Australia's aviation history is rich with innovation, and the autogyro (also known as the gyroplane or gyrocopter) played a significant role in the early years of Australian aviation. The autogyro – invented by Spanish engineer Juan de la Cierva and first flew in 1923 – was introduced in the Oceanic nation in the early 1930s. Today, the use of autogyros for recreational flying remains a popular hobby among enthusiasts across Australia, with some even building their own.

The first autogyro

The Cierva Company commenced production of the C.19 autogyro in 1929 and began exporting to Australia soon after. The aircraft, whose features were fundamental in the development of helicopters, had wings like an airplane but used a rotor to provide lift instead of a traditional engine-driven propeller. Because it took off vertically and flew at slower speeds than conventional airplanes, the autogyro gained popularity on short-range, low-altitude trips.

In 1933, Cierva improved his earlier C.19 model and came up with the C.30 – five were imported into Australia, including one that was trialed by the Royal Australian Air Force (though its use did not go past the testing phase). One of the original five C.30s brought to Australia still exists today and is on display at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

Over the years, various autogyros were exported to Australia. A number of manufacturers began producing autogyros, including the Pitcairn Aircraft Company (sister company of Pitcairn Aviation – which later became a major United States airline, Eastern Air Lines). The Pitcairn PCA-2 was famously flown by Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to receive an autogyro license.

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Gyroplanes built and assembled in Australia

In 1961, Victa Consolidated Industries branched out from producing lawnmowers (which it was famous for) and undertook a project to build an Australian gyroplane. However, only the Victa R101 prototype was built and there was no further production as the manufacturer decided to focus on producing fixed-wing aircraft.

Between 1973 and 1974, a number of McCulloch J2 autogyros (designed by notable American helicopter engineer, Drago Jovanovich) were assembled at Bankstown Airport, New South Wales. While the type proved unsuccessful in Australia and its home country of the US, homebuilding kits began gaining traction. By the mid-1980s, a significant number of quick-build gyroplane kits were imported into Australia.

The rise of gyroplanes in Australia

Despite its growing popularity, the first purportedly lawful light gyroplane flight in Australia did not take place until January 2, 1978, by Bob Huggins in Victoria. Shortly after, in the 1980s, Australian recreational autogyro flying took off and the Australian Sport Rotorcraft Association (ASRA) was founded.

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By the 1990s, many farmers and cattle station owners were using these lightweight aircraft to gather livestock and check on supplies around their vast land. This was particularly due to the gyroplanes' effectiveness and affordable operational costs

Speaking to Simple Flying, ASRA President Rick Elliot said that gyroplanes are significantly more cost-effective to purchase and operate than conventional helicopters, with second-hand models in the market for as low as AU$60,000 (US$39,500). Furthermore, flying a gyroplane is relatively easier to master:

“In general, the cost of a gyrocopter is around 10% of the cost of a helicopter, with running costs also around the 10% mark. A budget cost to run a gyrocopter would be in the vicinity of AU$60 (US$40) to AU$80 (US$53) per hour. A student with no prior flying experience requires a minimum of 20 hours of training, with the average student taking between 40 and 60 hours.”

In 1992, autogyro enthusiast and ASRA member, Ian Morcombe, embarked on a gyrocopter (built by fellow Australian, Ross Symes) flight across Australia in a bid to promote autogyros and their capabilities. The journey, which lasted from April 27 to May 17, 1992, earned a Guinness World Record for the first trans-Australian flight on a gyrocopter.

Avgas in the middle of Cape York
Photo: Rick Elliot

Around the same time, local gyroplane builders began rising to prominence, with Australia being the first country to use a Subaru automotive engine to power recreational aircraft. Today, Ross Symes’ Rosco gyroplane is the most popular autogyro in Australia.

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Flying an autogyro in Australia today

Due to its relatively low operational costs, autogyro recreational flying remains a popular sport in Australia today, and there are some 450 gyroplane pilots and builders around the country registered as members of ASRA.

As the approved self-administrating aviation organization for gyroplanes in Australia, ASRA certifies pilots and gyroplane builders under guidance from the country's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

The Association organizes fly-ins and trips across Australia (much like a group road trip, but in the sky!). Expectedly, the gyroplane group often attracts the attention of curious onlookers – especially when the aircraft are being refueled at regular gas stations.

Border village, Nullabor
Photo: Rick Elliot

As president of the Association, Elliot – who owns two gyrocopters – is no stranger to such trips:

“I have flown a gyro across Australia five times, but my most memorable trip was in 2018 when three pilots and our wives circumnavigated Australia.”

However, it’s worth noting that gyroplanes are generally allowed only in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace. Operations are not permitted inside controlled airspace, except in Class E airspace (only if the aircraft is fitted with VHF radio equipment and in certain cases, a transponder). Additionally, gyroplane operations are only permitted under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).

Uluru (1)
Photo: Rick Elliot

Overseas pilots visiting Australia can fly gyroplanes as long as they are able to produce an accepted foreign license, along with a copy of the last page of their logbook. They must also join ASRA as a temporary or full member, with an application lodged no less than 30 days before arriving in Australia. If the pilot intends to carry passengers, additional requirements must be met, including a medical test by a local doctor (overseas medical certificates are not accepted).

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Source: Australian Sport Rotorcraft Association