Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 80; Flight Crew Total 8040; Flight Crew Type 75
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
[I] was being assessed for proficiency check in Gyroplane which required closed circuit short approaches using runway 23 at Sebastian Municipal (X26); which is a right hand traffic pattern. Students were in the traffic pattern flying a wide pattern using 1.5 mile legs. This procedure [is] to insure they do not conflict with the skydive operation. I had just completed a touch and go where I climb to 300ft; then turned right to clear the runway centerline. A student and instructor had turned final while I was on short final.As I started the turn I noticed the Cherokee attempting to pass me on the right. We both took evasive action: I turned left and he turned right to a crosswind. At no time did the instructor indicate he was going to pass on the right. 91.113 does state overtaking aircraft should pass on right but this action in a right hand pattern is dangerously wrong. The left side in this case is vacant.This appears to be a case where rules and common sense depart from reality. The aircraft prior to evasive action was very close; closer than 100 ft.
Gyroplane pilot reported a NMAC with a light aircraft in the pattern at X26 airport.