Gyroplane Legal Flight Limitations.

[NiqueNaque]

Rob,I appreciate what you've said.Turn your 'cookies' on and permit 'java script' and 'java' for this site, then you should be able to post the pics.Cheers,Nick.

[asra]

For thoughs who fly from clear open plains, and farms etc. this is of little interest to you, but for thoughs who fly from the city limits like Melbourne, and Sydney, you will find are forced to fly from CTAF's, and MBZ's.We cant just jump into our machine and fly to Joe's farm at 300ft, instead we travel to other Aerodromes and must fly to 1500 ft to check ground conditions prior to landing. We fly there to meet new people, and their machines. Some of these journey will take us over some in-hospitable country and require the extra hight to safely cross over, as Robert explained.For our sport to grow, we need to introduce it to as many people as possible, and only then may we finally loose the stigma of being cowboys, and flying death traps.

[asra]

I'll try that.Ross. if you have a look in your garage or hanger, I'm sure you willfind some sort of a Jittny parked there ? Up the mountain:Go Ford.Cheers.Robert DunnMackay. Qld.Growing old is good while it lasts.

[asra]

SamThis may help to clarify the circuit height issueshttp://www.dotars.gov.au/airspacereform/Ross B

[asra]

Just to clarify some of this,There is NO CAO or ASRA rule that says we cant fly in a CTAF or MBZ. A CTAF is an unlicenced airport where you must use a radio if fitted,apart from that its a non event.The rules that concern us pertain to LICENCED (Certified,registered) aerodromes which are usually MBZs. You must have an opperating radio in an MBZ.M Barker

[asra]

I receiced my Airspace Reform pack today, and it looks as though there are some changes on the way.The main one being 500ft AGL circuits for ultralights with max speed of 55 knots.This is effective from 24 November 2005.This will mean we can then legaly join and fly into CTAF's.Regards Sam.

[asra]

Sam, You can legaly fly into CTAF's now,and allways could.M Barker

[asra]

MurrayYes you are right, we can fly into CTAF's but, cannot land because we cannot fly to 1000ft to join legal circuit hight.Sam.

[Brian]

Sam, we have always been able to land at C tafs, the only diference being that we joined the circuit at 500 feet instead of the FW circuit height.I found it very encouraging to read that we are specifically mentioned along with choppers in the new airspace pack !! Great going ASRA !!! In the USA gyros are using airports that have jet traffic etc needing clearances to land, they have to have radios, transponders etc. I have no doubt that in the near future, we will have the same privalages.Brian

[asra]

Thanks for the info Murray BUT looking at the ERSA, most CTAFs are licenced. Ballarat, and airports of this medium size are licenced, Caboolture and Watts bridge are unlicensed BUT are CTAFs!!!!This is the link to the ERSA aerodromes, where you can see if the airport that you want to fly to/from is licenced or not. http://www.airservices.gov.au/public...p-2005&ver=1We

[asra]

If this is all starting to sound a bit confusing, all of this subject matter is covered in the cross country endorsement.Also the AUF has a good web site that covers some of this material http://www.auf.asn.au/It may not be up to date to reflect the airspace reform changes.Ross B

[asra]

If you check your ASRA Operations Manual Effective 1 January 2003Grey section, Flight Rules and Procedures for gyro pilots,page 6, then under Circuit Procedures Quote "An altitude of 1000 ft AGL must be attained prior to joining the circuit".Regards Sam.

[asra]

Under the current rules don't you have to overfly at 1500'agl to legally join the circuit?Aussie Paul. []www.firebirdgyros.com

[asra]

Paul,I think you will find that 1500' AGL is to over fly (view windsock) then must be at 1000' to join circuit on down wind leg can be at 1500'AGL on upwind then desend to 1000' on down wind leg unless established at 15Nm on straight in approachCheersFrankiejAlways remember you're unique, just like everyone else

[asra]

Sorry Frank, that is what I meant. If you know, from radio calls which is the active runway, is it legal to join the circuit at 1000' without over flying at 1500'?The 15nm straight in approach is only availible at MBZ's, isn't it?The new rules look like a common sense approach to airspace management.[^]Aussie Paul.[]www.firebirdgyros.com