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Pilot-Induced Oscillation (PIO) in a Gyroplane

Pilot-Induced Oscillation (PIO) or porpoising occurs when a pilot unintentionally causes the gyroplane to pitch up and down (nose rising and falling), by overcorrecting or reacting too late to the aircraft’s movements.

Contributing Factors:

• Improper control technique (excessive forward or aft cyclic input).

• Low-speed flight or turbulence, where rotor response is more sensitive.

• High control sensitivity, such as in gyroplanes with light control forces.

• Inexperience or delayed reaction time.

How it happens in a gyroplane:

1. Pilot overreacts to aircraft motion

   • The gyroplane responds to turbulence, or gusts.

   • The pilot senses a deviation and applies control input.