Autogyro Aircraft

AutoGyro gyroplanes (Cavalon and Calidus) are among the safest rotorcraft designs — they cannot stall or enter vortex ring state like helicopters. Operating costs are remarkably low: one Cavalon owner tracked under $30/hour including fuel, service, and parts over 400 hours. Cruise speed is around 70–90 knots, slower than fixed-wing alternatives but with unmatched low-speed stability and short-field capability.

The Cavalon is a side-by-side two-seater with a heated cockpit, individually adjustable seats, and available Garmin G3X Touch — the premium touring gyroplane. The Calidus is a tandem-seat design that is faster and more streamlined. Side-by-side Cavalons bobble more in turbulence and are slightly slower. Choose Cavalon for passenger comfort and social flying; choose Calidus for speed and solo cross-country.

Engine access can be difficult — the Rotax must be partially removed to service the pre-rotator or change the starter. A service bulletin required replacing the lithium battery with a larger unit (plus new bracket). The 100-hour service intervals are straightforward but essential. Overall, AutoGyros are considered reliable and simple to maintain compared to helicopters, which is a key reason for the brand's growing popularity.