Adventures and Sports

Fly High In Cebu Via Gyrocopter & Witness The Beauty Of The South


Arni Nauleau
Arni Nauleau | Aug 11, 2017

Let an experienced and licensed pilot take you to the skies in an open cockpit gyrocopter. There you will be able to leave your stresses behind and enjoy the beauty of South Cebu from a bird's eye view.

 Look: 5 Must-See Places In The Land Of Chocolate Hills: Bohol

I was invited to go for a flight one sunny Sunday afternoon. You see, I have a fear of heights.  This is my way of dealing with my fear, by getting myself into height defying activities such as skydiving, parasailing, zip lines and the like.  I had to swallow the ball of anxiety in my chest and said yes.  

However, learning more about this machine and its safety is reassuring. The quickened pulse of anxiety before take off is normal but the fear disappeared as soon as I left the ground. The beauty of the south below me is such a powerful distraction and a life changing one at that. 

Tips & Budget: UTV Offroad Aventure In Porac, Pampanga

gyrocopter (pronounced "d-a-ro-k-pt-r") is an ultra light aircraft. This particular model, MTO Sport, made by Auto Gyro based in Germany, fits a pilot and only one passenger.  As you can see, it is open. It has a total weight limit of 500 kilos all inclusive of the aircraft, both pilot and passenger and the gasoline. It runs on unleaded gasoline, just like a normal car.  
The pilot sits in front while the passenger takes the rear seat. 

Unlike a helicopter, a gyrocopter can't just land anywhere. A runway with a  minimum distance of 200 meters is required in order to take off. The engine at the back propels it forward and its auto rotating rotor lifts it.
It is considered safe because when the engine stops mid-air, the rotor will continue to rotate. You can safely glide to a suitable place to land. Roughly, a clear area with less than 30 meters length is enough for landing.
Proper gyrocopter flight training and a good number of flying hours are required to fly this machine just like any other ulta light aircraft. I flew with a French pilot who trained and earned his flying license in France.  
At one point, the pilot turned off the engine mid-air to demonstrate how secure this machine is. We glided in the air for several seconds until he turned the engine back on again. What a feeling! 
Wearing a helmet with a built-in headset, I was in constant communication with the pilot throughout the flight. His calm and forthcoming instructions of what we were about to get into while we were up in the air made me enjoy the flight and the scenery even more. 

What to wear?
Sun protection. Sunglasses. Something comfy.  Girls need to tie their hair, ideally into a low bun.

Safety First.
Taking photographs was a challenge. Imagine taking pictures inside a wind tunnel.  You'll have to secure your phone. Selfie sticks not longer than 40 cm (18 inches) please.  

There is a weight limit. Passenger should not exceed 115 kg.
Gyrocopter Flights are booked in advance.
Instagram @flyagyrocebu  #flyagyrocebu
Email: [email protected]
Contact: 0977 1952124
There will be a pre-flight safety briefing. If you're flying for 10 to 15 minutes, the duration of this activity is roughly around 30 minutes per person. Longer flights are available as well. 

How to Get There?
Major airlines fly to Mactan, Cebu from Manila, Clark, Davao, and other Philippine destinations.

Make your way to Casay between Argao and Dalaguete. From Cebu City, take a south bound bus going to Oslob/Dalaguete /Bato at Cebu South Terminal. Please ask the driver to drop you off at the junction of Dalaguete Beach Resort. 

Casay Airstrip is located on your right.  Fly a Gyro Cebu is situated towards the end of the air strip so you might want to either, take a habal-habal or hire a tricycle. It's quite a walk.

It takes more or less 2 hours from Cebu City to the airstrip, depending on the traffic.

If you are staying somewhere within Argao, Fly a Gyro Team can offer you a free pick up at your hotel. 

Remember, flights are booked in advance to ensure they're available when your arrive.

Here's an excellent video made by JamCam TV during his gyrocopter flight:
Add to your: Wishlist Done That

Be a Pinoy Wanderer!


Share Your Journey

Tell Us What You Think