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.