VSKYLABS NISUS Gyroplane Pilot’s Operating Handbook
WARNING: DO NOT USE FOR REAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS
VSKYLABS NISUS Gyroplane
MANUAL / POH
Advanced simulation of the NISUS Gyroplane
VSKYLABS Aerospace Simulations / Copyright Ⓒ2026 JetManHuss - VSKYLABS. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the following address: contact@vskylabs.com
THE NISUS GYROPLANE
Urban Mobility / Easy Piloting / Short Take-off and Landing / Panoramic views
Low Operation and Maintenance Cost
The NISUS Gyroplane is an *innovative* Slovakian Gyroplane developed by JOKERTRIKE s.r.o.
More information can be found here: https://www.nisus-aero.com/
VSKYLABS specializes in autogyro simulation engineering. The VSKYLABS NISUS Gyroplane was developed exclusively in X-Plane 12 scientific-based aerodynamics, propulsion and autogyro physics. The aircraft includes simulation of all on-board systems and control aspects of the NISUS gyroplane. Development is also focused on full-VR capability (optimized for non-VR flying).
The real NISUS Gyroplane vs the VSKYLABS NISUS Gyroplane:
VSKYLABS developed the virtual NISUS Gyroplane following detailed 1st hand references and information, as well as following the official information published by NISUS AERO. The VSKYLABS NISUS Gyroplane is a highly engineered, robust autogyro aircraft simulation which make use of X-Plane 12 sophisticated flight dynamics and physics simulation, extracting it to its limits.
The VSKYLABS NISUS Gyroplane core development-focus is simulating the NISUS Gyroplane performance and flight handling characteristics. The simulated model demonstrates the real-world behavior of the NISUS Gyroplane with high precision.
Due to certain limitations and other considerations, various aspects of the aircraft (mainly regarding its systems and avionics) may be presented with various differences when compared to the real NISUS Gyroplane aircraft.
For example, avionics - one of the real-world NISUS Gyroplane cockpit configurations includes the NESIS III - a complete navigation, flight and engine display system. The VSKYLABS NISUS Gyroplane features a simplified version of the NESIS III display, which includes only an engine monitoring screen, and a separate built-in AviTab display for VFR navigation.
Other differences may be noticeable in the various systems, however, all falls within the reasonable margins of flight simulation perspective.
TECHNICAL DATA / LIMITATIONS:
WEIGHT AND LOAD
Length......................................................15.6 ft (4,760 m)
Width.........................................................5.5ft (1,684 m)
Height:......................................................8.9 ft (2,704 m)
Rotor diameter.................................................28 ft (8,50 m)
Empty weight.................................................758 lbs (344 kg)
Fuel tank capacity..............................................24 gal (92 l)
Payload......................................................564 lbs (256 kg)
Take-off weight/mass (MTOW).................................1320 lbs (600 kg)
ENGINE AND POWER
Engine (‘Comfort’ variant).............................Rotax 915 iS (141 hp)
Propeller ...................MT, MTV-34-1-A 3-blade pusher ground adjustable
PERFORMANCE
Climb rate at best angle of Vx....................................43 kts IAS
Speed for the most efficient climb Vy ........................... 48 kts IAS
Best gliding speed Vg ........................................... 48 kts IAS
Speed for longest flight range (best range) ..................... 60 kts IAS
Take-off run (zero wind, pre-rotate 220 rpm, 600 kg............ 230 - 394 ft
Total landing length from 165 ft (50 m) ............................. 492 ft
Fuel consumption at 62 kts IAS ................................... 5.3 gal/h
Fuel consumption at 76 kts IAS ................................... 6.9 gal/h
Positive load factor (1323 lbs/600 kg) – structural limit...............+3 g
Negative load factor (1323 lbs/600 kg) – structural limit...............-1 g
LIMITATIONS - FLIGHT:
Max. crosswind for take-off/landing...................................20 kts
Maximum flight altitude............................................10,000 ft
Vne Never-Exceed Speed...............................................105 kts
Design speed for maximum gust intensity...............................50 kts
Minimum level-flight speed............................................27 kts
LIMITATIONS - ROTOR:
Normal rotor speed ............................................200 - 550 rpm
Max. rotor speed during pre-rotation on the ground...................240 rpm
Maximum rotor speed not exceeded.....................................610 rpm
LIMITATIONS - ENGINE:
Maximum engine speed not exceeded...................................5800 rpm
5 minute take-off power regime...............................5500 – 5800 rpm
Normal engine speed/normal operation.........................1700 – 5500 rpm
LIMITATIONS - WEIGHT AND BALANCE:
Maximum weight right seat………………............................ 265 lbs (120 kg)
Maximum weight left seat................................... 265 lbs (120 kg)
Maximum total weight in cockpit............................ 507 lbs (230 kg)
Minimum total weight in both seats.......................... 143 lbs (65 kg)
For solo flights, it is necessary to place a compensating weight on the left side of the cockpit floor, in the space designated for that. The compensating weight is used for correct lateral balancing of the Gyroplane during the flight.
COCKPIT:
COCKPIT VR INTERACTIONS
VR Interaction zones:
The green zones shown in the screenshot below are representing the interaction areas for mouse and/or VR touch controllers.
Important:
The throttle ‘complex’ in the NISUS Gyroplane includes three separate levers for throttle, brakes and pre-rotation.
Control mechanism of the levers is identical to the real-world NISUS Gyroplane; free movement of the main throttle lever, while the attached brakes and pre-rotate levers are incorporated into its axis of motion.
In real-world operation, managing all three levers is straight-forward:
- Throttle - Shift the throttle lever forth and back to manage RPM.
- Brakes - Grip the brakes lever and gently pull up to apply braking.
- Pre-rotate - Grip the pre-rotate lever and pull up for pre-rotation.
- When releasing the brakes, the pre-rotation lever ‘jumps down’ automatically.
In the simulation, it works just the same. However, since the (existing) interaction both in 2-d (on-screen) and VR (using the touch controllers) is simplified (as we don’t have virtual fingers which can grip, hold and shift virtual levers at the same time), it is highly recommended to assign the throttle, the brakes and the pre-rotate to individual assignments. This way, combined actions can be made with greater ease.
AviTab - Built-In Integration:
The VSKYLABS NISUS Gyroplane is "AviTab ready". AviTab is a freeware plugin which allows a tablet for cockpit usage with full support for X-Plane's native VR and normal 2D modes. In general it is a moving map and PDF viewer. It includes a virtual keyboard and lots of useful stuff! It is a great map and information resource in the cockpit (including checklists etc...).
The AviTab plugin is a freeware plugin which can be used for 3D and as a pop-up window as well (one can simply install the plugin into X-Plane and use it as a pop-up window with any aircraft flown).
IMPORTANT: The AviTab plugin itself IS NOT a part and not included in any of the VSKYLABS projects. This plugin and its developers ARE NOT related or connected with VSKYLABS whatsoever, and VSKYLABS is not responsible for any damage or any other issues that are related to using the AviTab plugin. The VSKYLABS NISUS Gyroplane operation and function ARE NOT dependent on any plugin or other 3rd party software/coding. If one wants to use the aircraft without the plugin, it will have no effect on the project usability and function.
Here is a link to AviTab at the www.X-Plane.org portal: https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/44825-avitab-vr-compatible-tablet-with-pdf-viewer-moving-maps-and-more/
SYSTEMS - USEFUL INFORMATION:
Pneumatic system - Trim / Rotor brake:
In general, the trim system and the rotor brake are controlled by a pneumatic system consisting of an electric air compressor, valve (selector), air pressure indicator on the instrument panel, pneumatic cylinders and the corresponding controls located on the control stick (trim-HAT switch).
Switching modes - Important:
When switching the pneumatic valve from FLIGHT to BRAKE modes, and vice versa, the pneumatic pressure will be relieved and drop to zero. Never set the pneumatic valve to BRAKE mode inflight!
Trim function:
Trimming is performed by changing the air pressure in the pneumatic balancing piston, which is located in parallel with the rotor head tilt control for the change of the lateral tilt.
Nose-up: Trimming in the "heavy on the tail" direction activates the electric compressor and increases the pressure in the pneumatic trimming system, which in turn causes loading of the trim actuator and deflection of the
rotor head rearwards.
Nose-down: Trimming in the "heavy on nose" direction causes the pressure relief valve to open and reduce the pressure in the pneumatic trimming system which results in the Gyroplane front tilting downwards as a result of the change in the center of gravity.
Nose trim indication: The trim status is displayed on the TRIM/BRAKE pressure indicator located on the instrument panel. Zero pressure means zero nose-up trim.
Bank trim: The bank trim is pneumatically controlled by the trim HAT switch on the control stick, powering a pneumatic cylinder connected to the rotor head control. In the current version of the project, bank trim position is not visualized via the pressure gauge.
Rotor brake function:
When the pneumatic actuator is set to ‘BRAKE’, increasing pneumatic pressure causes the trim piston to push the brake plate against the pre-rotation disc.
INTERACTION - SPECIAL FEATURES:
Pilot (RH seat) 1st person visualization:
The VSKYLABS NISUS Gyro features a ‘1st person pilot visualization’ mode, which turns on a virtual, animated pilot in the RH seat.
This mode is also incorporated into the ‘hide yoke’ feature in X-Plane 12, to allow a convenient option to preserve the setting when reloading the aircraft.
To enable/disable the 1st person 3-d pilot:
- Use the ‘Generic light 5 toggle’ assignment. If the pilot weight is positive, it will be visualized, if enabled.
- Alternatively, showing/hiding the pilot can be done by interacting with the RH pilot seat cushion (mouse click / touch controller).
The ‘hide yoke’ mode will disable the visualization totally, when the yoke is set to ‘hide’ mode, using X-Plane 12 hide-yoke assignment (via menu, assignment or clicking the ‘y’ key). The hide yoke in X-Plane works as follows: if the yoke is hidden, it will remain hidden until the user will set it to ‘show’, even if reloading the aircraft or restarting a flight.
Weight and balance aspects - RH seat:
- If the RH pilot weight is set with ‘0’ (zero) kg, the RH pilot seat will remain ‘empty’, even if the 1st hand pilot visualization is set to visualize the pilot.
- If the RH pilot weight is set with a positive value, it will automatically set to a minimum threshold of ~143 pounds (65 kg). Then, the user may add weight on top, using X-Plane w&b sliders/menus.
Passenger (LH seat) visualization:
The VSKYLABS NISUS Gyro features a passenger visualization mode. The passenger will turn visible once the LH pilot weight exceeds 40 kg.
Adding the passenger can be done by interacting with the LH seat cushion (mouse/touch controller). Interacting with the cushion will add a 60 kg passenger, or remove it completely. Additional weight can be added using X-Plane w&b menus.
Passenger visualization can be disabled by using the ‘hide yoke’ feature in X-Plane 12, which can be toggled using a key/button assignment or via the X-Plane 12 menu. When the hide-yoke mode is enabled, the pilot and passenger will not be visible, although their weight will still apply on the flight model.
NORMAL OPERATIONS
Before flight:
Assuming that the Gyroplane rotor was disassembled for transportation of the Gyroplane, it would be reassembled before flight, following the relevant maintenance and pre-flight checklists.
The simulation model does not simulate this phase of flight preparations, and the NISUS Gyroplane is set with the rotor assembled and with the rotor brake pneumatic pressure at zero pressure.
IMPORTANT:
When starting a flight in X-Plane 12 (cold and dark, or with engines running), the pneumatic valve is set to ‘BRAKE’ mode. However, the pneumatic pressure is deflated.
To apply pneumatic pressure to the rotor braking system, switch on the power (following the checklist) and use the trim-hat switch to build pressure for braking the rotor. Then, proceed due checklist.
Airspeeds for Safe Operation:
Climb..................................54 kts (100 km/h) IAS
Best rate of climb/Best endurance ......49 kts (90 km/h) IAS
Best range ............................59 kts (110 km/h) IAS
Approach ............................. 54 kts (100 km/h) IAS
Before Starting Engine:
Parking brake ....................................SET BRAKES
Fuel valve ............................................ OPEN
Battery Master (red knob).................................ON
Main PWR switch...........................................ON
EFIS CB...................................................ON
LIGHT CB.........................................AS REQUIRED
COMBO CB..................................................ON
COMP CB (HUD)....................................AS REQUIRED
Foot control assembly .................. Adjusted and locked
Seat adjustment .............. Adjusted and fastenings tight
Seat belts ........................................ FASTENED
Flight controls ........................................FREE
Altimeter .......................................... SET QNH
Starting Engine:
Throttle ...............................................IDLE
Charging check ..............................13.0 V – 13.7 V
Fuel pump 1 ..........................................ON/OFF
Fuel pump 2 ..........................................ON/OFF
Fuel pumps 1,2.......................................BOTH ON
STROBE CB.................................................ON
IGNITION (1,2)............................................ON
AREA...................................................CLEAR
KEY SWITCH.............................................START
Oil pressure......................................min. 2 bar
Fuel pump 2..............................................OFF
Instruments (RADIO/ATC)...................................ON
FAN CB...........................................AS REQUIRED
Engine test:
Engine warm-up speed .......................................... 2000 – 2500 rpm
Oil temperature and engine gauges............. In the range of operating values
Set RPM to 4,000, test ignition circuits (mag 1,2) decrease 300 RPM max.
*Switch the ignition with one hand while your second hand is holding
the throttle/brake.
Throttle...................................................................IDLE
Instruments/altimeter setting ..................................... Checked/set
Fuel pump 2..................................................................ON
Taxi and Run-up:
- Taxi only with stopped and braked rotor! Taxiing with rotating rotor is allowed in rotor speed range higher than 150 rpm.
- Maximum taxi speed 10-13 knots.
- Use the nose-wheel steering (pedals) and brake *very carefully* and only at idle RPM!
- During taxi - hold the stick in the full-forward position!
Take-off (pre-rotation and take-off run):
- Check wind direction.
- Hold the stick in forward position.
- Release the trim pressure to zero (full forward) and set the pneumatic valve from BRAKE to FLY position.
- Wheel-brake to BRAKING position!
- Increase throttle to 1600-1800 RPM.
- Engage pre-rotate lever, verify pressed!
- Wait for the pre-rotation light to illuminate.
- Gradually increase engine RPM to 4,200-4,400 rpm. Monitor rotor RPM and manage throttle to exceed 210-220 RPM.
- Do not exceed maximum pre-rotate rotor speed of 240 RPM!
- When stable at 210-220, it’s time to begin with the Takeoff!
- Smoothly pull the control stick to the full-aft position.
- Release the wheel-brakes, do not change engine RPM!
- Gradually increase engine RPM to max take-off: 5,500 - 5,800 RPM.
- Rotor speed at take-off speed is ~320-330 RPM.
Take-off (run, rotation, airborne):
- Monitor engine speed 5,500 - 5,800 RPM.
- Manage drift with control stick (to the upwind side).
- Maintain direction with foot control.
- Wait for the nose-wheel to lift up. Try to keep it 10-15 cm to avoid tail-strike.
- Gradually and firmly, release the control stick from the fully-aft position as airspeed is gradually increasing, to the point it lifts the ground.
- Use ground effect to gain the necessary speed for a safe transition to climb.
Climbing:
- Throttle to maximum take-off power.
- Initial climb at 54 knots while adjusting trim position.
- Monitor engine gauges.
- At safe altitude (500 ft above ground level), switch off Fuel pump no.2.
- Above 500 ft, climb can be proceeded in reduced RPM at Vy.
- When exceeding cruise altitude, set the rotor for level flight and adjust engine power for level flight.
Cruising flight:
- Set engine RPM for cruise speed of 54-70 knots.
- Adjust trim.
Descent:
- Reduce engine power and set flight attitude to descent.
- Adjust trim.
- Keep rate of descent up to 500 - 1000 fpm.
- Monitor engine temps. If required, stop the descent and add power to manage low temps condition.
Downwind/Approach:
- Set speed to 54 knots.
- Fuel pump no.2 - set to ON.
- Check no warning lights!
- Monitor engine instruments - all normal.
- Verify wheel brake is OFF (no light).
- Maintain descent speed 54 knots.
- Manage descent angle with engine power.
Landing:
- Engine RPM on final may be increased due wind direction and strength.
- Align the Gyroplane with the axis of the track using the rudder pedals, correct the lateral drift with the control stick in case of a side wind even if a slight slip occurs.
- Maintain approach speed 54 knots, until exceeding ~16 ft above the runway.
- Begin flare by pulling the stick to reduce the descent and manage touchdown.
- Do the flare close to the landing surface, the speed will decrease rapidly!
- Land on the main-gears first, while the nose-wheel is raised above the surface.
- Set rudder pedals in neutral at the lowest possible speed, for the nose-wheel touchdown.
- When rotor RPM drops below 150, push the stick forward. Below 150 RPM, stop taxiing and wait until the rotor stops completely!
- Tilt the control stick appropriately into the wind to the left or right but never in the aft position, always maintain forward pressure.
- Below 150 rpm, switch the pneumatic brake of the rotor to the BRAKING position and activate the brake by pulling the trim button towards you (6 – 8 bar).
- Keep your hand on the throttle to apply the wheel brake if necessary.
- Taxi very carefully, the recommended taxi speed with the rotor turning above 150 rpm is 3 – 4 kts.
- When turning with the Gyroplane, be aware that the position of the center of gravity of the Gyroplane is relatively high, with a sharper turn or high speed turn it may overturn.
Engine shut-down:
Throttle................................................IDLE
Wheel brake ................................. BRAKE position
Fuel pump no. 2 ........................................ OFF
Instruments/Radio/intercom/Lights....................... OFF
Fuel pump no. 1 ........................................ OFF
Ignition no.1 and no.2 ................................. OFF
Strobe.................................................. OFF
PWR switch.............................................. OFF
Battery disconnect..... ................................ OFF
Fuel valve .......................................... Closed
