Low 'G' Manoeuvres

The rotor blades of a gyroplane rely on positive G-loading to maintain normal autorotation.

Any significant reduction in G-loading reduces the load on the rotor, which can cause the rotor RPM to decrease.

In extreme cases, a low-G situation can result in a significant loss of rotor RPM, reduced control effectiveness and potentially a complete loss of control.

A low-G situation can occur when the pilot abruptly pushes the control stick forward at the top of a climb.

This is similar to the feeling of weightlessness experienced when driving a car quickly over the crest of a hill.

To prevent low-G conditions:

• At the top of a climb – Reduce engine power before smoothly moving the control stick forward to level off.

• When initiating a descent – Reduce engine power first, allowing the nose to lower naturally. Then smoothly adjust the control stick forward as necessary to maintain a constant airspeed.