Night VFR flight OK for Cavalon Pro gyroplane

A big step forwards for gyroplane flying took place recently with the AutoGyro Cavalon Pro being approved for Night VFR flight, and, just as important, a Night VFR training course for pilots.

RotorSport UK, the British agent for AutoGyro, sent this report from the first training day, held recently at Halfpenny Green Airfield:

It was a unique day in UK gyroplane history when the UK CAA (Richard Craske of FCL), UK instructors Phil Harwood, Steve Boxall and Ian Bryant, and Gerry Speich (RotorSport) worked together to establish the UK PPL(G) night VFR training syllabus.

Steve and Ian were the designated instructors to deliver the first night VFR training, meaning they themselves have to be trained first.

So, following a busy and productive morning, Gerry briefed Steve and Ian about the Cavalon Pro night capabilities and operational techniques, and they then spent the afternoon familiarising themselves with RotorSports G-CIEW in preparation for their first into-dusk and night sortie.

This included ‘flying under the hood’, meaning that the pilot under instruction flew only with reference to instruments, to simulate what might happen if the aircraft was inadvertently flown into conditions of restricted visibility, like cloud.

Having decided they had sufficient confidence and experience to continue (noting that both instructors already had existing night ratings on other types), the duo departed into the circuit at Halfpenny Green at 16.00 to fly into dusk, and if acceptable, into Night VFR conditions.

The RotorSport team waited patiently below, watching as safe landings and take-offs were repeated time and time again, until the aircraft taxied back at 17.30 in full dark. On stepping out of the aircraft both instructors had the usual, but wonderful, gyroplane grin from ear to ear, and were ecstatic about their new experience, and the Cavalon Pro.

Gerry was especially relived, not only to get his pride and joy back, but also that the aircraft had lived up to expectations. “I felt like a proud father,” he said. It was the first time the Cavalon Pro had been operated at night, except under flight test conditions, so this peer group feedback was very welcome.

So what does this mean? It means that RotorSport (AutoGyro) gyroplanes are flying legally under normal Night VFR conditions in the UK for the first time, and that gyroplane Night VFR training is coming your way soon.

RotorSport UK