CONTENTS OF THE SKILL TEST FOR THE ISSUE OF A GYROPLANE PILOT LICENCE
(a)The route to be flown for the navigation test should be chosen by the FE. The route may end at the aerodrome of departure or at another aerodrome. The applicant should be responsible for flight planning and should ensure that all equipment and documentation for the execution of the flight are on board. The navigation section of the test should have a duration that allows the pilot to demonstrate their ability to complete a route. In addition, it must have at least three identified waypoints and may, as agreed between the applicant and the FE, be flown as a separate test.
(b)The applicant should indicate to the FE the checks and duties carried out, including the identification of radio facilities. Checks should be completed in accordance with the authorised checklist for the gyroplane on which the test is being taken. During pre-flight preparation for the test, the applicant should be required to determine power settings and speeds. Performance data for take-off, approach and landing should be calculated by the applicant in compliance with the operations manual or flight manual for the gyroplane used.
FLIGHT TEST TOLERANCE
(c)The applicant should demonstrate the ability to:
(1)operate the gyroplane within its limitations;
(2)complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy;
(3)exercise good judgement and airmanship;
(4)apply aeronautical knowledge;
(5)maintain control of the gyroplane at all times in such a manner that the successful outcome of a procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt.
(d)The following limits are for general guidance. The FE should make allowances for turbulent conditions and the handling qualities and performance of the gyroplane used:
(1)height: ± 150 ft;
(2)heading or tracking of radio aids: ± 10°;
(3)speed:
(i)take-off and approach: + 15 kt / – 5 kt,
(ii)all other flight regimes: ± 15 kt.
CONTENT OF THE SKILL TEST
(e)The content and sections of the skill test set out in this AMC should be used for the skill test for the issue of a GPL. In all sections, the following should be included:
(1)radiotelephony (RT), as appropriate for the airfield and classification of airspace;
(2)critical assessment of active rotor handling, whenever the blades are turning at less than flying speed;
(3)use of checklists, airmanship, control of gyroplane by external reference and de-icing procedures, etc.
(f)Content and sections of the skill test for the issue of a GPL.
| SECTION 1 – PRE-FLIGHT OPERATIONS |
|---|
| a | Pre-flight preparation: pilot(s) and passenger(s)
Documentation, fitness to fly |
| b | Pre-flight preparation: gyroplane
Documentation, pre-flight inspection, servicing |
| c | Pre-flight preparation: weather
Forecast, interpretation of actual weather, personal limits |
| d | Pre-flight preparation: flight planning
NOTAM, route plan, destination plan, fuel, mass and balance, performance |
| e | External factors and pressure to fly |
| SECTION 2 – TAKE-OFF AND LANDING |
| a | Pre- and post-take-off procedures |
| b | Aerodrome departure procedures |
| c | Aerodrome arrival procedures |
| d | Start-up and taxi |
| e | Take-off and landing, touch and go, full stop |
| f | Rejected take-off |
| g | Go-around from baulked approach |
| h | Precision landing 0 m + 100 m (simulated 1-m fence at each side) |
| i | Glide approach – precision landing 0 m + 200 m (simulated 1-m fence at each side) |
| SECTION 3 – GENERAL HANDLING |
| a | Straight and level flight |
| b | Turning to heading |
| c | 360-degree turns |
| d | Climb and descent to given heights and headings |
| e | Fast flight (90 % VNE) |
| f | Slow flight, at level altitude |
| g | Stationary flight (if possible) |
| h | Idle-power slow-speed descent, recovering with power |
| i | Idle-power slow-speed descent, recovering without power to glide descent |
| j | 360-degree turns around a ground reference |
| SECTION 4 – EN ROUTE PROCEDURES |
| a | Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading |
| b | Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed |
| c | Orientation, airspace structure, timing and revision of ETAs and log keeping |
| d | Diversion to alternate aerodrome (planning and implementation) |
| e | Flight management (checks, fuel systems, carburettor icing, etc.) |
| SECTION 5 – EMERGENCY LANDING |
| a | Standard emergency procedures |
| b | Precautionary landings |
| c | Simulated engine failure |
| d | Unusual attitude recovery |
| SECTION 6 – RETURN AND POST-FLIGHT ACTIONS |
| a | Airfield rejoining procedure |
| b | Shutdown |
| c | Post-flight actions |