Gyro Training Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at stephen@gyrotrainingcanada.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What gyro is used for training with GTC?

At Gyro Training Canada we use The American Ranger 1 (AR-1) this gyro establishes new norms in modern pusher-style gyroplanes, with its expanded and more effective tail, closer to CG thrust line and offset in-flight dynamics. The AR-1 has little coupling between power and yaw, and power and pitch. This is achieved after careful engineering and flight testing, where other models or similar looking configurations may exhibit these characteristics, AR-1 does not and thus behaves as a more forgiving aircraft.
The AR-1’s high inertia rotor system and clean lines give it a better glide ratio and energy retention, making landing easier and more forgiving – even for beginner pilots. Its flexible landing gear absorb and release energy back slowly rather than simply spring back landing shocks.
Its front (or nose) wheel is linked to the rudder for easier taxing, which allows a good compromise in both ground handling and in lessening danger of a pilot touching down the nose wheel while the front wheel is angled sideways.
Additionally, the AR-1’s landing gear fairings act as small wings at faster speeds and also help further stabilize the gyroplane. A full descending pedal turn shows its effective rudder without power at very slow speeds. These points show the AR-1’s superior in-flight control compared to similar configurations.

What are the AR-1 Gyrocopter Specifications ?

Empty Weight: 697 lbs (914UL)
Gross Weight: 1260 lbs
Style: Pusher, tri-gear, tandem seating
Minimum Speed (Vmin): 25 mph
Max Cruise Speed: 110 mph
Max straight and level speed (Vh): 120 mph (914UL)
General Cruise: 55 mph – 100 mph
Never Exceed Speed (Vne): 120 mph
Takeoff roll at ISA (calm air, short prepared grass, pre-rotate to 200 RRPM): 350 feet (914UL 115 HP)
Landing roll: 0 to 30 feet with proper technique
Landing over 50 foot obstacle: 500 feet
Rate of Climb at sea level, ISA: 850 FPM (914UL)
Fuel: 17 USG / 65Ltr
Fuel Burn at Cruise: 4 to 6 GPH
Rotor: Averso Stella, 28′ 3″ (8.6 m)
Dimensions: Height: 9 feet, Width: 76.5 inches, Length: 17.7 feet.

What are the Transport Canada Gyrocopter Requirements ?

(1) Age An applicant shall be a minimum of seventeen years of age.

(2) Medical Fitness An applicant shall hold a Category 3 Medical Certificate valid for a Pilot Permit - Gyroplane. •The permit is maintained by a valid Category 1 or 3 Medical Certificate.

(3) Knowledge An applicant shall have: • (a) completed a minimum of 40 hours gyroplane pilot ground school instruction on the following subjects: Canadian Aviation Regulations, Aerodynamics and Theory of Flight, Meteorology, Airframes, Engines and Systems, Flight Instruments, Radio and Electronic Theory, Navigation, Flight Operations, Licensing Requirements, Human Factors, including pilot decision-making; and obtained a minimum of 60% on the written examination Pilot Permit - Gyroplane (GYROP).

(4) Experience An applicant shall have completed a minimum of 45 hours pilot flight training in gyroplanes under the direction and supervision of the holder of a flight instructor rating gyroplane. The flight training shall include a minimum of: Two or More Seats 12 hours dual instruction flight time including 2 hours cross-country flight time, and 12 hours solo flight time including 3 hours cross-country flight time with a flight of a minimum of 60 nautical miles which shall include 2 full stop landings at points other than the point of departure. Single Seat • Where an applicant is completing training in a single seat gyroplane the 45 hours pilot flight time in gyroplanes, of which 15 hours may be in towed flight, shall include 3 hours cross country flight time with a flight of a minimum of 60 nautical miles which shall include 2 full stop landings at points other than the point of departure. (5) Skill Within the 12 month preceding the date of application for the permit, an applicant shall demonstrate in flight and on the ground to the holder of a Flight Instructor Rating - Gyroplane familiarity with, and the ability to perform both normal and emergency maneuvers appropriate to the gyroplane used in the test, and with a degree of competency appropriate to that of the holder of a Pilot Permit - Gyroplane. Where an applicant undertakes flight training and a flight test in a single-seat gyroplane, the flight test may be observed from another aircraft or the ground.

(6) Credits An applicant who holds a private or higher type pilot license for airplanes or helicopters shall, when applying for the issue of a Pilot Permit - Gyroplane, have the 40 hour ground school instruction requirement reduced to 20 hours.

Experience The total flight time must include a minimum of 30 hours in gyroplanes. Where an applicant holds a pilot license in another aircraft category flight time credits shall be claimed as follows: Airplane and Helicopter a maximum of 15 hours towards the total flight time; and a maximum of 4 hours solo flight time, 2 hours of which shall be credited to solo cross-country flight time. Glider A maximum of 5 hours pilot-in-command flight time towards the total flight time.

What is GTC's School Rates?

We believe our price is relevant to the learning objectives for the future of tomorrow's aviators.

30-45 minute Discovery Flight $99.00 +GST

Ground Classroom Learning for students to help improve their understanding and skills $45.00 +GST

Dual Flight Instruction on AR-1 $219 + GST Pre-Pay Block of 10 Hours

Dual Flight Instruction on AR-1 $229 + GST Pre -Pay Block of 05 Hours

Dual Flight Instruction on AR-1 $239 + GST Per Hour

Solo Flying on AR-1 $179 + GST Per Hour

Coming Soon a single seat gyrocopter for training.

What is GTC's Approved Training Airports?

We have our school operation approval from Transport Canada, with the two airport authorities of Campbell River B.C (CYBL) and Drayton Valley Industrial (CER3) Rocky Rapids Alberta to operate, conduct instruction and have a Flight Training Unit base for gyrocopters.

Can GTC Provide Approved ROTAX Engine Maintenance?

We have a ROTAX Authorized Factory Trained Certified Technician for line maintenance, outstanding safety service bulletins, repairs or complete major overhauls on 2 Stroke (503/582) and 4 Stroke (912/912ULS/914). For major engine overhauls please contact us in advance with projected maintenance inspection. Shop bookings are Oct-Apr each year due to the summer flying season can get extremely busy. Our back log for spring 2025 is already a 503 and complete rebuild of 912ULS. Engine shop is located in CYBL.

Transforming Education

Transforming Education