First gyroplane night ratings issued in UK

Above: Richard (centre) presenting Ian and Steve with their ratings.

CAA examiner Richard Craske has been behind some recent changes in the oversight of gyroplanes in the UK. Here he describes the latest developments.

As Gyroplanes have developed over the past few years, with more commercially manufactured models available, we've been working closely with the gyroplane community to increase the opportunities available for gyroplane owners and operators.

The latest development being the granting of the UK's first ever gyroplane night ratings to be issued by the CAA to gyro Instructors Ian Bryant and Steve Boxall on Monday 23 January.

The UK's new Air Navigation order that came into effect in 2016 was aimed at making life easier and clearer for the GA community. One of these changes was to facilitate the introduction of a night rating for gyro pilots. We asked Ian and Steve to help create the new rating because of their previous night flying experiences in other types of aircraft, as well as being gyro pilots.

I designed and oversaw the course as part of the new, soon to be introduced, commercial pilot's licence (CPL(G)).

It's been a very long and complicated process but it's certainly a major step forwards in the gyro world. The next stage of this process is for Ian and Steve to gain the instructional privilege to teach at night. Once this has been completed the night rating will be available to all PPL(G) holders who meet the minimum experience requirements.

For more information and to keep up to date with developments, see CAA general aviation webpages here .