The FAA Has Granted Type Certification To AutoGyro For Its Factory-Built Calidus Aircraft

It seems we hear a lot about new FAA type certification of airliners and corporate jets, but to hear that an autogyro has just received FAA type certification is truly breaking news. It’s been quite a while since any autogyro has received standard type certification. Better yet, this aircraft is eligible for operation by sport pilots.

AutoGyro USA CEO Andy Wall said factory-built autogyro aircraft are now a reality in the United States. "This represents culmination of many years of hard work and perseverance by the team here in the USA and back at base in Germany too, we’re literally over the moon,” he said.

AutoGyro USA production and Flight Ops manager, Robert Snyder was on hand in the New York office to receive the certificate and help celebrate this major milestone in General Aviation not just here but all over the world. “Flight schools get ready. Leaseback on Gyroplanes mean we will finally have a viable rotorcraft available to GA pilots at an affordable price," he said.

The original design of the Calidus dates back to 2009. Since then it has been certified in numerous countries around the world. The company claims cruise performance to be in the range of 95 to 110 miles per hour with a takeoff distance ranging from 30-300 feet. They simply list the landing distance as being very short. The aircraft is equipped with a pneumatic assisted pre-rotor system to enhance the takeoff performance.

It is equipped with the Rotax 912 series of engine but they also offer the 914 series of turbocharged engines. Because of its performance parameters and maximum gross takeoff weight of 1234 pounds, it falls within the FAA definition of a light sport aircraft.

(Source: AutoGyroUSA news release. Image from website)

FMI: www.AutoGyroUSA.com