Learn to fly
How to become a gyroplane pilot
The gyroplane is the most affordable and one of the fastest ways to earn a powered rotorcraft rating. Here is the path, in plain language, and where to find the people who teach it.
Most people fly a gyroplane under a Sport Pilot certificate with rotorcraft-gyroplane privileges. It is the shortest and cheapest route to legally flying one, and for many pilots it is all they ever need. You can also earn a Private Pilot certificate in the gyroplane category if you want to carry more privileges later.
What the Sport Pilot route asks of you
The headline requirements are straightforward. Confirm the full detail with your instructor and against the FAA regulations before you plan around them, because the sub-requirements are more involved than any summary.
The essentials
- Minimum 20 hours of flight time in a gyroplane, including at least 15 hours of training with an instructor and 5 hours solo.
- A US driver's license can serve in place of an FAA medical for sport pilot privileges, provided you meet its conditions and have no disqualifying history.
- A knowledge (written) test and a practical test with an examiner.
- Be at least 16 to fly solo and 17 to hold the certificate, and be able to read, speak and understand English.
The path, step by step
Nobody does this alone. Every step below is something an instructor walks you through; the links point to the people and the study material on this site.
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1
Take a discovery flight
Before you commit to anything, go fly one with an instructor. It is the single best way to know whether the gyroplane is for you.
Find an instructor -
2
Start the ground knowledge
Airspace, weather, aerodynamics and the rules. You can begin this for free, at your own pace, before your first lesson.
Free ground school Practice quiz -
3
Train with a school or instructor
Your logged hours, dual and solo, happen here. Choose a school or an independent instructor near you.
Flight schools Immersive bootcamp -
4
Pass the knowledge test
A computer-based written exam at an approved testing center. Your instructor signs you off when you are ready.
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5
Pass the practical test
The check ride: an oral exam and a flight with a designated examiner. Pass it and the certificate is yours.
Find an examiner
Why now is a good time
The FAA's MOSAIC rule reopened factory-built gyroplane training in the United States, which means more schools, more aircraft on the line, and a clearer path than the sport has had in twenty years. If you looked at this a few years ago and it did not add up, it is worth another look.
Read what MOSAIC changed, or brush up on the vocabulary in the glossary of gyroplane terms.
Ready to take the first step?
Find a gyroplane instructor or school near you and book a discovery flight.
