AutoGyro USA has announced that two versions of their Calidus Gyroplane have successfully completed flight conformity testing. The testing took place at their Maryland facility, with the cooperation and involvement of the FAA. The tests indicated that the gyroplane has acceptable flight handling characteristics for flight both during the day and in night VFR conditions.
Andy Wall, the AutoGyro International Sales Director, had this to say, “This represents the 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 getting real close now to factory built aircraft being a reality in the USA.”
Bob Snyder, of AutoGyro USA, said “Flight schools get ready! Leaseback on Gyroplanes means we will finally have a viable rotorcraft available to GA pilots at an affordable price.”
AutoGyro officials also had praise for the FAA, adding “Without the helpful and determined approach from the FAA and in particular the New York ACO, this project would be a non-starter. Special thanks to James Lee and his team for helping to make this dream become reality, Industry and regulator working together to make a real difference.”
The FAA has given approval for the release of a Type Certificate for the two versions of the Calidus Gyroplane, but according to AutoGyro officials, “the official Type Certificate … will still take some time.” The FAA will visit the AutoGyro factory in Hildesheim, Germany, in September, and full type certification may follow this.
Specs for the Calidus Gyroplane
The Calidus Gyroplane will have a cruise speed of 95 – 100 mph. In addition, it will have a 19.8 gallon tank, with an estimated 3 – 4.5 gallon per hour fuel burn. The gyroplane will have an empty weight of 595 lbs, a maximum take off weight of 1234 lbs, and features a 30 – 300 foot take off distance. For more information, you can visit the AutoGyro website.
Featured Image: AutoGyro
