05 Straight & Level

This lesson should begin by asking the student to describe what was covered in the previous lesson, what they recall, and by confirming that their understanding is correct.

To be able to fly a gyroplane in a straight line, we must be able to maintain a constant heading at a constant altitude. Maintaining a constant altitude requires a constant attitude. Maintaining a constant heading requires the gyroplane to be in balance and the rotor disc held level laterally, (‘wings’ level).

This is the student’s first coordination exercise, and it is important that they understand and can demonstrate how the controls learned in the previous Effects of Controls lesson are used to maintain a constant heading, constant altitude, constant airspeed, and a gyroplane in balance.

It is also an important lesson because it shows how several variables are related, such as power, airspeed, pitch and yaw.

Structure the “Straight and Level” lesson in three phases:

• 1) Establishing and maintaining straight and level flight at a constant airspeed.
• 2) Recovering to straight and level flight after a disturbance.
• 3) Achieving straight and level flight at various airspeeds and power settings.