What is a rotorcraft?
In the Popular Rotorcraft Association, “rotorcraft” includes anything that uses rotor blades to produce the lift needed to fly, such as helicopters and gyroplanes. A “rotorcraft” is a specific US FAA “category” of aircraft. “Helicopters” and “Gyroplanes” are specific U.S. FAA “classes” of rotorcraft. “Autogyro” or “autogiro” is often the official or colloquial term for gyroplanes in many countries. “Gyroplane” is the U.S. official term for gyros, and is often used to indicate gyroplanes that meet improved standards of safety and stability. 3. Why are they called “gyros?” “Gyro” (pronounced Ji-row) is slang for “gyroplane,” which covers all gyro types. “Autogyro” or “autogiro” sometimes refers to “tractor” configuration gyroplanes with the propeller in the front. “Gyrocopter” refers to gyro kits made by Igor Bensen, whose gyros with propellers in back introduced gyro flying to Experimental aircraft builders in the mid 1950s. [A gyro (pronounced guy-row) is a Greek sandwich.] (The term “
