This web site is owned and operated by The British Rotorcraft Association - it exists to give gyro pilots and enthusiasts from any background an opportunity to get involved and make a difference. Gyroplanes as they are referred to by the powers that be are rarely even listed as an aircraft type, yet since 1923 they have been around in one form or another. They led the way in rotary flight and if it weren't for government decisions in the 50's they could now be playing a major role in passenger transportation.

If you have any comments or suggestions please email us using the link on the store page or use the details below.

Our Contact details:
British Rotorcraft Association
Membership and Treasurer
1 Focal Point, Lacerta Court
Letchworth Garden City
Hertfordshire
SG6 1FJ
Tel: 01462 683344

Email: membership@britishrotorcraftassociation.co.uk

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Committee

Chairman. Kai Barnett.

Membership Secretary. Lawrence Spiller.

Member. John Truman.

Member. Allan Mackey.

Safety and Training. Clive Rose.

Events Coordinator. Steve Paffett.

Treasurer. Rupert Stanley.

Web Design/IT. David Reeve.

Editor. Chris Rose.

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Bank Natwest. Banbury, Oxon.

Account: 92600832

Sort Code: 600135

 

The BRA is the representative body for the Gyroplane community within the UK and is the foremost contact point with the CAA with regard to the licensing and training of gyroplane pilots as well as other stakeholders and interested parties.  Its members sit on various committees within the General Aviation community to oversee the requirements of gyroplane pilots and their aircraft within the regulated environment of modern aviation.

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The Association functions to promote the recreational side of gyroplane use within the UK by organising and supporting events both social and competitive.  To assist its members with their inquiries regarding licensing, medical requirements, continued airworthiness and enjoyment of autorotative flight.

Safety is an important part of all aviation and the BRA is very proactive in promoting safety within this sector through training and airworthiness, working hand in hand with the CAA and the Light Aircraft Association.  The Association is also an associate member of other organisations  promoting safety and airmanship around the world, AOPA and GASCO being two of the primary bodies.

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With the introduction of factory built gyroplanes into the UK in 2006, this became the fastest growing sector of the sport and recreational aviation industry,  changing gyro flying not only in the UK but globally.  The introduction of two seat open (or enclosed) training aircraft has altered training making it more accessible and able to provide different learning environments to suit the students needs or desires.

There is now, within the UK, the opportunity to operate an aircraft which you have built and can maintain yourself, a factory built permit aircraft and even a CAA Certified aircraft which can be used for night and commercial operations.  All of which are able to exploit the unique flying characteristics of gyros, for example to fly slowly or even at zero airspeed without stalling, turn with incredible agility and offer excellent all round visibility.  Coupled to this the very short ground roll, cross wind and gust limitations make this a fun and versatile aircraft. An additional bonus is the predictable safe handling  in the event of an engine failure.

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The introduction of two seat open (or enclosed) training aircraft has altered training, making it more accessible and able to provide different learning environments to suit the students needs or desires.

There is now, within the UK, the opportunity to operate an aircraft which you have built and can maintain yourself, factory built permit aircraft and even a CAA Certified aircraft which can be used for night and commercial operations.  All of which are able to exploit the unique flying characteristics of gyros, for example to fly slowly or at zero airspeed without stalling, turn with incredible agility and offer excellent all round visibility.  Coupled to this the very short ground roll, cross wind and gust limitations make this a fun and versatile aircraft. An additional bonus is the predictable safe handling  in the event of an engine failure.

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How does a Gyro Fly?

Often regarded as a hybrid between helicopter and aeroplane due to having both rotors and propeller.  The rotors of the gyro are unpowered and tilt rearward being turned by the airflow through them in a principle known as autorotation.

The propeller provides forward thrust, forcing air through the self governing rotors, however, should the engine stop in flight, the rotors remain unaffected.  Why? After an engine stoppage the gyro will descend and as it passes through the air (effectively forced through the rotor disc) the rotors remain turning.  The gyro is then able to glide at an airspeed chosen by the pilot.  In autorotative flight the gyro cannot stall or spin.

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A different kind of Flying.

Now that enclosed cockpit Gyro's are available, would be helicopter pilots and many ex fixed wing pilots are opting for these, more of a helicopter ride with great stability in strong wind conditions. The open cockpit version though, often referred to as the motorbike of the skies, offers a completely different experience. Views to die for and possible endurance times exceeding three hours on the factory built. Speeds of up to 120mph and Hangarage easier to find due to the small footprint, make these an ideal aircraft to get airborne in quickly as well as being easy to put away.

Permit costs and servicing vary greatly according to type, so we strongly recommend you pop along to one of the schools and have a chat with an instructor. Be prepared though, generally once you have flown in one of these amazing aircraft, you will want one of your own.