Aircraft overview

The Magni Gyro M24 Orion is a two seat, enclosed cabin gyroplane built by Magni Gyro in Italy. It entered the market around 2009 as the company’s touring oriented alternative to its open cockpit sport models. Unlike the tandem M16 or the open M22 Voyager, the Magni Gyro M24 Orion uses a side by side cabin layout with doors, a faired fuselage and a pusher propeller behind the cabin.

Its role is private VFR touring, training where approved, and recreational flying with more weather protection than open gyroplanes provide. For used aircraft buyers, it matters because it combines the short field and low speed handling traits of an autogyro with a more conventional cabin environment than many lightweight gyroplanes.

Performance & specifications

Most Magni Gyro M24 Orion aircraft are powered by the Rotax 914 UL, a turbocharged four cylinder engine rated at 115 hp. Published figures vary by national approval basis, equipment and weight, but typical cruise planning is often in the region of 80 to 90 knots. Maximum takeoff weight is commonly listed at 500 kg, about 1,102 lb, with useful load depending heavily on avionics, options and empty weight.

• Configuration: two seat enclosed gyroplane, pusher propeller
• Powerplant: Rotax 914 UL, 115 hp, commonly fitted
• Typical cruise: approximately 80 to 90 knots, depending on loading and conditions
• Range: typically quoted around 300 nautical miles in touring configuration
• Ceiling: often published around 10,000 feet, subject to regulatory and operating limits

Cabin & avionics

The cabin has two seats side by side under a clear canopy style windscreen, with doors that make it more suitable for cooler weather and longer flights than open cockpit Magni models. Visibility remains a key feature, although cabin width, baggage space and ventilation should be assessed in person, especially by buyers planning regular touring with two occupants.

Avionics are not standardized in the way they are on many certified airplanes. Used examples may have basic analog flight instruments, engine monitoring for the Rotax installation, VHF radio, transponder and GPS. Some aircraft have compact glass displays from suppliers such as Dynon, Kanardia or Garmin portable equipment, but Garmin Perspective and G1000 suites are not typical for the Magni Gyro M24 Orion.

Buying & value

Condition and documentation are central to value. Buyers should review airframe hours, rotor blade condition, prerotator operation, propeller condition, mast and landing gear history, composite cabin repairs, control rigging, weight and balance records, and Rotax 914 maintenance compliance. Engine logbooks, turbocharger condition, rubber component age and service bulletin status deserve close attention.

Used market positioning is generally that of a premium enclosed two seat gyroplane rather than a low cost ultralight. Values are influenced by year, total time, avionics, paint, cabin options, registration category and whether the aircraft has been maintained by Magni experienced technicians. Common upgrades include improved radios, transponders with ADS-B where required, GPS displays, cabin comfort items and updated engine monitoring.