The Price of Training

Instruction Rate

The price of gyroplane instruction encompasses a progressive training program as outlined in the Lesson Plan
found on this web site.  The various flight maneuvers are in accordance with the FAA Practical Test Standards
which is the criteria for the check ride.

Gyroplane flight instruction $220 per lesson includes:

*  Company gyroplane
*  Certified instructor
*  Fuel

*  Gyroplane ground school $100.00 per hour

Transitioning into student gyroplane is $ 100 per hour. This includes hang testing the gyroplane  for proper weight and balance and flight testing the customers gyroplane and any adjustments for safe flight. 

Lesson Plan

Flight training is an expensive undertaking for students and they want to know the details ..."what do I get for my money?" They are interested in knowing what the lesson plan consists of .....Proper training is the objective of the student and the CFI.. In order to achieve a "standard" each CFI must teach the same flight maneuvers.

Gyro training is far from easy and teaching methods must be adapted to each student's personality as well as to their abilities. The effectiveness of the instruction is greatly influenced by the student's comfort level. Every gyroplane CFI, while using his or her own style of teaching should incorporate standard maneuvers that are required to produce good, safe, pilots.

The following is a lesson plan that has evolved over twenty years of instructing and I know it will be helpful to other CFI's and their students.

Subjects covered in ground school will be as follows:

* The understanding of "pilot induced -oscillation " (PIO)or porpoising. .....Causes and prevention.
* Medical certificates, expirations and requirements.
* Regulations you need to understand to maintain a legal status.
* Basic understanding and the use of aircraft sectional maps used for navigation.
* How to recognize airspace classifications: Controlled and Uncontrolled airspace.
* Requirements for flying in different airspace
* Airport traffic pattern procedures.
* Safety and precautions.

These topics will be discussed in class and will be on a written test. Upon successful completion of this flight training program, you will be authorized by the flight instructor a solo endorsement

 Lesson Plan Introduction

The following flight training program has been designed with consideration for the student's comfort level. The advancement  is dependent upon the student's ability.

The following is a summary of all maneuvers practiced in the training program ( in no specific order).

* PRE-FLIGHT SAFETY CHECK
* ENGINE STARTUP
* ROTOR SPIN UP
* ROTOR BLADE MANAGEMENT
* TAXIING - STEERING - BRAKING
* TAKE OFF - LANDINGS
                           A. Standard take-off
                           B. Soft field take-off
* AIRPORT TRAFFIC PATTERN PROCEDURES
* AIRSPEED MANAGEMENT
                           A. Level flight
                           B. Turns (shallow - steep)
                          C. Climbing turns
                           D. Descending Turns
* EMERGENCY LANDING PROCEDURES
                           A. Straight approach
                           B. Turning approach
* RECOVERY FROM "BALLOON - UP"
   LANDINGS  ..... Emergency Procedure
* SLOW FLIGHT
* VERTICAL DESCENTS
* CROSSWIND MANEUVERS
* FIGURE 8 TURNS AT LOW ALTITUDE OVER A FIELD
* HIGH SPEED RUNWAY FLIGHTS IN GROUND EFFECTS
* USING THE "FEEL" OF THE AIRCRAFT FOR INPUT
  RESPONSE.

AT TIMES SOME OF THE LESSON PLANS MAY BE GROUPED TOGETHER DEPENDING ON THE STUDENT'S PROGRESS.  THIS IS NOT A "HIGH IMPACT" AGGRESSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM, AND IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU ACCEPT SLOW LEARNING PROGRESS DURING SOME SEGMENTS OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM.  ALSO INCLUDED IS A WRITTEN TEST THAT IS COMPLETED DURING THE GROUND SCHOOL  BY THE STUDENT. ALL MATERIALS ARE FURNISHED BY THE INSTRUCTOR. EACH LESSON PLAN WILL BE DISCUSSED PRIOR TO FLIGHT. THE INSTRUCTOR WILL DEMONSTRATE EACH FLIGHT MANEUVER BEFORE PRACTICED BY THE STUDENT.  BEFORE ANY STUDENT PILOT IS SIGNED OFF FOR SOLO FLIGHT, HE/SHE MUST PERFORM ALL MANEUVERS THAT HAVE BEEN PRACTICED IN THE LESSON PLANS.  THESE MANEUVERS MUST BE SAFELY COMPLETED WITHOUT THE INSTRUCTOR'S ASSISTANCE.  IF THERE ARE MANEUVERS THAT BECOME PROBLEMATIC, YOU
WILL BE REQUESTED TO RE-TEST ON ONLY THOSE MANEUVERS.

LESSON PLAN #1

Basic familiarization of the gyroplane. Using a check list, you will learn how to preflight major components such as propeller and drive systems, rotor blades, cyclic control system, and a general over all check of the aircraft.
Engine starting, rotor blade spin up and preparing for taxiing will also be part of this first lesson.

LESSON PLAN #2

Before you begin flying the gyroplane you must get the "feel" of how it handles on the ground. Responsiveness of steering, braking, and acceleration are very important functions needed for safe departures and landings. This
lesson will allow you to use the rudder and maintain cyclic position while maneuvering on the taxi way. While taxiing, you will learn the importance of rotor blade management, especially in various wind conditions, and also how to control your forward speed using the cyclic control. The first few flights over the runway will be done by the instructor to allow you to experience basic maneuvering of various flight conditions.

LESSON PLAN #3

After the instructor has demonstrated some basic flight maneuvers, you will have control of the rudder and assist with cyclic control.  Most of your take-offs, landings, and flights will be confined within the length of the runway.
Each flight will require you to taxi back for another take off This repetition will help you become familiar and comfortable with the procedures for proper, safe take off, and runway departures.

PROCEDURE FOR TAKE OFF
* Rotor blade management while taxiing
* Traffic observation
* Report take off intentions
* Taxi in position and hold
* Check control stick position (wind conditions)
* All instruments check
* Rotor blade check
* Slowly accelerate - monitor rotor RPM
* Nose wheel lift off (recognize this)
* Apply continuous power in small increments
* Slowly ease the cyclic control forward as you increase
  the power
* Be patient for your take off airspeed (rotors are
  still gaining speed)
* Use the power and forward cyclic to maintain
  proper airspeed

Note: The instructor will have full control of the throttle until the student becomes comfortable with coordination of rudder and cyclic control.

LANDING PROCEDURE IS AS FOLLOWS:

* Before descending to land, the instructor will
  reduce the power and the gyro will begin descending.
* Using the control stick to maintain airspeed, rudder
  control for straight alignment with runway and
  properly flaring (rearward cyclic to bring the nose
  of the gyroplane up allowing the tail wheel to
  touch down first.
* Power is then reduced to idle.
* Maintain controls until the nose wheel touches down.
* Then move the control stick and power to maintain proper  taxi speed control.

Note: As the student becomes more relaxed and familiar with the "feel" of the aircraft, he/she will take on more cyclic and throttle control.  This progression will depend of the student's ability to recognize situations, and act accordingly.  As takeoffs and landings become more consistent, the student will make more of them in the 5000 foot of runway available.

LESSON PLAN #4

This will be a continuation of Lesson Plan #3 with shallow left and right turns as follows:
* You will continue to make standard take-offs.
* Maintain proper airspeed as you make a climbing
  shallow  turn over the field.
* Reduce power to cruise.
* Fly along side of runway.
* Then proceed in tuning back to the runway to make a procedural landing.  You will alternate turns to the left and right continuously throughout this lesson plan until good consistent control inputs and coordination are achieved.

LESSON PLAN #5

This lesson Plan will again be confined to the length of the runway. We will be practicing recovery from "balloon up" landings.  The over flare to cause the gyroplane to balloon up during landing will be induced by the instructor. At times, the student will be warned, but not
always.  The correct recovery to landing procedure will be as follows :

* As the aircraft starts to flare and balloon up, it is very
  important to react immediately.
* Throttle response=full throttle.
* At the same time, apply rearward pressure of the  control stick.
  Note: The full power will cushion the aircraft in ground effect. The control stick rearward movement will prevent the aircraft from descending on it's nose wheel.

The recovery will require constant coordination with all controls as the gyroplane settles to the runway. You will learn how to recover to landing and recover to continued forward flight.  Recovery to forward flight as follows.

* Maintain full throttle as you ever so slightly move the control stick forward, allowing the aircraft to regain forward airspeed for continued forward flight. It may be necessary to allow the gyroplane to settle to the ground
as you are attempting to fly out of this condition. This is a condition called the "back side of the power curve."
These recovery techniques are very important to learn. We will continue this procedure until the student can safely
recover the aircraft from both situations. One of the most unsafe configurations occurs when you are preparing to land and a gust of wind puts you at several feet altitude with the nose high, and very little air speed. You must learn to safely recover from these conditions.

LESSON PLAN #6

At the start of this lesson plan, you should be comfortable with take-off and landings, many of which have been in crosswind conditions. In this lesson plan, you will be flying the airport traffic pattern. The instructor will explain the requirements of this airport traffic pattern.  You will be practicing the following sequence.

* Normal take-off
* After lift-off accelerate to climb airspeed
* Normal runway departure, climb to proper altitude while turning cross wind and down wind.
* Reduce power to cruise RPM
* Forward control stick movement to maintain cruise airspeed.
* Always look for other aircraft and listen to radio announcements.

PREPARATIONS FOR LANDING
APPROACH AND TOUCHDOWN:

* Turn base and final in a continuous turn.
* Align the aircraft with the runway, using the control stick to maintain airspeed, and the throttle for altitude control.
* Flare when appropriate, touching the tail wheel down first.

LESSON PLAN #7

This lesson plan will allow you to practice slow flight and vertical descents.  These maneuvers will be practiced at the approach to land when flying the traffic pattern.

Proceed as follows:
* Before turning base while flying down wind, reduce power and slowly add some rearward pressure to the control stick. This will reduce the airspeed, allowing the aircraft to slow and maintain 40 mph.
* Continue this airspeed until instructed to regain approach speed for landing.
* To regain approach airspeed, move the control stick slightly forward and add power if needed.
* when in ground effect and preparing to flare, reduce power to idle.
* Land touching down the tail wheel first.

This procedure will teach you how to slow the aircraft transitioning from horizontal flight to a vertical descent, the benefit of this maneuver is to lose altitude without gaining airspeed and forward distance.

LESSON PLAN #8

During this lesson plan, you will be practicing emergency landings. First, the landings will begin on the final approach while the aircraft is aligned with the runway.
As you become more familiar with this approach and landing, you will begin the emergency procedure while on the downwind leg, of the airport traffic pattern.

"PROCEDURE FOR STRAIGHT"
    IN EMERGENCY LANDING:

* The instructor will reduce the power to zero thrust condition. This will simulate an "engine out" condition.
* You will then maintain proper airspeed, using
the control stick.
* Continue your descent maintaining alignment with the runway, flare and land tail wheel first. Note: You can use the throttle as needed to make a safe landing.

* Emergency landing starting from downwind to base leg to final approach.
* The instructor will reduce power to zero thrust.  The student will maintain descending airspeed using the cyclic control. Your descending turn from downwind to final will be a continuous turn.
* On final approach, align aircraft with runway, check airspeed, flare when required, touching the tail wheel first.

Note:  You can use added power if required, to make a safe landing.  (Watch for other aircraft.)

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINES & LIMITATIONS FOR NEW SOLO
SIGNOFF GYROPLANE PILOTS

THE MOST IMPORTANT & MOST CRITICAL PHASE OF YOUR TRAINING IS JUST
BEGINNING NOW THAT YOU HAVE PRACTICED ALL THE REQUIRED MANEUVERS. IT'S
TIME TO APPLY THIS EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR OWN GYROPLANE. YOU MUST BE
AWARE THAT CONTROL STICK MOVEMENTS WILL BE VERY SLIGHT & MOST IMPORTANT
RESPONSES WILL BE MUCH MORE SENSITIVE COMPARED TO WHAT YOU LEARNED ON
THE TWO - PLACE TRAINER.

THE FOLLOWING OPERATIONAL TRAINING SEQUENCE IS BASED ON MANY YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE THAT WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A SAFE CONTINUED TRAINING PROGRAM.

EXERCISE I - START OFF BY STARTING & RUNNING THE ENGINE. IF YOUR HAVE
To HAND PROP FOR STARTING, BE SURE YOU HAVE GYRO SECURED. DON'T HAND
START THE FIRST FEW TIMES WITHOUT SOME ASSISTANCE.

CONDITIONS - NO WIND - CALM AIR.
EXERCISE 2 - SPEND A FEW HOURS TAXING YOUR GYROPLANE WITH ROTOR BLADES
SPINNING, GET USED TO THE STEERING, BRAKING, & OTHER DIFFERENCES.

EXERCISE 3 - PRACTICE PRE-SPINNING THE ROTOR BLADES.

CONDITIONS - NO WIND - CALM AIR.
EXERCISE 4 - YOUR NOW READY TO GET THE FEEL OF WHAT TAKE OFF A
ATTITUDE IS LIKE IN A FEW RUNS DOWN THE WAY JUST RAISING & LOWERING THE
NOSE WHEEL, MAIN WHEELS KEPT ON THE RUN WAY. THIS EXERCISE WILL SHOW
YOU HOW MUCH STICK MOVEMENT IS NEEDED FOR PROPER TAKE OFF ALTITUDE.

CONDITIONS - NO WIND - CALM AIR.
ONLY AFTER YOU ARE FULLY COMFORTABLE PRACTICING EXERCISE 4 & YOU CAN
KEEP A STRAIGHT LINE TAXIING, PLACING THE NOSE WHEEL IN THE TAKE OFF
ATTITUDE THE FULL LENGTH OF THE RUN WAY SEVERAL TIMES. YOU CAN CONTINUE
TO EXERCISE 5.

CONDITIONS - NO WIND - CALM AIR.
EXERCISE 5 - NOW YOU SHOULD BE READY TO MAKE SOME VERY SHORT, LOW LEVEL
HOPS. IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO REDUCE THROTTLE AS YOU TAKE OF &
IMMEDIATELY LAND. CONTINUE THESE SHORT HOPS, EXTENDING THE LENGTH OF
EACH FLIGHT KEEPING WITHIN A FEW FEET FROM THE RUN WAY. PRACTICE THIS
FOR A FEW HOURS UNTIL YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE.

CONDITIONS - NO WIND - CALM AIR.
EXERCISE 6 - NOW YOU CAN CONTINUE FLIGHTS OVER THE RUN WAY AT DIFFERENT
HEIGHTS. KEEP YOUR AIR SPEED & STAY OVER THE RUN WAY. DON'T GET SO
HIGH UP THAT YOU WILL NOT HAVE ENOUGH RUN WAY TO LAND.

 RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINES & LIMITATIONS FOR NEW SOLO
SIGNOFF GYROPLANE PILOTS

THE MOST IMPORTANT & MOST CRITICAL PHASE OF YOUR TRAINING IS JUST
BEGINNING NOW THAT YOU HAVE PRACTICED ALL THE REQUIRED MANEUVERS. IT'S
TIME TO APPLY THIS EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR OWN GYROPLANE. YOU MUST BE
AWARE THAT CONTROL STICK MOVEMENTS WILL BE VERY SLIGHT & MOST IMPORTANT
RESPONSES WILL BE MUCH MORE SENSITIVE COMPARED TO WHAT YOU LEARNED ON
THE TWO - PLACE TRAINER.

THE FOLLOWING OPERATIONAL TRAINING SEQUENCE IS BASED ON MANY YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE THAT WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A SAFE CONTINUED TRAINING PROGRAM.

EXERCISE I - START OFF BY STARTING & RUNNING THE ENGINE. IF YOUR HAVE
TO HAND PROP FOR STARTING, BE SURE YOU HAVE GYRO SECURED. DON'T HAND
START THE FIRST FEW TIMES WITHOUT SOME ASSISTANCE.

CONDITIONS - NO WIND - CALM AIR.
EXERCISE 2 - SPEND A FEW HOURS TAXING YOUR GYROPLANE WITH ROTOR BLADES
SPINNING, GET USED TO THE STEERING, BRAKING, & OTHER DIFFERENCES.

EXERCISE 3 - PRACTICE PRE-SPINNING THE ROTOR BLADES.

CONDITIONS - NO WIND - CALM AIR.
EXERCISE 4 - YOUR NOW READY TO GET THE FEEL OF WHAT TAKE OFF A
ATTITUDE IS LIKE IN A FEW RUNS DOWN THE WAY JUST RAISING & LOWERING THE
NOSE WHEEL, MAIN WHEELS KEPT ON THE RUN WAY. THIS EXERCISE WILL SHOW
YOU HOW MUCH STICK MOVEMENT IS NEEDED FOR PROPER TAKE OFF ALTITUDE.

CONDITIONS - NO WIND - CALM AIR.
ONLY AFTER YOU ARE FULLY COMFORTABLE PRACTICING EXERCISE 4 & YOU CAN
KEEP A STRAIGHT LINE TAXIING, PLACING THE NOSE WHEEL IN THE TAKE OFF
ATTITUDE THE FULL LENGTH OF THE RUN WAY SEVERAL TIMES. YOU CAN CONTINUE
TO EXERCISE 5.

CONDITIONS - NO WIND - CALM AIR.
EXERCISE 5 - NOW YOU SHOULD BE READY TO MAKE SOME VERY SHORT, LOW LEVEL
HOPS. IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO REDUCE THROTTLE AS YOU TAKE OF &
IMMEDIATELY LAND. CONTINUE THESE SHORT HOPS, EXTENDING THE LENGTH OF
EACH FLIGHT KEEPING WITHIN A FEW FEET FROM THE RUN WAY. PRACTICE THIS
FOR A FEW HOURS UNTIL YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE.

CONDITIONS - NO WIND - CALM AIR.
EXERCISE 6 - NOW YOU CAN CONTINUE FLIGHTS OVER THE RUN WAY AT DIFFERENT
HEIGHTS. KEEP YOUR AIR SPEED & STAY OVER THE RUN WAY. DON'T GET SO
HIGH UP THAT YOU WILL NOT HAVE ENOUGH RUN WAY TO LAND.

CONDITIONS - NO WIND - CALM AIR.
EXERCISE 7 - ONCE YOU COMFORTABLY FLY THE LENGTH OF THE RUN WAY AT
VARIOUS HEIGHTS, BEGIN TO MAKE SHALLOW "S" TURNS. THE PROPER PROCEDURE
AS FOLLOWS:
TAKE OFF
CLIMB TO APPROX, 100 FEET
REDUCE THROTTLE BEFORE LEVELING OFF.
MAINTAIN 45 MPH AIR SPEED.
PROCEED TO MAKE A SHALLOW TURN TO THE RIGHT & RETURN TO THE CENTER LINE
OF THE RUN WAY TO LAND. PRACTICE ALL THE SAME PROCEDURES YOU WERE
TAUGHT IN THE TWO - PLACE. CONTINUE SHALLOW "S" TURNS ONE DIRECTION AT
A TIME. REMEMBER, KEEP YOUR AIR SPEED, PROPER FLIGHT ATTITUDE MAKING
SHALLOW TURNS.

CONDITIONS - 5 MPH MAX WIND DOWN THE RUN WAY.
EXERCISE 8 - YOU MUST BE CAPABLE OF SAFELY LANDING YOUR GYROPLANE IN THE
EVENT OF AN ENGINE FAILURE. THE LENGTH OF YOUR RUN WAY WILL DETERMINE
YOUR MAXIMUM ALTITUDE & STILL LAND BEFORE YOU GET TO THE END. YOU MUST
STAY OVER THE RUN WAY.
CLIMB TO YOUR PREDETERMINED ALTITUDE & SLOWLY REDUCE THE THROTTLE A
LITTLE MORE EACH TIME FOR EACH LANDING. CONTINUE THIS UNTIL YOU CAN
REDUCE THE THROTTLE TO IDLE. REMEMBER, LOWER THE NOSE & MAINTAIN AIR
SPEED.

CONDITIONS - NO WIND - CALM AIR.
EXERCISE 9 - NOW THAT YOU HAVE ACCUMULATED SEVERAL HOURS OF THE PREVIOUS
MANEUVERS. IT'S TIME TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE READY TO MAKE YOUR FIRST
FLIGHT AROUND THE AIRPORT TRAFFIC PATTERN. IF YOU CAN FLY THE LENGTH OF
THE RUN WAY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS HOLDING 2 TO 3 FEET. DO THIS WITHOUT ANY
UP AND DOWN MOVEMENTS CONSISTENTLY SEVERAL TIMES, YOU HAVE PASSED THE
TEST.

CONDITIONS - NO WIND - CALM AIR.
EXERCISE 10 - YOUR FIRST FLIGHT AROUND THE AIRPORT TRAFFIC PATTERN.
CHOOSE AN EARLY MORNING OR LATE AFTERNOON, WHEN THERE IS NOT MUCH
AIRPLANE TRAFFIC.
REMEMBER, PERFORM A GOOD PREFLIGHT, AFTER TAKE OFF. CLIMB TO 500 FEET
& CONTINUE TO FLY THE PATTERN STAYING CLOSE TO THE RUN WAY, WATCHING FOR
OTHER TRAFFIC.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ABOVE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
BRENT DRAKE FOR ASSISTANTS AT (317) 364-0289.

I HAVE READ & DISCUSSED ALL THE ABOVE WITH MY INSTRUCTOR, BRENT DRAKE &
FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL DETAILS.

INSTRUCTOR_________________________________________
STUDENT       _________________________________________
DATE               _______________________