A Far Better Gyroplane Than What You Grew Up Hearing About

By David Juwel

The Cavalon gyroplane is a product of the "AutoGyro" company in Germany. They sell over 350 gyroplanes a year, of different models, and they're currently expanding into a larger facility to ramp up their production even more. The company says the Cavalon is a smooth flying, extremely safe, cross country machine designed for 2-people, side-by-side. They say it is so safe, that flying at an altitude of 700-1,000' AGL, it has the same safety margin as a fixed-wing flying at 7,000' AGL. That's because it can land at 0-10 mph in such a small space, that it makes an engine out landing non-eventful, according to company personnel who spoke with ANN.

Here in the U.S., we're accustomed to the gyroplane being amateur-experimental built. Not so in Europe. The aircraft is fully certified as an ultralight/microlight aircraft (depending on the features). It is not classed as experimental anywhere in the world (over 25 countries ), except the U.S. Here in the U.S., you have to register it as an experimental kit, which takes about 120 hrs. to build.

The Cavalon has a useful load of 600 lbs. Using a Rotax 912/914 engine, it can fly 5+ hr. legs on a cross-country, and cruises at about 90mph. Like a helicopter, you fly it from the right seat. That puts the throttle in your left hand, which is more natural because it allows you to use your dominant hand on the control stick. It’s a beautiful work of art (the kind that generates love at first sight), complete with plush comfortable seats. It’s a guaranteed attention getter if your self-esteem needs a slight boost.

FMI: www.autogyrousa.com