Pilot Operating Handbook
Cavalon Pro
SECTION 10
SAFETY TIPS
RotorSport_POH_Cavalon
Revision 1.0 – Issue Date 12 04 2015
10-1
SECTION 10 - SAFETY TIPS
General
This section provides miscellaneous suggestions and guidance to help the pilot operate the
gyroplane more safely.
10.1 Low-G Avoidance
Never push the control stick forward to descend or to terminate a pull-up (as you would in
an airplane). This may produce a low-G (near weightless) condition which can result in a
situation with reduced or lost lateral roll control and significant loss of main rotor RPM.
Always reduce power to initiate a descent.
10.2 Side Slip in Gyroplanes
Excessive side slip has to be avoided. Side slip can be safely performed up to the degree
which is necessary for proper runway alignment for landing within crosswind limitations.
Excessive side slip starts at a point where de-stabilizing effects of the fuselage balance out
or even supersede the stabilizing effects of the stabilizer. Pilots new to gyroplanes,
especially those with fixed wing experience may not be aware of these physical limitations.
When exceeding these limitations, be it by imitating ‘professionals’ or applying habits and
control schemes from fixed wing aircraft, the gyroplane may enter an attitude where it is not
recoverable. As the pedal control is sensitive and alignment is key in high-performing
gyroplanes, pilots should develop a feeling for side slip and ‘automatized feet’ in order to
maintain aerodynamic alignment and to compensate for power-induced yaw couplings by
anticipation as a conditioned reflex.
A note to training facilities and flight instructors
: Due to their reduced directional
stability, gyroplanes require active control to enter, stabilize and neutralize side slip. Most
students perceive natural discomfort in side slip. Depending on the situation, students may
erroneously make a wrong control input or freeze, especially when overchallenged,
stressed, or surprised by the situation. In our opinion flight training should focus on the
necessity of correct alignment, the training of recovery procedures, and the development of
the right reflexes. Intentional side slip training as a normal procedure is considered to be
critical as there is no instrument to indicate ‘safe’ boundaries. An experienced pilot may tell
from an imminent change in control response when limits are approached. A student,
however, may unknowingly or inadvertently overshoot the limits, especially when he is
overly focussed on the touch-down zone and coming in too high.
Side slip may be trained within safe boundaries. The student must be briefed
to use gentle pedal input for initiation and stabilization
initiate side slip at or below 50KIAS and maintain air speed by using his perception of
speed, respectively speed sensation (for want of a working air speed indication)
not to rely on airspeed indication in side slip
never to perform abrupt control stick input into the direction of motion (to chase a
faulty speed indication)
It is highly advisable that the instructor remains lightly on the controls at all times.
