In determining the empty weight of a gyroplane, what then is considered as optional equiment? And is there a legal limit to the amount of optional equipment that you can carry other than the physical limits imposed as in 'Can i actually get off the ground"?
If Birdy is considering travelling across in one of his gyro's and needs to have extra fuel on board to make the distance, could he for example strap an extra temporary tank on as optional equipment?
Ted
(see below for CAO 95.12.1 for reference)
SECTION 95.12.1
Issue 3
EXEMPTION FROM PROVISIONS OF THE CIVIL AVIATION REGULATIONS 1988 — 2 PLACE GYROPLANES.
2 INTERPRETATION
2.1 In this section:
ASRA means the Australian Sport Rotorcraft Association.
ASRA Operations Manual means a manual prepared by the ASRA and approved by CASA, being a manual that contains the procedures and instructions necessary to ensure the safe operation of gyroplanes registered with the ASRA.
empty weight, in relation to a gyroplane, means the weight of the gyroplane, including unusable fuel and undrainable oil but excluding recovery or personnel parachutes, flotation equipment and items of optional equipment.
gyroplane means a power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight by the reaction of the air on 1 or more rotors which rotate freely on substantially vertical axes.
gyroplane pilot certificate means a gyroplane pilot certificate issued by the ASRA in accordance with the ASRA Operations Manual.