Rotorcraft Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-21

As with any aircraft, the ability to pilot a gyroplane
safely is largely dependent on the capacity of the pilot
to make sound and informed decisions. To this end,
techniques have been developed to ensure that a pilot
uses a systematic approach to making decisions, and
that the course of action selected is the most appropriate
for the situation. In addition, it is essential that you
learn to evaluate your own fitness, just as you evaluate
the airworthiness of your aircraft, to ensure that your
physical and mental condition is compatible with a safe
flight. The techniques for acquiring these essential
skills are explained in depth in Chapter 14—
Aeronautical Decision Making (Helicopter).
As explained in Chapter 14, one of the best methods to
develop your aeronautical decision making is learning
to recognize the five hazardous attitudes, and how to
counteract these attitudes. [Figure 22-1] This chapter
focuses on some examples of how these hazardous attitudes
can apply to gyroplane operations.
HAZARDOUS ATTITUDE
Impulsivity:
"Do something—quickly!"
Anti-authority:
"Don't tell me!"
ANTIDOTE
"Not so fast. Think first."
Invulnerability:
"It won't happen to me!" "It could happen to me."
Macho:
"I can do it." "Taking chances is foolish."
Resignation:
"What's the use?"
"I'm not helpless. I can make the
difference."
"Follow the rules. They are
usually right."
Figure 22-1. To overcome hazardous attitudes, you must
memorize the antidotes for each of them. You should know
them so well that they will automatically come to mind when
you need them.
IMPULSIVITY
Gyroplanes are a class of aircraft which can be acquired,
constructed, and operated in ways unlike most other aircraft.
This inspires some of the most exciting and
rewarding aspects of flying, but it also creates a unique
set of dangers to which a gyroplane pilot must be alert.
For example, a wide variety of amateur-built gyroplanes
are available, which can be purchased in kit form and
assembled at home. This makes the airworthiness of
these gyroplanes ultimately dependent on the vigilance
of the one assembling and maintaining the aircraft.
Consider the following scenario.
Jerry recently attended an airshow that had a gyroplane
flight demonstration and a number of gyroplanes
on display. Being somewhat mechanically inclined and
retired with available spare time, Jerry decided that
building a gyroplane would be an excellent project for
him and ordered a kit that day. When the kit arrived,
Jerry unpacked it in his garage and immediately began
the assembly. As the gyroplane neared completion,
Jerry grew more excited at the prospect of flying an aircraft
that he had built with his own hands. When the
gyroplane was nearly complete, Jerry noticed that a
rudder cable was missing from the kit, or perhaps lost
during the assembly. Rather than contacting the manufacturer
and ordering a replacement, which Jerry
thought would be a hassle and too time consuming, he
went to his local hardware store and purchased some
cable he thought would work. Upon returning home, he
was able to fashion a rudder cable that seemed functional
and continued with the assembly.
Jerry is exhibiting “impulsivity.” Rather than taking the
time to properly build his gyroplane to the specifications
set forth by the manufacturer, Jerry let his
excitement allow him to cut corners by acting on
impulse, rather than taking the time to think the matter
through. Although some enthusiasm is normal during
assembly, it should not be permitted to compromise the
airworthiness of the aircraft. Manufacturers often use
high quality components, which are constructed and
tested to standards much higher than those found in
hardware stores. This is particularly true in the area of
cables, bolts, nuts, and other types of fasteners where
strength is essential. The proper course of action Jerry
should have taken would be to stop, think, and consider
the possible consequences of making an impulsive
decision. Had he realized that a broken
rudder cable in flight could cause a loss of control of
the gyroplane, he likely would have taken the time to
contact the manufacturer and order a cable that met the
design specifications.
INVULNERABILITY
Another area that can often lead to trouble for a gyroplane
pilots is the failure to obtain adequate flight
22-1