Quote:
Originally Posted by RPKESQ
Autogyros are not quite as safe as fixed wing aircraft for various reasons:
They in pusher configuration do not have as much "structure" in front or to the sides to absorb impact.
They do not have as simple of a "wing" structure, many more points of failure and increased stress.
They can auto rotate, but when the disc is unloaded they often have tail strikes and self destruct.
But flown properly and maintained well, they do offer some amazingly capable flight experiences.
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Pretty much spot on, except the tail strike part...I'd would be a lot more worried about hitting the main rotor in an auto.
Key to any autogyro is energy management, just like a helo. Great thing about these machines is the rotor head usually, design dependent, has excellent energy storage properties, a key to a successful auto.
In helo school in the Navy, we would routinely practice power-off autos in our Bell Jet Rangers...roll the throttle to idle and keep it there all the way through to landing.
As RPKESQ alluded too, it is all about managing the flight. I'd love to fly one.