Rotorcraft
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rotorcraft is a category of heavier-than-air flying machines that uses lift generated by rotors and may include static lifting surfaces contributing less than half the required lift. This makes them different from fixed wing aircraft. The latter get their lift by air being thrust over their static lifting surfaces (wings). Airplanes get this thrust by a propeller.
The two modern types of rotorcraft are helicopters and gyrocopters (previously known as Autogyros). A qualified applicant receives a pilot license in the category of rotorcraft, with a class rating for either helicopter or gyrocopter, depending on which he or she can fly. Few gyrocopter licenses are issued today.
