How to get a Greek Gyroplane Pilot Licence

These are the most common questions that we are asked about training to be a Gyrocopter pilot. If you have a question that is not answered on this page, please contact us.

Which gyrocopter do you use for training?

We use the Magni Gyro M16 with a rotax 914 Turbo engine. The stability and ease of flight of this gyroplane are virtually unmatched, and typically reduces the learning curve for pilot trainees.

How much training will you need?

Gyroplane training in greece is governed by the Article 7 of the Regulation of Ultralight Flying Sports Machines (YPAM), F.E.K. 1360B/2-9-2010. The document can be downloaded here:

• Original Greek Version
• Translated English Version

Briefly you require a minimum of 25 hours of training. Of these 25 hours at least 20 hours must be under dual instruction and at least 5 must be flown solo under the supervision of an instructor. These are minimum requirements but a student with good aptitude, enthusiasm and dedication should expect to train for between 40 and 50 hours. In general if you spread the training over too long a period or have long gaps in between periods of training, it will take you longer. You should ideally expect to take between 6 months and a year to train.

If I already have a Pilots Licence do I still have to train for 25 hours?

Yes, although in practice, whilst a new student will probably require at least 40 hours training, you will probably require far less.
In addition you will only have to do the 10 hours Gyroplane Technical ground school, instead of the full 50 hours theoretical classes.

Is it correct that you get to fly solo before you get your licence?

Yes. The PPL(G) is actually a licence to carry passengers. As a student you must fly at least 5 hours solo in a Gyrocopter before you get your licence and one of these flights must be at least 20 nautical miles away from your home airfield (without landing away). Your solo hours can only be flown with the permission of, and under the supervision of, a qualified Instructor.

What is the complete list of things I have to achieve before I can apply for my licence?

You must have:

• Completed the required number of dual training hours (20)
• Completed the required number of supervised solo training hours (5)
• Completed the overall minimum number of hours of training (25)
• Completed a flight away from the airfield of at least 20 nautical miles.
• Completed 50 hours of theoretical lessons: Aeronautical Knowledge includes Civil Aviation Law (6 hrs), Meteorology (5 hrs) , General Aviation technical knowledge (6 hrs), Air Navigation (7 hrs), Theory of Flight (5 hrs), Human Factors (4 hrs), Gyroplane Technical (10 hrs), Airport Rules (3 hrs), Air/ground Communications and use of Aircraft radio transceiver (4 hrs)
• Completed a separate Radio Telephony course (at least 6 hours)
• Passed a General Flying Test (GFT) conducted by a HCAA approved Gyro examiner.
• Passed an oral test relating to the type of Gyro that you use to sit your GFT (key performance criteria relating to the specific model of gyro)
• Passed the following multiple choice ground-school exam before you can fly solo (unless you hold a recognised pilots license already):
  • Air Law
• Passed the following multiple choice ground-school exams before you can fly cross country (unless you hold a recognised pilots license already):
  • Meteorology (the weather)
  • Navigation
  • Human Performance
• Passed the National Radio Telephony Exam (unless you hold a recognised pilots license already)

If I already have a different form of Pilots Licence, do I still need to do the cross-country Navigation exercises?

Yes. Navigation in a Gyrocopter is different from other forms of aircraft. You are generally flying much closer to the ground, therefore you have to be able to identify landmarks differently from the ‘birds eye’ view that you would expect to get from other forms of aircraft flying which are generally flying at over 2000 ft above ground.

The other main difference is what to do with your map! In an open-cockpit Gyroplane you cannot easily get a map out and refold it. You cannot also spread it across your lap in the same way that you can do in a flex wing microlight because you have a stick between your knees!

If I already have a different form of Pilots Licence, do I still need to sit the ground exams?

Not currently, but you will still need to attend the theoretical Gyroplane Technical Course and any included tests as part of the course.

So how much will it cost me?

Prices offered will be comparable to the other gyroplane training organisations. Expect to spend between 7000 and 10000 euros to complete the full course (less if you already hold a pilots license as explained above).

I am interested. How do I get in touch?

You can contact us here:

[email protected]   

or use the form below: