08 Slow Flight

There are several situations where a gyroplane may be flown at low airspeed, including take-off, approach and landing, go-around, and general low-speed manoeuvring at height.

This lesson develops the student’s awareness of the characteristics of flight at slow airspeeds and their ability to control the gyroplane accurately while maintaining balanced flight. It reinforces the coordination skills developed during Straight and Level at varying airspeeds.

Objectives

The student should be able to:

• Slow the gyroplane and maintain straight and level flight at a nominated low airspeed.
• Maintain constant altitude and balanced flight while turning at low airspeed.
• Return to normal operating airspeeds.

Considerations

Power + Attitude = Performance

To maintain level flight, lift must equal weight.

As airspeed decreases, the rotor-disc angle of attack must increase to maintain the required lift. This results in a higher nose attitude, with power adjusted as required to maintain altitude.

Attitude primarily controls airspeed.

Power controls vertical performance.