Pilot Operating Handbook
Cavalon
SECTION 10
SAFETY TIPS
AutoGyro_POH_Cavalon 915iS
Revision 1.0 – Issue Date 08.MAY.2019
10-4
limits at the pedal stop. Very much like helicopters, gyroplanes cannot be flown by control
position or control force, but solely by resulting attitude. That means that the pilot together
with his built-in senses and programmed reflexes represents a vital part in the active control
feedback loop.
Helicopter pilots, on the other hand, may underestimate the characteristics of gyroplanes
and the necessity for proper training. The simplicity of design may lead them to the
assumption that gyroplanes are easy to fly throughout the envelope. Even helicopter pilots
that do not ‘look down’ on gyroplanes and take it serious may confuse throttle control (push
for power) with the control sense of a collective pitch (pull for power) in a stress situation.
To develop safe gyroplane reactions, conversion pilots must practice each procedure over
and over again with a competent instructor until hands and feet will always make the right
move without requiring conscious thought. AND, ABOVE ALL, PILOTS MUST NEVER
ABRUPTLY PUSH THE CONTROL STICK FORWARD.
Beware of Demonstration or Initial Training Flights
A disproportionate number of accidents occur during demonstration or Initial training flights.
The accidents occur because individuals other than the pilot are allowed to manipulate the
controls without being properly prepared or indoctrinated.
If a student begins to lose control of the aircraft, an experienced flight instructor can easily
regain control provided the student does not make any large or abrupt control movements.
If, however, the student becomes momentarily confused and makes a sudden large control
input in the wrong direction, even the most experienced instructor may not be able to
recover control. Instructors are usually prepared to handle the situation where the student
loses control and does nothing, but they are seldom prepared for the student who loses
control and does the wrong thing.
Before allowing someone to touch the controls of the aircraft, they must be thoroughly
indoctrinated concerning the sensitivity of the controls in a gyroplane. They must be firmly
instructed to never make a large or sudden movement with the controls. And, the pilot-in-
command must be prepared to instantly grip the controls should the student start to make a
wrong move.
Training Off-Field Simulated Engine Failures
Pilots
: Besides any legal aspects, never train off-field simulated engine failures on your
own!
Instructors
: Always check an area for wires or other obstructions before simulating engine
failures. Consider go-around path and the suitability for an actual engine off touch-down.
Cut the throttle smoothly and keep control of engine idle RPM to avoid actual engine
stoppage.
