Highland Aviation at Inverness Airport marks 100 years since first autogyro flight
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A FLYING school near Inverness is celebrating the centenary of the first successful flight of the gyroplane or autogyro.
Highland Aviation based at Inverness Airport is the first company to gain the CAA's Approved Training Organisation Gyroplanes status and is leading the world in this field of aircraft training.
An autogyro aircraft works on an aerodynamic principle called autorotation - a state of flight where airflow acting on a set of rotor blades will cause those blades to continue spinning, without the need for an engine to power them. As the blades spin, they produce lift, an upward force which allows the aircraft to fly.
Spanish aristocrat Juan de la Cierva realised that by building an aircraft and adding a conventional engine to propel the aircraft forward, the aircraft could be kept in this state of autorotation and continue to fly indefinitely.
If the engine failed and propulsion was lost, an aircraft in autorotation will simply perform a controlled glide down to the ground. He made his first successful flights in January 1923 at Getafe, Spain.
An autogyro was famously used in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice.
Highland Aviation offer several gyroplane courses including Private Pilot Licence, Night Rating, Pilot Development Course, Beach Landing, Mountain Flying, Flight Instructor Course and the Commercial Pilot Licence. They also offer many similar aeroplane courses.
To introduce people to flight training, the company conducts air tours and trial flying lessons.
Highland Aviation also provides light aircraft maintenance and handling services at Inverness Airport.
The success of Juan's gyro plane has a Scottish connection, explains Will Roomes, director Highland Aviation.
"Juan was invited to demonstrate the aircraft in the UK in 1925 at Farnborough," he said. "His demonstration was a success and he was invited to continue his work and development in the UK.
"With the funding and support of Scottish industrialist and fellow aviator James George Weir, Juan founded the Cierva Autogiro Company in the UK and began production of autogyro aircraft in conjunction with aeroplane manufacturers of the time, such as Avro."
Tragically Juan died in a conventional aeroplane crash in December 1936 when a KLM DC-2 crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all 15 persons on board.
But he left a lasting legacy for rotor-wing aircraft. His work, research and understanding on rotor-wing dynamics paved the way for other aviation pioneers to develop and produce helicopter aircraft and technology, which was seen to offer advantages over autogyros, such as the ability to hover.
In 1966, Juan was inducted into the International Aerospace Hall of Fame for his innovation in rotor-wing aircraft.
Mr Roomes said that today, gyroplane aircraft are regaining popularity among general aviation enthusiasts as a safe, fun and affordable aircraft. Gyroplanes are also being considered as part of an emerging aviation concept known as Urban Air Mobility which takes advantage of revolutionary aviation technology such as drones to move people and goods safely, quickly and sustainably among local destinations which are either congested or under-served by current transport and logistical connections.
With models already certified for commercial work, many manufacturers are taking a fresh look at the technology.
New models include the Pal-V Liberty, which will be the first production flying car in the world, due for release later this year. With a fold-out rotor for flying, it is being designed for both the road and the air.
A number of research and development companies are working on gyroplane designs with vertical take-off / landing and more seats in order to fulfil gaps in the market.
Highland Aviation believes the future is bright for this form of aviation transport.
