Gyrocopter Revalidation Flight Test - Full Flight with Commentary

At just under an hour long, this is one for the true aficionados! Every two years a UK Gyro pilot has to revalidate the specific machine rating of their licence. This can be done by undertaking a training flight with an instructor and providing evidence of sufficient flight experience during the previous 12 months, or alternatively by undergoing a revalidation flight test. This is basically the same as the General Flight Test (GFT) that you take on initial licence issue, and it's my most recent revalidation flight test, from January 2020, that's the subject of this video. From initial take-off to final landing, it's included here in its entirety.
A few points to mention at the outset:-
1. The radio 'squeals' die down after the first circuit; I think they were related to another aircraft in the circuit at that time.
2. This was a beautiful but very cold day in January, and some of my cameras experienced battery exhaustion towards the end of the flight. That's why the final section is filmed with the helmet-mounted Garmin VIRB 360 only, as it is connected to ship's power, and why that section of the video loses engine sound.
3. I know my EFATO recovery was too brisk! I've learnt my lesson, and nothing was broken....
4. Special thanks to my instructor, Steve Pearce.
#gyrocopteruk #gyrocopter #gyroplane #autogyro #stuwithaview

[@jasonrwilkinson9216]

Thanks Stu - great to have a Feature length video. Glad to see you doing a 'proper' standard overhead join for the very reasons you mentioned especially at a field operating across all of GA.

[@sonajuma]

The best gyro video yet, thank you.

[@rp6523]

A really really great video! Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

[@JackerNo2]

Awesome video. As a student gyro pilot I thoroughly enjoyed watching that. Very professionally done

[@rogermarsh9632]

That’s a fantastic insight into a check ride. An extensive series of serials you went through there.

[@Hackamores]

Thanks Stu ! Brilliant once again. Enjoyed every moment and comments. Will promote it on our french forum as we don't have such tests over here. Federation encourages yearly 'REV' (Return to flight... mostly after winter) with instructor but nothing mandatory yet.

[@StuWithAView]

Glad you enjoyed it. And thank you 😊

[@johnheffernan2180]

Great video! Hello to Steve Pearce from the West of Ireland Gyro pilots. Really enjoyed the action and comments. JH

[@bryantturner97]

I love this! Thanks for posting.

[@JedF2010]

What an excellent video!

[@dougtaylor7724]

Are we doing the barrel roll today Sir. Instructor goes You fail.

[@notyhbynorthwest]

Stu, this was an excellent video, brought back memories of my private check ride and biennials. Your examiner was excellent, and sounds like someone who would put you at ease during what can be a very stressful experience. High expectations coupled with clear instructions and lots of good information to make it a real learning experience. It makes all the difference. Cheers, Ian

[@franwoon]

Great video. Shame the engine noise was lost during the video around the recovery from unusual attitudes part, as it’s always good to hear the engine rpms to completely understand the context and flying actions and controls. But still a cracking watch!

[@SnarlingDog]

Really interesting video Stu. I'm on the threshold of starting my training (once this crisis is over) and learned a lot from this one. I wasn't expecting that engine failure simulation on take-off and the recovery looked a bit violent. I did pick out the same 2 landing fields as you guys did - but it was no more than an intuitive/lucky guess. Stay safe fella!

[@StuWithAView]

Thank you Bob. You’ll have a blast; I loved my training. Don’t copy my engine fail on take-off recovery; it’s not meant to be that violent! I could definitely have done that better.

[@josh53sharp]

Bob, I agree with your comments about how useful Stu’s video was. I learnt a lot. I’m also on the cusp of training when we’re “unlocked”. Have you chosen where you’re going to train? Happy for you to email me [e-mail] to share views.

[@michaelridgway1628]

@@StuWithAView Nothing wrong with it. You walked away and no damage to the aircraft. All good then.

[@davidjaques1332]

Thanks so much, excellent prep for my GST 😊

[@StuWithAView]

Best of luck 👍

[@davidjaques1332]

@@StuWithAView thank you 😊 I passed last week, just didn’t want to tempt fate. Just waiting on the CAA now. Excellent vlogs 😊👍

[@StuWithAView]

Congrats 👏

[@lagyro]

Very educational. I can see how impossible it must have been to cut any footage out of the final video... and hats off to Steve and his wisdom as well...

[@StuWithAView]

Either that, or lazy editing 😂

[@lagyro]

@@StuWithAView, nah, I have seen your other work - lazy it is not... :)

[@nickmajor2547]

I’m a Flexwing Pilot but really enjoyed watching this. Got me thinking about trying Gyros. Great Instructor too 😊👍

[@trevorbrown8737]

What a great video!! Stunning views great teacher. I'd love to gave a go at this once we are allowed to get back to normal!

[@gateway8833]

Now that looks like fun

[@espr7564]

These validation guys are like gods, if you don't play ball you won't pass

[@peterclark4685]

The moles at Sleape have progressed (evolved) into hay farmers.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

Just 6 numbers!!!!, I have been in love with Girocopters sinse I was 11 lol

[@ne14lov22002]

@Steve Pearce, I would love for you to be my teacher... Great job Sir

[@scottstapenhill8728]

Great video. I had a question about the audio. How did you get the engine noise as well as you talking?

[@StuWithAView]

It’s a mix of audio from various cameras and a voice recorder.

[@jemwinder]

Hi Stuart, are you able to me know what camera equipment and mounting you use. I love the 360 camera in your helmet. I've got a access to Magni m16 and learning to fly in a calidus . Converting from PPL A. (Jabiru owner)

[@StuWithAView]

Hi Jeremy. The helmet cam is a Garmin VIRB 360 on a curved GoPro helmet mount. The other cams are a mix of various GoPros, including Sessions and Hero 5 and 7 Blacks, all on GoPro mounts with security tethers. My other 360 cam is visible on the mast but was not running on this video; it’s the GoPro Max, which I think is a superior cam compared to the Virb but its larger profile means I don’t use it on the helmet mount due to increased air resistance. Hope this answers your question.

[@jemwinder]

@@StuWithAView very kind of you to get back to me.

[@martinsch08]

_*Estou procurando um desses pra voar no minimo 600Km sem abastecer. Mandem infos. Obrigado!* EXCELENTE VIDEO !

[@crawford323]

A forced landing wouldn’t be fun as wet as the ground appears. Let’s say the landing would be a bit sticky.

[@markcarter2467]

Would I be right in thinking the Instructor doesn’t have his harness belted up? If so, were you aware Stu? Might this invalidate your insurance if they thought you were being negligent?

[@StuWithAView]

It does look that way on the video Mark. No, I wasn’t aware; I confirmed he was secure before departure and on each downwind check. In his defence, there are no instruments or throttle in my rear seat and so I suspect he needed freedom of movement in order to be able to look around my shoulders. It does make me uncomfortable seeing it on the video though.

[@markcarter2467]

Hi Stu. I sometimes fly from the back seat with a passenger in the front, but would never choose not to be strapped in - doesn’t seem right! Oh well, I don’t suppose you intended to do any aerobatics!! Cheers, Mark

[@StuWithAView]

Aerobatics, no; unusual attitudes, yes. He should have been strapped in; no question. Not least because in a sudden stop he’s coming my way!! 😬

[@RodCrosby]

He had his lap-strap buckled, but the shoulder straps tucked behind. Gyrocopter Girl in "that" video adopted a similar pose, to good effect in her case....

[@Trevor_Austin]

Mark Carter - Your insurance is unaffected with or without the instructor’s straps being tightened. I believe the challenge “Harness” was made every downwind and every time the reply was “secure” or similar. Furthermore as this was instruction the Instructor was PIC. The was no negligence here.

[@FUNFLY]

Do you have active noise reduction on your headset?

[@StuWithAView]

No. I tried it and it didn’t do much at all. Gyro radio comms are very sensitive and problematic so I’ve reverted to double impedance-matched Flycom helmets and they’re working great. I use Bose A20 ANR in my fixed wing.

[@FUNFLY]

@@StuWithAView thanks so much for your answer. I fly the same autogyro mto and I can't achive clear mic recording. I thought if I buy a20 and install it into helmet, may be the visor will eliminate the wind sound and anr will lower the engine. Or if I just change the microphone to noise reduction microphone? Do you use any noise reduction in post-production? What editing program do you use? Thanks in advance.

[@StuWithAView]

My Flycom visor is pretty effective at cutting the slipstream noise. I don’t use any noise reduction kit in the gyro at all; just the standard mic, and all I do in editing is adjust the levels - there is no audio processing.

[@StuWithAView]

I did try a MicroAvionics ANR headset, but the impedance differed from my Flycom so I had levels issues, the ANR wasn’t that effective (it’s better at reducing engine noise than the higher-pitched slipstream) and I found it less comfortable. I use Cyberlink PowerDirector 365. I find it so much easier than Premiere, particularly for multicam setups.

[@FUNFLY]

@@StuWithAView do you use a gopro to record the sound(by wire) or you use a separate soundrecorder?

[@RoadRunnerLaser]

As soon as he said, “unusual attitudes”, I went. “Uuuurrrghh!!!” - My least favourite part of the evaluation. At least the recovery is relatively easy, though and I executed a recovery for real on one of my solo qualifying cross-county exercises when I got caught up in turbulence trying to perform a standard overhead join. Things went very pear-shaped - and I just cut the power and brought everything back to straight and level before continuing. As for “Scenario-based”, one of my instructors used to say, “We’re looking at a woman sunbathing, topless....” :D :D :D

[@StuWithAView]

Good to know that what we’re taught also works in practice. And yes, I might have heard similar scenario depictions from certain instructors 😂

[@RoadRunnerLaser]

StuWithAView - I’ve sent you a friend-request on FB by the way - As I’m planning on stopping by Ashcroft on my way to and from the Midlands (when we’re finally allowed back out to play, that is) - You’d said to let you know when I’d be stopping by but it’s probably better to make arrangements privately rather than in YT comments. I think my profile pic makes it obvious to those in the know that I’m a gyronaut.

[@JG27Korny]

moderately boring in the air and extremely scary at landing