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Gyrocopter looks like a small helicopter but the main difference is there is no engine turning the main rotor. The rotor simply self-propel (which we call “auto-rotate”) due to the way that the air flows through them.
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It also does not have a tail rotor.
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As the engine is not connected to the rotors, this means that a Gyrocopter is not seriously affected if the engine should stop in flight. This, together with a very short landing roll (we can land in a very small open space, about the size of a putting green), means that a Gyrocopter is one of the safest methods of flying.
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Today, Gyrocopters are one or two-seat aeroplanes whose maximum take-off weight does not exceed 450 kgs (560 kgs EASA). Modern Gyrocopters offer superb performance, comfort and above all have a safety record second to none in aviation.
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The next convenient difference to a helicopter is the price. It runs on unleaded petrol.
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The running cost is 80 to 100 Euros an hour whilst that of a small helicopter will be in the region of 10 to 15 times more.
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