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FAA Private Pilot - Gyroplane (PRG) study materials
FAA Private Pilot - Gyroplane (PRG) study resources

FAA Private Pilot - Gyroplane (PRG) practice questions

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Question 1Regulations and Airman Privileges

Under 14 CFR part 61, what minimum aeronautical experience is required for a private pilot certificate with a gyroplane rating?

  1. 35 hours total time with 15 hours solo and 5 hours dual
  2. 20 hours total time with no solo requirement
  3. 50 hours total time including 40 hours pilot in command
  4. 40 hours total time including 20 hours dual and 10 hours solo Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 61.109(d) sets the private pilot gyroplane experience minimum at 40 hours of flight time, of which at least 20 hours must be dual instruction and at least 10 hours must be solo flight. The dual portion must include the specific training items listed in that section, and the solo portion must include the required solo cross-country work.

Question 2Regulations and Airman Privileges

What is the minimum age to be issued a private pilot certificate with a gyroplane rating?

  1. 17 years Correct answer.
  2. 21 years
  3. 16 years
  4. 18 years

Explanation

Section 61.103 requires an applicant for a private pilot certificate to be at least 17 years of age. Sixteen is the minimum for a student pilot certificate and for a sport pilot certificate, while 18 and 21 apply to commercial and ATP certificates respectively.

Question 3Regulations and Airman Privileges

A private pilot with a gyroplane rating wants to carry passengers. What recent flight experience must the pilot have to act as pilot in command with passengers aboard?

  1. One flight review within the preceding 12 months only
  2. A biennial flight review plus 10 hours in type within 30 days
  3. Three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days in the same category, class, and type if required Correct answer.
  4. Six instrument approaches within the preceding 6 months

Explanation

Section 61.57(a) requires three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days in the same category, class, and type if a type rating is required to carry passengers. The flight review under 61.56 is a separate requirement and does not by itself satisfy the passenger-carrying currency rule.

Question 4Regulations and Airman Privileges

How long is a flight review normally valid, and what is the minimum content required?

  1. 24 calendar months, consisting of at least 1 hour of ground training and 1 hour of flight training Correct answer.
  2. 6 months, consisting of 3 hours of instrument training
  3. 12 months, consisting of a knowledge test only
  4. 36 months, consisting of a checkride with a designated examiner

Explanation

Section 61.56 requires a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months consisting of at least 1 hour of ground training and 1 hour of flight training. The review must cover the current general operating and flight rules of part 91 and those maneuvers and procedures the instructor finds necessary.

Question 5Regulations and Airman Privileges

A gyroplane pilot holds a private pilot certificate and wants to be compensated for towing a banner. Which statement best describes the privilege limits?

  1. A private pilot may not act as pilot in command of a gyroplane carrying persons or property for compensation or hire Correct answer.
  2. A private pilot may tow a banner for compensation because towing is not carrying persons or property for hire
  3. A private pilot may accept compensation only if the flight is incidental to a business
  4. A private pilot may accept compensation for any flight if the operator holds a part 135 certificate

Explanation

Section 61.113(a) generally prohibits a private pilot from acting as pilot in command of an aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or hire. The narrow exceptions in 61.113 cover items such as business flights incidental to a job, charitable and search-and-rescue flights, and sharing operating expenses.

Question 6Regulations and Airman Privileges

A private pilot shares the operating expenses of a gyroplane flight with two passengers. Which condition must be met for the flight to remain within private pilot privileges?

  1. The pilot must pay at least an equal share of the operating expenses Correct answer.
  2. The pilot may not pay any share of the expenses
  3. Each passenger may pay the full hourly cost of the aircraft
  4. The pilot must hold a commercial certificate if any money changes hands

Explanation

Section 61.113(c) allows a private pilot to share the operating expenses of a flight with passengers, but only if the pilot pays at least a pro rata share. The pilot may not accept more than the pro rata share, and the flight must not be advertised to the public.

Question 7Regulations and Airman Privileges

What class of medical certificate is required to exercise the privileges of a private pilot certificate with a gyroplane rating?

  1. First class
  2. Second class
  3. Third class Correct answer.
  4. No medical certificate of any class is ever required

Explanation

Section 61.23 requires a third-class medical certificate to operate as a private pilot, and a higher class also satisfies the requirement. A first-class certificate is needed for airline transport privileges and a second-class for commercial privileges.

Question 8Regulations and Airman Privileges

A pilot with a private pilot gyroplane certificate wants to add a helicopter rating. What is generally required?

  1. Additional pilot time and a practical test in the helicopter, with the knowledge test normally not required Correct answer.
  2. A new private pilot knowledge test and a checkride in the helicopter
  3. A complete initial private pilot course from the beginning
  4. Only a logbook endorsement from any certificated flight instructor

Explanation

Under 61.63, adding a category or class rating to an existing certificate generally requires the appropriate aeronautical experience and a practical test, but the applicant is normally not required to take another knowledge test. The applicant must also meet the applicable experience requirements for the new rating.

Question 9Regulations and Airman Privileges

When must a pilot hold a current flight review to act as pilot in command of a gyroplane?

  1. At all times, since a flight review is a general prerequisite for acting as pilot in command Correct answer.
  2. Only when flying under instrument flight rules
  3. Only when carrying passengers
  4. Only when flying outside the United States

Explanation

Section 61.56 requires a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months as a general condition for acting as pilot in command of an aircraft. It is not limited to passenger-carrying or instrument flights, so a lapsed review means the pilot may not act as pilot in command at all.

Question 10Regulations and Airman Privileges

What is the minimum aeronautical experience for a sport pilot certificate with a gyroplane endorsement?

  1. At least 10 hours of flight time with no solo requirement
  2. At least 20 hours of flight time, of which 15 hours are dual and 5 hours are solo Correct answer.
  3. At least 40 hours of flight time with 20 hours solo
  4. At least 30 hours of flight time with 10 hours solo

Explanation

Section 61.313 requires sport pilot applicants to log at least 20 hours of flight time, including 15 hours of flight training and 5 hours of solo flight. The sport pilot certificate carries narrower privileges than a private certificate, including limits on compensation and on operating in certain airspace.

Question 11Regulations and Airman Privileges

A private pilot is flying a gyroplane in furtherance of a business and is paid by the employer for the flight time. Under what condition is this permitted?

  1. It is permitted if the flight is only incidental to that business and the pilot is not carrying persons or property for hire Correct answer.
  2. It is permitted only if the pilot holds a second-class medical certificate
  3. It is never permitted for a private pilot to be compensated by an employer
  4. It is permitted only if the aircraft is rented from the employer

Explanation

Section 61.113(b) permits a private pilot to act as pilot in command for compensation or hire, or to be compensated for flight time, when the flight is incidental to a business other than aviation and the aircraft is not carrying persons or property for hire. The pilot must also not hold out to the public as a commercial operator.

Question 12Regulations and Airman Privileges

What documents must a pilot have in personal possession or readily accessible in the aircraft while operating a gyroplane?

  1. A copy of part 91 and the aircraft operating handbook
  2. Aircraft logbooks and the maintenance records
  3. The aircraft registration and airworthiness certificate only
  4. Pilot certificate, medical certificate, and a photo identification Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 61.3 requires the pilot to carry a pilot certificate, a medical certificate if required, and photo identification. The aircraft registration and airworthiness certificate must also be aboard under part 91, but those are aircraft documents rather than the pilot's personal documents.

Question 13Regulations and Airman Privileges

A gyroplane pilot has logged 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days, all conducted at night. May the pilot carry passengers during the day?

  1. Yes, but only if the pilot holds an instrument rating
  2. No, because the landings must be in the same category and class as the flight
  3. No, unless the pilot also completes 3 instrument approaches
  4. Yes, because takeoffs and landings within 90 days satisfy the passenger currency requirement regardless of time of day Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 61.57(a) requires three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days in the same category, class, and type if required, to carry passengers. Night currency under 61.57(b) is an additional requirement for carrying passengers at night, but daytime passenger carrying is satisfied by the general 90-day currency.

Question 14Regulations and Airman Privileges

What is the definition of a complex aircraft for the purposes of pilot certification?

  1. An aircraft with a pressurized cabin and weather radar
  2. An aircraft with a maximum gross weight over 12,500 pounds
  3. An aircraft with a turbine engine and retractable landing gear
  4. An aircraft with retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 61.1 defines a complex airplane as one with retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller. Because a gyroplane does not typically have flaps or a controllable pitch propeller, the complex endorsement normally applies to airplanes rather than gyroplanes.

Question 15Regulations and Airman Privileges

A private pilot with a gyroplane rating may act as pilot in command of an experimental amateur-built gyroplane under what condition?

  1. Never, because private pilots may not fly experimental aircraft
  2. Only if the aircraft is operated under a special airworthiness certificate and the pilot meets the applicable operating limitations Correct answer.
  3. Only if the pilot has received a logbook endorsement for that make and model
  4. Only if the pilot holds a type rating for that gyroplane

Explanation

A private pilot may operate an experimental amateur-built gyroplane if it holds a special airworthiness certificate and the pilot complies with the operating limitations issued with that certificate. No type rating or make-and-model endorsement is required for a gyroplane in the amateur-built category.

Question 16Regulations and Airman Privileges

What privilege does a private pilot gyroplane certificate confer regarding the carriage of passengers?

  1. The pilot may carry passengers but may not receive compensation for doing so Correct answer.
  2. The pilot may carry passengers only when the pilot holds a commercial certificate
  3. The pilot may carry passengers for hire if the operator is certificated
  4. The pilot may carry passengers only in day visual flight rules conditions

Explanation

A private pilot certificate authorizes the pilot to carry passengers, but not for compensation or hire under 61.113(a). The pilot may share operating expenses under 61.113(c) but may not charge passengers for profit.

Question 17Regulations and Airman Privileges

What must a pilot do before acting as pilot in command of a gyroplane for the first time after a lapse in the 24-month flight review?

  1. Pass a knowledge test at an FAA testing center
  2. Complete a flight review with an authorized instructor Correct answer.
  3. Complete a checkride with a designated examiner
  4. Log 10 hours of solo flight

Explanation

Section 61.56 requires a flight review to restore the pilot's authority to act as pilot in command after the 24-calendar-month period lapses. The review must be conducted by an authorized instructor and includes at least 1 hour of ground training and 1 hour of flight training.

Question 18Regulations and Airman Privileges

Which statement correctly describes the medical certificate privileges of a private pilot who has been issued a third-class medical certificate?

  1. The pilot may exercise private pilot privileges but not commercial privileges Correct answer.
  2. The pilot may exercise only student pilot privileges
  3. The pilot may exercise all pilot privileges including airline transport
  4. The pilot may not act as pilot in command at all

Explanation

A third-class medical certificate qualifies the holder to exercise private pilot privileges, including those of a private pilot gyroplane rating. Commercial privileges require at least a second-class certificate, and airline transport privileges require a first-class certificate.

Question 19Regulations and Airman Privileges

A private pilot wants to log flight time as pilot in command of a gyroplane in which a flight instructor is also aboard. Under what condition may the private pilot log pilot in command time?

  1. Only if the flight instructor signs the logbook after the flight
  2. Only if the pilot is the sole manipulator of the controls and is rated for the aircraft Correct answer.
  3. Only if the flight is conducted under instrument flight rules
  4. Only if the pilot holds a commercial certificate

Explanation

Section 61.51(e) allows a pilot to log pilot in command time when the pilot is the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which the pilot is rated. The presence of an instructor does not automatically prevent logging, but the private pilot must be rated and actually manipulating the controls.

Question 20Regulations and Airman Privileges

What endorsement is required before a private pilot may act as pilot in command of a gyroplane for the first time?

  1. A logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying the pilot is proficient in the required maneuvers Correct answer.
  2. A type rating issued by the FAA
  3. A high-performance endorsement
  4. A second-class medical certificate

Explanation

Section 61.63 and related training requirements call for an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant is prepared for the required practical test or is proficient in the maneuvers and procedures. A gyroplane rating does not require a type rating, and high-performance endorsements apply to airplanes with engines over 200 horsepower.

Question 21Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

In a gyroplane, what provides the force that spins the rotor in normal flight?

  1. An engine-driven shaft geared to the rotor hub
  2. A battery-powered pre-rotator that runs continuously
  3. Exhaust thrust routed through the rotor mast
  4. Air flowing upward through the rotor disc as the craft moves forward Correct answer.

Explanation

A gyroplane rotor is autorotative: the relative wind passing up through the tilted disc drives the blades, so no engine torque is needed once airborne. The engine only turns the propeller (and, on some types, a pre-rotator used before takeoff).

Question 22Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

Compared with a fixed-wing airplane of similar weight, the wing loading of a gyroplane is:

  1. Irrelevant because the rotor does not produce lift
  2. Much higher because all lift passes through a small hub
  3. Much lower because the disc area is large Correct answer.
  4. About the same because disc area equals wing area

Explanation

Rotor disc area is large relative to gross weight, so disc loading is low, which is why gyroplanes can fly slowly and land in short distances. Wing loading in the airplane sense does not apply directly to a rotating-wing aircraft.

Question 23Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

During a vertical descent with little or no forward airspeed, a gyroplane rotor continues to turn because:

  1. The horizontal stabilizer generates a twisting force on the mast
  2. The engine keeps the rotor turning through a belt drive
  3. Air flows upward through the disc as the aircraft descends Correct answer.
  4. Stored kinetic energy in the blades never decays

Explanation

In a vertical descent the rotor still sees an upward flow of air through the disc, so the driving region persists and autorotation continues. This is why a gyroplane can descend steeply without power.

Question 24Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

What is the primary purpose of the horizontal stabilizer on most modern gyroplanes?

  1. To counteract torque reaction from the propeller
  2. To increase rotor rpm in a dive
  3. To generate the majority of the aircraft's lift
  4. To provide static and dynamic pitch stability and dampen porpoising Correct answer.

Explanation

A horizontal stabilizer, usually mounted in the propeller slipstream, provides a restoring pitch moment and damps pitch oscillations. This greatly improves stability compared with early stabilizer-free designs.

Question 25Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

A teetering (semi-rigid) two-blade rotor system allows the blades to:

  1. Lead and lag freely without any flap motion
  2. Flap as a unit about a central hinge, equalizing lift between sides Correct answer.
  3. Flap about a hinge but not change pitch
  4. Feather collectively only when the engine is running

Explanation

In a teetering head the two blades see-saw about a central hinge, so the advancing blade rises while the retreating blade falls, balancing lift. This flapping equalizes lift and relieves root stresses.

Question 26Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

Dissymmetry of lift on a gyroplane rotor refers to:

  1. Unequal lift between the front and rear of the fuselage
  2. The difference in lift between takeoff and landing configurations
  3. A vibration caused solely by an out-of-balance propeller
  4. Unequal lift between advancing and retreating blade halves, corrected by flapping Correct answer.

Explanation

The advancing blade sees higher relative airspeed than the retreating blade, so it would produce more lift. Flapping lets the advancing blade rise and the retreating blade descend until lift is equalized across the disc.

Question 27Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

The pre-rotator on a gyroplane is used to:

  1. Spin the rotor up before takeoff, then be disengaged Correct answer.
  2. Drive the propeller during autorotation
  3. Maintain rotor rpm throughout cruise flight
  4. Feather the blades for storage

Explanation

A pre-rotator spins the rotor to a higher rpm before the takeoff roll so the blades are already producing lift and stored energy. It is disengaged before flight because the rotor must autorotate freely.

Question 28Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between airspeed and rotor rpm in a gyroplane during level flight?

  1. Rotor rpm is set only by the throttle position
  2. Rotor rpm stays essentially constant because the rotor self-regulates through flapping Correct answer.
  3. Rotor rpm rises and falls directly with airspeed over the full range
  4. Rotor rpm falls to zero whenever the throttle is closed

Explanation

Autorotative rotors tend to hold a nearly constant rpm: if rpm rises, blade drag and angles of attack change to restore equilibrium. Airspeed changes are absorbed largely by flapping and blade angle of attack rather than by rpm change.

Question 29Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

During a takeoff roll in a gyroplane, the pilot should begin to ease the rotor disc back toward the flight attitude:

  1. Only after the rotor has reached sufficient rpm and the nose has been raised to the balance point Correct answer.
  2. Only after the aircraft has left the ground
  3. Only when the airspeed indicator shows cruise speed
  4. Immediately at brake release, regardless of rotor rpm

Explanation

The rotor must be accelerated to a suitable rpm while the nosewheel is still on the ground; the pilot then balances the aircraft on the mains and lets it fly off as the rotor accelerates. Applying aft control too early wastes rotor energy and lengthens the takeoff.

Question 30Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

A gyroplane pilot flying behind the power curve (on the back side of the thrust curve) should expect:

  1. That reducing power will increase airspeed
  2. That the rotor will stop autorotating
  3. That additional power is required to maintain airspeed as the aircraft slows Correct answer.
  4. That the aircraft becomes more efficient as it slows

Explanation

Below the minimum-power speed, induced losses rise steeply, so more power is needed to hold airspeed as the aircraft slows further. Recovering requires lowering the nose and accepting altitude loss while power is added.

Question 31Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

When the gyroplane's engine fails in cruise flight, the pilot's first aerodynamic priority is to:

  1. Raise the nose to stretch the glide
  2. Lower the collective to maintain rotor rpm
  3. Lower the nose to maintain airspeed and keep the rotor loaded Correct answer.
  4. Apply full aft control to flare immediately

Explanation

A gyroplane has no collective; rotor rpm is preserved by keeping airspeed and rotor loading within limits. Lowering the nose to maintain airspeed keeps airflow through the disc and prevents blade stall or excessive decay.

Question 32Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

What is the recommended technique to recover from a low-G (pushover) condition in a gyroplane?

  1. Apply aft control to reload the rotor and restore normal angle of attack Correct answer.
  2. Continue the pushover to build airspeed rapidly
  3. Reduce power and hold the pushover
  4. Apply full forward control and roll inverted

Explanation

A sustained low-G pushover unloads the rotor, allowing rpm to decay and blades to stall; the remedy is to restore positive loading with aft control while reducing power. Prompt reloading of the disc is what restores rotor rpm.

Question 33Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

A pilot flying a gyroplane downwind at low airspeed and low altitude is at increased risk primarily because:

  1. The rotor stops autorotating when flying downwind
  2. The rotor rpm will be higher than normal
  3. The engine produces more power downwind
  4. The aircraft may be operating on the back side of the power curve with little margin Correct answer.

Explanation

Downwind at low airspeed means high groundspeed and low airflow over the rotor, often behind the power curve, so a forced landing would be difficult. The aerodynamic problem is low airspeed, not the wind direction itself.

Question 34Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

In a gyroplane, the term 'retreating blade stall' describes:

  1. Loss of rotor rpm caused by carburetor icing
  2. Stalling of the propeller during a descent
  3. Stalling of the blade on the side moving away from the relative wind at high airspeed or high disc loading Correct answer.
  4. A stall of the horizontal stabilizer at low speed

Explanation

As airspeed or disc loading increases, the retreating blade must operate at a higher angle of attack to equalize lift, and it can reach the stall angle. This produces vibration and pitch/roll excursions and limits maximum speed.

Question 35Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

Why does a gyroplane generally require a shorter takeoff distance than a fixed-wing airplane of similar weight and power?

  1. Because gyroplanes have no induced drag
  2. Because the rotor can be pre-rotated to produce lift almost immediately Correct answer.
  3. Because the wing area is larger than the disc area
  4. Because the propeller produces lift as well as thrust

Explanation

Pre-rotation stores energy and gives the rotor significant lift at the start of the roll, so the aircraft can leave the ground at low forward speed. The rotor also tolerates a high angle of attack, allowing a steep climb-out.

Question 36Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

During a steady-state autorotation in a vertical descent, the rotor rpm will stabilize when:

  1. The airspeed indicator reads zero
  2. The pilot holds full aft control
  3. The driving force from the airflow equals the drag and losses on the blades Correct answer.
  4. The engine idle rpm matches rotor rpm

Explanation

Rotor rpm stabilizes when the aerodynamic driving torque from the upflowing air equals the retarding torque from blade drag. If rpm rises above equilibrium, drag increases and returns the rotor to the balance point.

Question 37Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

What is the effect of a headwind on the takeoff roll of a gyroplane compared with still air?

  1. It increases groundspeed at liftoff and lengthens the roll
  2. It increases rotor rpm beyond limits
  3. It has no effect on takeoff distance
  4. It reduces the groundspeed needed to reach flying airspeed and shortens the roll Correct answer.

Explanation

A headwind means the aircraft reaches flying airspeed at a lower groundspeed, shortening the ground roll. The aerodynamic liftoff airspeed is unchanged; only the distance to achieve it differs.

Question 38Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

Which of the following best explains why a gyroplane cannot hover like a helicopter?

  1. Its rotor is not powered in flight, so it needs forward airspeed to sustain autorotation Correct answer.
  2. Its blades are fixed and cannot flap
  3. Its engine is too small to produce lift
  4. Its rotor turns in the wrong direction

Explanation

A gyroplane rotor derives its energy from air flowing up through the disc, which requires forward motion (or descent) to sustain. Without power to the rotor, a true hover in still air is impossible.

Question 39Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

A pilot notices a vibration and a tendency for the gyroplane to pitch nose-down as airspeed increases toward the upper limit. Which phenomenon is most likely?

  1. A nosewheel shimmy at cruise
  2. An excessively rich mixture
  3. Carburetor icing
  4. Retreating blade stall and/or rotor flapping limits at high speed Correct answer.

Explanation

At high airspeed the retreating blade reaches high angles of attack and can stall, producing vibration and control excursions, while flapping limits are approached. The remedy is to reduce airspeed and power.

Question 40Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

What is the primary reason a gyroplane pilot should avoid abrupt or large control inputs at low rotor rpm?

  1. The propeller may cavitate
  2. The engine may overheat
  3. The rotor may exceed its never-exceed rpm
  4. Blade flapping angles may become excessive and the blades may strike the airframe or mast Correct answer.

Explanation

At low rotor rpm the blades must operate at high angles of attack to produce lift, and abrupt inputs can drive flapping beyond design limits. This can cause blade contact with the mast or tail and is a serious hazard.

Question 41Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

Compared with a fixed-wing airplane, the gyroplane's ability to fly slowly and steeply is best explained by:

  1. A high aspect ratio wing
  2. A large horizontal tail
  3. A variable-pitch propeller
  4. A low disc loading that allows a large mass of air to be accelerated downward at low forward speed Correct answer.

Explanation

Low disc loading means each unit of thrust accelerates a large air mass, which is efficient at low speed. This gives the gyroplane its characteristic slow-flight and steep-descent capability.

Question 42Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

A gyroplane is descending steeply at low power with the rotor rpm decaying below normal. Which action best restores rotor energy?

  1. Reduce airspeed by raising the nose and adding power
  2. Increase the angle of attack and reduce airspeed
  3. Lower the nose to increase airspeed and airflow through the disc Correct answer.
  4. Apply aft control to flare and hold it

Explanation

Rotor energy comes from air flowing up through the disc, so increasing airspeed restores the driving flow and rebuilds rpm. Lowering the nose converts altitude into airspeed that re-energizes the rotor.

Question 43Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

Why is a gyroplane's susceptibility to a power-pushover accident greater than that of a fixed-wing airplane?

  1. Because the engine cannot be throttled back
  2. Because the rotor produces no lift at high speed
  3. Because the rotor can unload rapidly when the aircraft is pushed over, causing rpm decay and possible blade stall Correct answer.
  4. Because the horizontal stabilizer is ineffective at all speeds

Explanation

A pushover unloads the disc, so the blades see a reduced angle of attack and rpm can decay quickly; if the pushover is sustained, blade stall and loss of control can follow. Fixed wings retain more predictable behavior because the wing does not depend on autorotation.

Question 44Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

In a gyroplane, blade coning angle increases primarily because of:

  1. Engine torque transmitted through the mast
  2. Aerodynamic lift bending the blades upward combined with centrifugal stiffening Correct answer.
  3. The weight of the horizontal stabilizer
  4. Centrifugal force acting on the blades

Explanation

Lift acting on each blade tends to bend it upward, while centrifugal force stiffens it and limits the deflection, producing a stable coning angle. Coning helps equalize lift and reduces bending stress at the root.

Question 45Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

Which combination of conditions most increases the risk of a gyroplane bunt-over (power pushover)?

  1. Low power, high airspeed, and gentle aft control
  2. High power, low airspeed, and a rapid forward control input Correct answer.
  3. Slow flight with the nose held high and no power
  4. High airspeed with the nose level and full power

Explanation

Bunt-over occurs when high thrust from a high-mounted propeller plus a forward control input unloads the rotor at low airspeed, allowing a rapid pitch-over. The combination of power, low airspeed, and pushover is the classic setup.

Question 46Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

In a gyroplane, the rotor system is driven in normal flight by which source of energy?

  1. Airflow through the rotor disc, known as autorotation Correct answer.
  2. Exhaust thrust directed over the rotor blades
  3. A mechanical drive from the engine through the pre-rotator
  4. Stored energy in the rotor hub dampers

Explanation

In normal flight the gyroplane rotor is not engine-driven; it spins because air flows up through the disc as the aircraft moves forward, and this autorotative airflow keeps the blades turning and producing lift. The engine drives the propeller, not the rotor, once the pre-rotator is disengaged.

Question 47Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

A gyroplane's rotor blades are producing lift while the aircraft is in steady autorotative flight. Which statement best describes the balance that keeps rotor rpm constant?

  1. Rotor rpm is fixed by the pitch setting of the blades and cannot change in flight
  2. The rotor accelerates until the tips reach the speed of sound, then stabilizes
  3. Driving and driven regions of the disc must produce equal and opposite in-plane forces, with the driving region supplying the torque that overcomes blade drag Correct answer.
  4. Rotor rpm stays constant only because the engine keeps adding torque to the mast

Explanation

Autorotation is sustained when the inner driving region of each blade produces enough forward in-plane force to overcome the drag of the outer driven region and the profile drag of the blade. When these torques balance, rotor rpm remains steady; a change in airspeed or load shifts that balance to a new rpm.

Question 48Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

A gyroplane pilot is flying at a low airspeed with the nose raised well above the horizon and high power applied. Which hazard is most directly associated with this attitude and power setting?

  1. A power pushover caused by the propeller thrust line being above the center of gravity, which can unload and even invert the rotor disc Correct answer.
  2. A retreating-blade stall caused by high rotor rpm
  3. An overspeed of the rotor beyond its design limit
  4. A ground resonance condition caused by unbalanced blades

Explanation

When the nose is high and power is high, a propeller thrust line located above the center of gravity produces a pitching moment that pushes the nose down. If the pilot follows with forward cyclic, the rotor can be unloaded, rpm decays, and the machine may bunt over; this is why low-speed high-power attitudes demand care.

Question 49Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

As a gyroplane accelerates from a slow autorotative descent into level cruise, what change in rotor behavior should the pilot expect?

  1. Rotor rpm decreases steadily as airspeed increases
  2. Rotor rpm falls to zero whenever the engine is at idle
  3. Rotor rpm rises initially with airspeed, then may decrease at very high airspeed as the driven region dominates Correct answer.
  4. Rotor rpm remains exactly constant at all airspeeds

Explanation

Increasing airspeed raises the airflow through the disc, which initially speeds the rotor and improves the driving region's authority. At high airspeed the increased drag and the growing driven region reduce the driving torque, so rpm can level off or fall; the pilot should expect rpm to move with airspeed rather than stay fixed.

Question 50Aerodynamics and Principles of Gyroplane Flight

A gyroplane pilot must plan a landing in a confined area with an obstacle on the approach path. Which technique best uses the gyroplane's aerodynamic characteristics while keeping the rotor loaded?

  1. A steep constant-aspect approach at low airspeed with power, ending in a short flare close to the ground Correct answer.
  2. A spiral descent around the obstacle at high bank angle and low airspeed
  3. A long flat approach at high airspeed to stay well above the obstacle
  4. A vertical descent from altitude directly over the touchdown point with the engine at idle

Explanation

The gyroplane can fly a steep, slow approach because the rotor keeps producing lift at low airspeed, and carrying power preserves rotor rpm and gives the pilot a flare and cushion near the ground. The approach should remain stabilized and terminate in a controlled flare rather than a high-speed or fully vertical profile.