Two Versions Of The Calidus Gyroplane FAA Approved

The FAA has type-certified two versions of the German-built Calidus Gyroplane after the recent completion of conformity testing conducted at their facility in Maryland.

The airplanes are factory-built aircraft and represent "the future of turn-key flying", according to the company. The fully assembled aircraft are being made available for the first time in the U.S. "It is a truly historic moment," said Chief Certification Officer Gerry Speich. Flight testing of the Calidus was the first formal flight testing by the FAA of a modern generation gyroplane.

Having completed the intense tests after several days of flying, the FAA granted approval for the release of the Type Certificate for the Calidus. The aircraft has been found to have acceptable flight handling characteristics for flight in day and night VFR conditions.

The official Type Certificate, comparable to the British Section T, will still take some time, the company said. In September, the FAA will visit the AutoGyro factory in Hildesheim, and full type certification could come shortly after that visit.

(Staff photo)

FMI: www.autogyrousa.com