INVULNERABILITY
Another area that can often lead to trouble for a gyroplane pilots is the failure to obtain adequate flight instruction to operate their gyroplane safely. This can be the result of people thinking that because they can build the machine themselves, it must be simple enough to learn how to fly by themselves. Other reasons that can lead to this problem can be simply monetary, in not wanting to pay the money for adequate instruction, or feeling that because they are qualified in another type of aircraft, flight instruction is not necessary. In reality, gyroplane operations are quite unique, and there is no substitute for adequate training by a competent and authorized instructor. Consider the following scenario.
 

Jim recently met a coworker who is a certified pilot and owner of a two-seat gyroplane. In discussing the gyroplane with his coworker, Jim was fascinated and reminded of his days in the military as a helicopter pilot many years earlier. When offered a ride, Jim readily accepted. He met his coworker at the airport the following weekend for a short flight and was immediately hooked. After spending several weeks researching available designs, Jim decided on a particular gyroplane and purchased a kit. He had it assembled in a few months, with the help and advice of his new friend and fellow gyroplane enthusiast. When the gyroplane was finally finished, Jim asked his friend to take him for a ride in his two-seater to teach him the basics of flying. The rest, he said, he would figure out while flying his own machine from a landing strip that he had fashioned in a field behind his house.