Definition
A radar approach used when the aircraft's directional gyro or other heading-stabilizing reference has failed. The controller observes the aircraft on radar and issues turn instructions as 'turn left' or 'turn right,' which the pilot begins immediately and holds until told 'stop turn.' Once on final approach, turns are typically reduced to half standard rate.
Plain English
An approach where the pilot has lost their heading instrument, so the controller watches them on radar and tells them when to start and stop turning instead of giving compass headings.
Context Anchor
A pilot may request or receive a No Gyro Approach during instrument flying after a heading indicator or other direction instrument problem.
Derivation
Gyro' is short for gyroscope, the spinning instrument that keeps the heading indicator stable. 'No gyro' simply means flying without that working reference, which is why the controller must supply turn guidance instead of headings.
Why Pilots Care
It provides a safe way to complete an approach and land when critical attitude and heading references are lost, reducing the risk of loss of control.
Intuition Check
“No gyro” does not mean the airplane has no instruments at all. It means the pilot cannot rely on the normal gyroscopic direction instrument, so the controller gives turn instructions instead of headings.
Example Sentence 1
After the heading indicator failed in cloud, the pilot declared the problem and the controller set up a no gyro approach.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot practiced a no gyro approach by covering the attitude indicator and following the controller's turn instructions.