gyrocopter
Unpowered rotor craft
A gyrocopter is a small aircraft that uses an unpowered rotor for lift and a conventional propeller for forward thrust.
Unlike a helicopter, the rotor isn't engine-driven—it spins freely as air flows through it during flight, a principle called autorotation.
Gyrocopters are simpler and cheaper than helicopters but can't hover or take off vertically.
Also called autogyro or gyroplane.
Rotorcraft with unpowered rotor
- rotorcraftAircraft lifted by blades
- ultralightMinimal recreational aircraft
- microlightLightweight recreational aircraft
- homebuiltConstructed by owner
lightplane · trike · experimental · pusher · tractor · airframe · fuselage · canopy
Self-sustaining rotor spin
- crosswindLateral airflow across path
- stabilityResistance to displacement
- maneuverabilityEase of controlled movement
- throttlePower flow controller
stick · banking · climb · descent · altitude · airspeed · glide · turbulence
Self-sustaining rotor spin
- freewheelingActing without restraint
- mastVessel's sail support
- collectiveJointly organized group
- spin-upAcceleration to operational state
Reckless pleasure drive
- sightseeingVisiting places of interest
- low-and-slowGentle, prolonged heat
- fly-inAviation-accessed gathering
- airshowPublic flight demonstration
aerobatics · adventure · hobby · homebuilding · training · instructor
British South Pacific territory
- 1920sPost-WWI American decade
- 1930sFourth decade, twentieth century
- mail-carrierOne who delivers letters
- barnstormingTouring rural areas performing
interwar · patent · prototype · demonstration
gyroplane
Rotorcraft with unpowered rotor
- rotorcraftAircraft lifted by blades
- ultralightMinimal recreational aircraft
- microlightLightweight recreational aircraft
homebuilt · lightplane · trike · experimental · pusher · tractor · airframe · fuselage · canopy · skids
autorotation
Self-sustaining rotor spin
- crosswindLateral airflow across path
- stabilityResistance to displacement
- maneuverabilityEase of controlled movement
throttle · stick · banking · climb · descent · altitude · airspeed · glide · turbulence
autorotation
Self-sustaining rotor spin
- freewheelingActing without restraint
- mastVessel's sail support
- collectiveJointly organized group
joyride
Reckless pleasure drive
- sightseeingVisiting places of interest
- low-and-slowGentle, prolonged heat
- fly-inAviation-accessed gathering
airshow · aerobatics · adventure · hobby · homebuilding · training · instructor
Pitcairn
British South Pacific territory
- 1920sPost-WWI American decade
- 1930sFourth decade, twentieth century
- mail-carrierOne who delivers letters
barnstorming · interwar · patent · prototype · demonstration
post-apocalyptic
After global catastrophe
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- aircraftairplane, airliner, airplanes, plane, biplane
- aerialaerial silk, aerial photo, aerialist, flying trapeze, hot air balloon
- air sportsskydiving, paragliding, hang gliding, wingsuit flying, parachuting
- aviation hobbiesmodel aircraft, flight simulation, flight simulators, gliding, flight training
- helicoptershelicopters, chopper, rotorcraft, copter, helo
- Hovering Flighthummingbird, hover, hoverfly, dragonfly, kestrel