A gyroplane is defined as a rotorcraft with a non-power driven rotor rotating about an axis which is vertical, or
nearly so, when the aircraft is in horizontal flight.
Gyroplanes in the UK are either classified as Amateur Built aircraft or as commercially manufactured Type Approved
aircraft.
Amateur Built Gyroplanes
The current version of EU Regulation (EC) 216/2008 identifies that all
amateur built gyroplanes are the responsibility of the national airworthiness authority.
Amateur built gyroplanes, and modifications to such machines, are mostly dealt with by the Light Aircraft
Association (LAA) under the existing terms of their approval. Whilst machines and modifications that fall outside these
terms of approval should be dealt with by the CAA (UK), it may in certain circumstances be possible to agree and
individually delegate investigation and approval to the LAA.
Commercially Manufactured Gyroplanes
Commercially manufactured gyroplanes with a MTOW above 560 kg are the responsibility of the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA).
Under Regulation (EC)
216/2008, the CAA is able to accept applications for Type Approval of commercially manufactured gyroplanes with a
MTOW of 560 kg or less.