Gyrocopter or helicopter first???

P

piperguy

Well-Known Member
Hey there,
I am a fixed wing pilot (ATP) and looking to move into helicopters. A friend of mine suggested I get my gyrocopter add-on my CPL first and then fly helicopters. Anybody did it that way before?? I know the cost sounds much cheaper but you never know. Usually what sounds too good to be true it probably is. So any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
 
To get a license, I believe sone requirements only specify "rotorcraft." You'd have to buy a gyro because (in general) there aren't any to rent. Also, to do anything commercially, employers want helicopter (as opposed to "rotorcraft") time.
 
If you're just adding on then just go straight to comm heli.

why do you want to move into helicopters the job market sucks the big one right now
 
Gyro time is useless for anything other than fun. And you likely will not be able to rent one past flight training. You will likely be wasting money by doing your primary training in a Gyro. Most of the training market will be using Robinson airframes. SFAR 73 has specific hour requirements. However "most" of your fixed wing time will count towards your rotorcraft rating but not the SFAR requirements. Short of 500 hours rotorcraft, no operator is going to put you in anything other than a Robinson for hire. So you will be just wasting that time in a gyro.

But I second @CatchyScreenName, the market for helicopter pilots is extremely poor right now and no matter how many hours you have it is very difficult to find work.
 
Thanks for the info. I have no desire working as a commercial helicopter pilot. I work as a consultant overseas (mostly for helicopter operators) and I thought it would be nice to have the rotocraft license. That's why im looking for the most convenient way.
 
Most convenient would then be to just do a Private add-on as you would have to build 35 hours helicopter specific PIC time for the commercial whereas for the Private you would only need 10 hours solo.
 
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