generally means faster descent in autorotation and different handling; it is a basic measure of how hard the rotor works.

The rotational speed of the main rotor, usually read on a tachometer. In a gyroplane the rotor is driven by airflow in normal flight, and RPM changes with airspeed, load, and maneuvering.

Upward flexing of the rotor blades, especially at low rotor RPM or high airspeed. Excessive flap can strike the tail or ground and is a reason to manage rotor RPM during takeoff and landing.

Spinning the rotor up before takeoff using engine power or a mechanical drive. Sufficient pre-rotation reduces takeoff distance and prevents blade flap during the initial ground roll.

See rotor disc loading: weight divided by rotor disc area. It affects descent rate, control response, and the speed at which the rotor is most efficient.

The tendency of a spinning rotor to respond to a force about 90 degrees later in the direction of rotation. It explains why control inputs affect the rotor disc at a point ahead of the applied force.

The calculation confirming that the aircraft's total weight and center of gravity fall within approved limits. In gyroplanes, an out-of-limit center of gravity can seriously degrade pitch control and rotor behavior.

The point where the aircraft's weight is considered concentrated. Its fore-and-aft position must stay within the approved range; too far aft can reduce stability and pitch authority.

The difference between maximum gross weight and empty weight. It includes pilot, passengers, baggage, and fuel, and limits how much can be carried on a given flight.

The highest total weight at which the gyroplane is approved to operate. Exceeding it reduces performance and may overstress the rotor and structure.

Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature. High density altitude reduces lift and engine power, lengthening takeoff and landing distances and reducing climb performance.

The altitude indicated when the altimeter is set to the standard datum of 29.92 inches of mercury. It is used in performance charts and is the basis for computing density altitude.

The local pressure value dialed into the altimeter so it reads altitude above mean sea level. Setting it correctly is essential for terrain clearance and for flying assigned altitudes.

The instrument that displays altitude based on outside static pressure. In a gyroplane it is a primary reference for traffic pattern altitude and for maintaining assigned altitudes.

A routine aviation weather report of surface conditions at an airport, including wind, visibility, clouds, temperature, dew point, and altimeter setting. It is a basic preflight and in-flight weather source.

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast: a forecast of expected weather at an airport for a stated period. Pilots use it to plan departures and arrivals and to identify likely changes in wind and visibility.

A change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, often near fronts, thunderstorms, or buildings. It can cause sudden airspeed and altitude changes, especially at low altitude.

A chart showing airports, airspace, navigation aids, terrain, and obstacles for visual navigation. Pilots use it to plan routes, identify airspace, and maintain situational awareness.

Navigation by reference to visible landmarks and the sectional chart. It is a basic technique for gyroplane cross-country flight and complements dead reckoning and electronic navigation.

Navigation by calculating direction, time, and distance from known wind and true airspeed. It provides an estimated position between visual checkpoints and is a core flight-planning skill.

The lettered categories (A through G) that define operating rules, equipment, and clearance requirements. Gyroplane pilots must know which class they are in to comply with cloud clearance and communication rules.

A radar beacon transmitter that replies to ground interrogation with a squawk code and altitude. It is required in certain airspace and improves traffic separation and safety.

An authorization from air traffic control to proceed under specified conditions. Pilots must read back and comply with clearances in controlled airspace and advise ATC of any inability to comply.

The standard rectangular path of takeoff, crosswind, downwind, base, and final legs used at an airport. Gyroplanes often fly a closer, slower pattern, so pilots must announce position and watch for other traffic.

A decision to abandon a landing and climb away. In a gyroplane this usually means adding power, lowering the nose to maintain airspeed, and climbing while managing rotor RPM.

The descent profile flown with the engine stopped, relying on autorotation. The pilot controls airspeed and rotor RPM to reach a suitable landing area and flare for touchdown.

A landing made because continued flight is unsafe or impossible. In gyroplanes the rotor's autorotation allows a relatively steep but controlled descent to a selected area.

A systematic process for choosing the safest course of action, often using checklists and risk-assessment models. It helps pilots recognize hazards, evaluate alternatives, and avoid continuing into worsening conditions.

A pilot's accurate perception of aircraft state, weather, traffic, and terrain, and the ability to anticipate changes. Losing it is a common precursor to accidents and is improved by frequent position updates.

The process of identifying hazards, judging their likelihood and severity, and choosing mitigation. It supports go/no-go decisions and is a required element of sound preflight planning.