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Author: Ben Speich

Successful launch of new AutoGyro UK Website

AutoGyro UK is thrilled to announce the successful launch of our brand-new website, marking a significant taxi & departure from our previous outdated online presence. In collaboration with AutoGyro Germany, we’ve meticulously crafted a modern, accessible, and resource-packed website that caters to the needs of our community.

The new website’s structure has been copied from AutoGyro Germany, we have copied the relevant content and modified it for the UK market.

So, what does this new AutoGyro website have to offer?

1. Service and Maintenance:

Navigate to the owners and operators’ information section to discover our comprehensive Service and Maintenance page. This section provides general information about maintaining AutoGyro aircraft, alongside details about the 25 & 100HR services, the 5-year rubber hose change, and an explanation of service bulletins. For your convenience, we’ve included a user-friendly list and map of all current maintainers, along with a guide on how to join them!

2. Spare Parts:

In the same section, you’ll find the Spare Parts page, your go-to resource for all things related to aftersales spares in the UK and Irish markets. Find information about the safety and legality of spare parts, learn how to use the AutoGyro shop, and find details about payment and shipping. Don’t forget to check out the ‘standard parts enquiry form’.

3. Flight Instruction:

For aspiring pilots, our Flight Instruction page is full of useful information. Access a list and map of all AutoGyro flight instructors to kickstart your flying journey. If you harbour ambitions of becoming an instructor yourself, take a look at our detailed how-to guide to set yourself on the right path.

4. Events:

Do you want to meet other AutoGyro pilots and enthusaists? Participate in events across the UK! Our events page contains information on where AutoGyro may be in 2024. Fly-ins and shows provide a perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and see the latest aircraft and modifications. We value your input, if you have events in mind that you believe AutoGyro should be a part of, we want to hear from you.

The Arrival of the First Rotax 916iS-Equipped Cavalon in the UK

AutoGyro UK is excited to see the first Rotax 916iS equipped aircraft coming to the UK this year. The Cavalon will be packed with features, hosting a full Garmin glass cockpit and 3-axis autopilot.

What makes a Cavalon 916 special?
Well, a Cavalon is an astonishing aircraft already. Superbly comfortable, autopilot enabled, even IFR ready.

So, what benefit does the 916 give?
It gives another 20hp of fun factor…

Take off distance is a little shorter, but it is remarkably short already so that isn’t it… It is the immense boot of power that the aircraft gets as the engine spins past 5,500rpm.
140hp at 5,500… 160 at 5,800. And the climb rate? Reach for the stars! 1,150fpm at max take-off weight really puts a smile on your face, not to mention that when flying solo, you can reach 12,000ft in around 6 minutes.

Of course, full power climbs burn through fuel, and surely the engine is a gas-guzzler? No! Rotax have their latest lean burn technology fitted, and in lean cruise the engine burns a little less than the 915, which burned in turn less than the 914.

Cavalon 916

This Cavalon will be seen all over the UK, visiting shows, fly-ins, and powering through demo flights

Get ready to spot the Cavalon 916iS gracing the skies all across the UK, making appearances at shows, fly-ins, and captivating audiences during demo flights. Are you ready to be the proud owner of the 916iS? This powerful engine is available for new Cavalon and Calidus orders. Explore more details in the brochure or submit your inquiry via the contact form – your next aviation adventure awaits!

Further major orders for AutoGyro

Gyroplane fleets ensure security from the air

In January AutoGyro GmbH won two major contracts for professional gyroplanes. A total of 18 “Sentinels“, most camera-equipped, were ordered by international police forces and law enforcement agencies to perform aerial surveillance tasks. Following the successful initial deployment in 2023, the Turkish Jandarma Havacilik has decided to expand its fleet by six more specialised Rotax 916 iS powered Cavalon Sentinels. In addition, another key authority has ordered seven Cavalon 916 iS Sentinels as well as five Calidus 916 iS Sentinels accompanied by a package for flight crew training and the associated infrastructure.


Effective performing of aerial monitoring tasks – Why Turkish Jandarma relies on AutoGyro gyroplanes

As a camera-carrying platform for day and night aerial surveillance, the AutoGyro Cavalon Sentinel has successfully proven to be highly cost-effective, practical and sustainable for tasks such as traffic monitoring, aerial search and border patrol.

The Director of Gendarmerie Aviation at Jandarma Havacilik Turkey, Major General Ali DOĞAN, explains what was decisive for the initial choice of gyroplanes: „We needed a cost-effective aerial vehicle capable of performing helicopter tasks and transmitting images from the air (…) because flight and maintenance costs of our helicopters are quite high.” After extensive testing and successful deployment in 2023, the gyroplanes proved to be the right solution for their missions. Thus, additional fields of application have been added and the gyro fleet is now being expanded.The new six Cavalon Sentinels will be delivered in summer 2024.


Milestone for the professional use of gyroplanes

Gerald Speich, CEO of AutoGyro, explains the significance of both the major order to the new customer and the follow-up order to the Turkish Jandarma: „These multi-million euro orders are not only an important milestone for AutoGyro as a company, but also strengthen our footprint within the global professional market. Gyroplanes have become an attractive addition or alternative vehicle in many areas of aerial surveillance. Airbone security is being rethought in many countries – not only in terms of cost-effectiveness, but also from an environmental perspective, arenas that our aircraft excel in“.

Aleksandra Witkowska, Co-CEO, adds „The significant references that have led to these new orders are the result of exceptional teamwork that makes us proud. As only manufacturer in the gyroplane sector complying with all major national regulations and highest safety standards we are now looking forward to the future with confidence and are welcoming new employees”.


The AutoGyro Sentinel model as plattform for aerial surveillance

The professionally used Sentinel models are characterized not only by easy and cost-effective operation and maintenance, but also by maximised safety, cabin comfort and sustainability. With operating costs of less than 200 EUR per hour and a low consumption of only 25 litres super unleaded fuel per hour (57,5 kg CO2/h emissions), a gyroplane can carry out many tasks of other aerial vehicles whilst achieving the same or better levels of task accomplishment at vastly reduced costs. Thanks to a flight duration of up to four hours at a maximum speed up to 225 km/h, the gyroplanes can reach the operational areas fast, and can remain there on task for a considerable time at very slow speeds, enabling excellent observation results. The Sentinel can carry a range of task specific equipment, including special customer-defined equipment such as an integrated 4K and/or Infrared camera with a live downlink to ground personnel. Equipped with a fully certified autopilot, according to the specifications of the British CAA, and customized avionics the AutoGyro Sentinel has the capability to operate even in IFR conditions. This equipment also reduces pilot fatigue workload in normal flight conditions.

AutoGyro made-in-Germany gyroplanes have many applications such as monitoring of pipelines, energy distribution networks, borders or traffic infrastructure, coasts, wildlife, disaster relief, and aeri

CEM_4034 kopya

The leading gyroplane manufacturer AutoGyro will supply 18 professional use Sentinels for various surveillance missions –  such as traffic monitoring for the Turkish Jandarma.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024!

Make it a special one! With lots of adventures and gyro moments!


We want to start presenting you each month our highlight shot and highlight model. Every month you can download the new AutoGyro calendar sheet here. For example if you would like to enjoy it as the background for your desktop or mobile devices. Stay tuned!


  • Cover of the AutoGyro Calendar 2024

  • JANUARY 2024

  • FEBRUARY CALENDAR-2024

  • Coming soon

  • Coming soon

  • Coming soon

  • Coming soon

  • Coming soon

  • Coming soon

  • Coming soon

  • Coming soon

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Succesful launch of gyroplane flying in India

AutoGyro proudly announces the successful market entry in India in December 2023. In collaboration with local partner Manish Saini from Air Safari, the AutoGyro gyroplane models have been launched in India for touristic flights. With the introduction of gyroplanes as compact and agile aircrafts, a new chapter in tourism is beeing opened: soon India’s first-ever Himalayan Air Safaris using AutoGyro gyroplanes will officially start.

The launch was accompanied by major promotional events in the Himalayan region.
The impressive capabilities of the AutoGyro gyrocopters were demonstrated during numerous test flights:

  • 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬
  • 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐕𝐅𝐑 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

See some video impressions: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C09Sws5RUG4/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

Read one of the press articles (Travel Trade Journal): Uttarakhand launches India’s first Himalayan AirSafari, unveils Gyrocopter Adventure

Turkey Jandarma Report – Cavalon Sentinel Fleet Aerial Surveillance use case

Learn first-hand from Turkish Jandarma Havacilik about the economic advantages and their experience when using AutoGyro gyroplanes instead of helicopters for aerial surveillance tasks. Equipped with cameras and autopilot, our AutoGyro Cavalon Sentinels are successfully used for traffic monitoring and other missions –  in a very cost-effective, practical and green way.

On the occasion of its 55th anniversary, the Gendarmerie Aviation Department provides impressive insights, including the procurement process, experience and expansion plans for their fleet and use cases.

Read the excerpts or the complete interviews with the Jandarma responsibles in the special issue of „Defence Turkey“ | Volume 17 | Issue 125, 2023 | Aerial Photos: Cem DOĞUT.

CEM 4311 kopya

COST-EFFECTIVE SEARCH & MONITORING

“Flight and maintenance costs of our helicopters are quite high. We needed a cost-effective aerial vehicle capable of performing helicopter tasks and transmitting images from the air.

The time for aerial search can be 10x longer than the time for the rescue phase using the helicopter. So we split the search and rescue mission into 2 parts.
The aerial search includes for example:

  • Searching for accident victims, drug cultivation areas, illegal immigration, tracking and locating criminals
  • Providing aerial security for VIPs
  • Ensuring security of natural gas & oil pipelines.”

Major General Ali DOĞAN
Director of Gendarmerie Aviation┃Jandarma Havacilik Turkey


OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS AND EXPANDED USE

“As a result of the efforts of our R&D Department, we decided that AutoGyro gyroplanes could fulfill this role. We quickly integrated this system into our inventory, not only incorporating the electro-optical capabilities that a few of our helicopters possess but also enabling the transmission of these images to our personnel on the ground.

Subsequently, by coordinating with our units, we explored other potential areas of utilization: We expanded the inventory of AutoGyro gyroplanes by adding tasks such as: public safety, search & rescue, reconnaissance, surveillance, border security, wildfire monitoring and illicit crop monitoring.

With many more projects, we remain committed to enhancing our operational effectiveness with our approach.”

Senior Colonel Arif HAKERLER
Chief of the Gendarmerie Aviation Division┃Jandarma Havacilik Turkey


REDUCED FLIGHT AND MAINTENANCE COSTS

The maintenance and sustainment activities for our AutoGyro gyroplanes are carried out by our own technicians. The use of regular gasoline significantly reduces flight costs, making operational expenses incredibly economical. While the hourly flight cost for a helicopter is approximately US$ 3.000, for a AutoGyro gyroplane, this cost reduces to around US$ 35.”

Gendarmerie Pilot Colonel Ruhi YÜKSEL
The Commander of the Support Group at the
Gendarmerie Aviation Department┃Jandarma Havacilik Turkey

2022 01 31 Autogyro x Jandarma 0009 min

New AutoGyro Partner in Switzerland

New AutoGyro Partner in Switzerland – We are pleased to announce the partnership with Pascal Balet, as our new Swiss Sales Partner and associated Flight School operating from BEX (LSBG) in the Canton of Vaud.

As our representative for the Swiss market, he will offer the AutoGyro Cavalon 915 iS, MTOsport 915 iS and Calidus 914 UL models together with gyro flight instruction. Pascal is not only a very experienced gyroplane and helicopter pilot, but also a Swiss and French ULM instructor having already trained many gyroplane students. Both, Pascal and AutoGyro, are looking forward to spreading the passion of high-performance gyroplane flying in Switzerland.

When signing the contract at AutoGyro’s facilities in Hildesheim, our new AutoGyro Partner was accompanied by a Swiss instructor colleague and an interested customer. All of them had experience with gyroplanes of other manufacturers and were extremely impressed by the AutoGyro factory tour and gyro flights: “The high manufacturing and product quality is really a different level from everything we have seen and flown so far in the ultralight market! By choosing AutoGyro and Cavalon flying, our customers have the opportunity to experience a very high level of comfort – even with autopilot. Also, the speed and the climb rate of AutoGyro flying is a special feeling.“ stated Pascal Balet.

Thank you, Pascal. We really appreciate your positive feedback. Welcome to the AutoGyro Partner Family.

Get in touch with our new partner:

Pascal Balet
Route de la Jeurna 5
1871 CHOEX
Switzerland
Phone 0041763457575
Email pascalbalet@bluewin.ch

Airport Bex (LSGB)

Autogyro fly in 2023 impressions

Autogyro fly in 2023 impressions – AutoGyro looks back on a great fly-in weekend at the end of August 2023: Numerous AutoGyro gyroplane, pilots and partners from Germany and abroad as well as several hundred visitors from Hildesheim accepted the invitation to the fly-in and open house.

After an official reception by the AutoGyro management and the mayor of Hildesheim, Dr. Ingo Meyer, on the occasion of the 20th production anniversary, the guests were able to take a tour of the company, participate in workshops and try out flights with the AutoGyro team and experience the world of gyroplanes.

The HR team at a career stand informed about the numerous entry possibilities at AutoGyro. Also a child program as well as food and drinks has been provided. The visitors enjoyed the insights and the exchange in a relaxed atmosphere and stayed until the highlight: the joint sunset flight in best weather.

A celebration in the evening with customers, partners, friends & family as well as the pilot breakfast rounded off the event weekend.

New generation: Calidus 916 iS

Calidus 916 iS – The impossible became possible

AutoGyro proudly announces the successful launch of the fastest production gyroplane in the world: Calidus 916 iS. This new generation Calidus is flying with the “impossible” Rotax engine 916 iS (160 hp) at an “impossible” new Vne of 225 km/h / 140 mph / 120 KIAS.

The sharp aerodynamics mean that Calidus is a fast cruiser, and with new fuel tank capacity of 100ltr, has a huge 650 km range. A superb combination!

The new generation also includes new aircraft options:

  • A taller optional canopy, with an additional 150mm (6”) of headroom for pilots
  • Variable rate heater controls, heated seats and lumbar support
  • Screen demist incorporated
  • Latest generation pneumatic system
  • Latest generation rotorhead and pre-rotation
  • 4-blade HTC or electric constant speed Woodcomp KW31 (electric) prop
  • Night VFR equipmenFull Garmin G3x panel, with Garmin, Trig or Funk radios and transponders
  • Leather seat cushions, customized to match the aircraft colours

The Calidus 916 iS has a maximum takeoff mass of 560 kg, an empty weight as low as 310 kg, and an engine TBO of 2000 hrs.

An impossible combination? At AutoGyro we love to make the impossible possible…

More information: Calidus – AutoGyro (auto-gyro.com)

AutoGyro Cavalon in Professional Use for Surveying and Cartography

The acceptance procedure and handover of the AutoGyro Cavalon 915 to the representatives of the Czech Office of Surveying and Cartography was successfully completed in June 2023.


This is the result of a multi-year effort to use the AutoGyro gyroplane as a carrier for scanning and digitizing the relief of the earth’s surface. This aircraft met all the conditions of the tender and will carry a professional scanner from Riegel, in cooperation with the German company IGI, and it will be installed and subsequently used professionally by the Geodetic Survey. Our friend at company WEKU Fly from Germany has been using Cavalon gyroplanes and Riegel scanners for more than 5 years for work for the public and private sector in the field of digital surface mapping.


The owner of AGN Systems Pavel Březina together with the Director of the Geodetic Office Mr. Karel Brázdil conducted two days of tests and perfectly checked all flight and ground modes of the gyroplane equipped with the scanner carrier. The Cavalon perfectly met all the specified requirements and after the crews are trained, it will be included and used as a full member of the fleet of scanning aircraft and drones in the Czech Republic.


The handover event is the culmination of this teamwork and confirms the fact that AutoGyro is the only manufacturer in the gyroplane sector that meets all major national regulations, whilst also meeting the highest global safety requirements.
This successful delivery not only highlights AutoGyro’s innovative qualities, it also marks the huge step AutoGyro has taken in the design, configuration and delivery of gyroplane aircraft for commercial and government use. 

More information: Cavalon – AutoGyro (auto-gyro.com)