They just seem a perfect tool for observation, power / pipeline inspection in fact anywhere where STOL is enough rather than VTOL and of course they are very capable in windy conditions.
Another application worth mentioning is the crop protection.
Not only chemical, but also biological, where you need much less weight to carry.
Recently, the Polish company Aviation Artur Trendak is testing such application
in cooperation with Polish and Czech universities.
Aviation Artur Trendak | Testy Trichogramma
Aviation Artur Trendak | Testy Trichogramma 2
Also traditional chemical spraying is possible.
Aviation Artur Trendak | Próby opryskiwaczy
The tank under the cabin can carry up to 150 l.
I flew in this aircraft for the first time also at the fantastic Shobdon Food and Flying festival. I've had a PPL for nearly 30 yeras and flown all sorts of aircraft and have to say this was great. Well worth a look in terms of both flying and operating costs.
This is real fun to fly, you are right.
Recently the ZEN1 by Aviation Artur Trendak was presented at the UK Aero Expo in Sywell.
Aviation Artur Trendak | UK Aero Expo - Sywell
The fundamental problems are now understood and more modern aircraft have them designed out again. As a long term helicopter pilot I can appreciate that a properly designed, modern gyrocopter is very well suited to some roles (such as aerial observation) and could do it at much lower cost than helicopters.
The professional helicopter market is slowly approached by the gyroplane
manufacturers.
The new Europen regulations allow for MTOW of 560kg, which makes the class
much more interesting for professional use.
At the European Helicopter Show in Hradec Kralove (Czech Republic) the new
560 kg ZEN1 was presented for the first time.
Aviation Artur Trendak | Europejskie targi wirop?atów
I think, all the new models of the major gyroplane manufacturers, with
side by side, helicopter or car like cabins, higher useful load will
gradually take over the market from other ultralight aircraft.
Year 2012 was the first year in the history where gyroplane outsold the
fixed wing ultralight aircraft in Germany. I thing, this is a tendency to continue.