Nya regler för Gyrokopter över 600 kg

Nya regler för Gyrokopter över 600 kg

EASA på väg med regler för Gyrokopter med MTOM > 600 kg och/eller med > 2 säten

Amongst the new rulemaking efforts for new exotic aircraft like drones and eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, EASA is also developing regulations for gyroplanes, a rather old aircraft category. According to Article 2(1)(a) and (b) and Annex I point 1(f) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, gyroplanes with a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of more than 600 kg or with more than 2 seats fall within the scope of the common European rules in the field of civil aviation.

Many of us are familiar with light two-seater gyroplanes (usually called gyrocopters or autogyros), which are thriving under national regulation in many European countries. The impetus for this new heavier, up to four-seater, gyroplane category comes from a Dutch entrepreneur who has actually designed a road-capable gyroplane.

The EASA NPA (Notice of Proposed Amendment) proposal, however, does not address the roadability but is written to cover the flying aspects of these vehicles. The proposal covers the licensing of gyroplane pilots and instructors, and introduces a new European PPL(G) pilot licence as well as FI(G) instructor rating. In addition it covers operational requirements for gyroplanes flown in Non-Commercial Operations i.e. the PartNCO category.

For both topics, EASA has drawn on the expertise of the existing gyroplane community and thus EAS had only minor comments to the NPA proposal. It will be interesting to see how successful these new heavier gyroplanes and their associated licences will become in the market! Gyrocopters under national responsibilities are not affected.

Gyrokopter för ambulanstransport, pilot + en liggande + en sjukvårdare. Foto: Celier Aviation

Gyrokopter för pilot + 2 pass. Foto: Celier Aviation