Once airborne, remove the cross-control inputs and establish a crab, if runway heading is to be maintained.

Due to the maneuverability of the gyroplane, an immediate turn into the wind after lift off can be safely executed, if this does not cause a conflict with existing traffic.

Short-field takeoff and climb procedures may be required when the usable takeoff surface is short, or when it is restricted by obstructions, such as trees, powerlines, or buildings, at the departure end. The technique is identical to the normal takeoff, with performance being optimized during each phase. Using the help from wind and propwash, the maximum rotor r.p.m. should be attained from the prerotator and full power applied as soon as appreciable lift is felt. V_X climb speed should be maintained until the obstruction is cleared. Familiarity with the rotor acceleration characteristics and proper technique are essential for optimum short-field performance.

If the prerotator is capable of spinning the rotor in excess of normal flight r.p.m., the stored energy may be used to enhance short-field performance. Once maximum rotor r.p.m. is attained, disengage the rotor drive, release the brakes, and apply power. As airspeed and rotor r.p.m. increase, apply additional power until full power is achieved. While remaining on the ground, accelerate the gyroplane to a speed just prior to V_X. At that point, tilt the disk aft and increase the blade pitch to the normal in-flight setting. The climb should be at a speed just under V_X until rotor r.p.m. has dropped to normal flight r.p.m. or the obstruction has been cleared.

When the obstruction is no longer a factor, increase the airspeed to V_Y.

A high-altitude takeoff is conducted in a manner very similar to that of the short-field takeoff, which achieves maximum performance from the aircraft during each phase of the maneuver. One important consideration is that at higher altitudes, rotor r.p.m. is higher for a given blade pitch angle. This higher speed is a result of thinner air, and is necessary to produce the same amount of lift. The inertia of the excess rotor speed should not be used in an attempt to enhance climb performance.

Another important consideration is the effect of altitude on engine performance. As altitude increases, the amount of oxygen available for combustion decreases.

In normally aspirated engines, it may be necessary to adjust the fuel/air mixture to achieve the best possible power output. This process is referred to as “leaning the mixture.” If you are considering a high-altitude takeoff, and it appears that the climb performance limit of the gyroplane is being approached, do not attempt a takeoff until more favorable conditions exist.

Normally Aspirated— An engine that does not compensate for decreases in atmospheric pressure through turbocharging or other means.

A soft field may be defined as any takeoff surface that measurably retards acceleration during the takeoff roll.

The objective of the soft-field takeoff is to transfer the weight of the aircraft from the landing gear to the rotor as quickly and smoothly as possible to eliminate the drag caused by surfaces, such as tall grass, soft dirt, or snow. This takeoff requires liftoff at a speed just above the minimum level flight speed for the aircraft. Due to design, many of the smaller gyroplanes have a limited pitch attitude available, as tail contact with the ground prevents high pitch attitudes until in flight. At minimum level flight speed, the pitch attitude is often such that the tail wheel is lower than the main wheels. When performing a soft-field takeoff, these aircraft require slightly higher liftoff airspeeds to allow for proper tail clearance.