Aerobatics

[DP1]

I've had my pilots licence for quite a while now and to be honest geting a bit fed up of the straight and level, cup of tea routine so looking at aeros.

Quick question is it worth doing the AOPA aerobatics certificate or should I just get some proper aerobatic training. What i'm trying to say is does the certificate give any advantage etc

[Papoo]

I'd just go straight in with some training. If you decide to 'formalize' it later, then you've had the training to boot. You will love it.

[V8LM]

Go for it. Give the BA cabin crew something else to moan about.

[eharding]

DP1 said:

I've had my pilots licence for quite a while now and to be honest geting a bit fed up of the straight and level, cup of tea routine so looking at aeros.

Quick question is it worth doing the AOPA aerobatics certificate or should I just get some proper aerobatic training. What i'm trying to say is does the certificate give any advantage etc

The AOPA course does provide a structured introduction to aerobatics, with a healthy emphasis on safety.

As such, it is a worthwhile exercise.

The piece of paper itself doesn't convey any additional priviliges to your licence (these is talk of an EASA aerobatics rating - quite how that would work I don't know - but I understand the AOPA certificate would convey grandfather rights to the new rating) but the key skills the course (hopefully) imparts are the ability to fly basic figures correctly, and know what to do when it all gets crossed up and pear-shaped - which it will, eventually, when you least expect it.

The fact that your instructor is approved to teach the AOPA course also counts for something - at the very least, you should be looking for a QFI with an Aerobatics endorsement for ab-initio aerobatics training.

Also, pick a decent aerobatic platform for your training - trying to learn aerobatics in some wheezing semi-aerobatic tourer or delightful but geriatric relic might look like a bargain compared to a dedicated aerobatic trainer, but you'll be spending most of your time and money climbing back to height to fly the next figure - the Pitts S2A offers the best price/performance ratio going, although the Cap10C and Extra 200, if you can find them, are good alternatives.

Flying aerobatics is the reason we invented the aeroplane - everything else is secondary. Find a good instructor, with a suitable airframe, and do it. You won't regret it.

[DP1]

Thanks for that. Very good information in there.

I live in Preston so was looking at Blackpool flight academy where they train in a Slingsby T67A. Must admit though the idea of a Pitts or Extra does seem good.

[Papoo]

I have a good number of hours in the T-67 (260hp). It is capable of some figures, and if you see Alan Wade on the airshow circuit, you'll see it is very capable in the right hands. Make sure it's the 260hp.

I'd still be more inclined to have a dedicated aerobatics platform, as Mr Harding has pointed out. The military use the t67, because you can teach people to fly from scratch, navigate, instrument flight, AND some aerobatics. It is a great do-it-all, but step from that into a Pitts, for the purposes of aerobatics, you'll think you've died and gone to heaven.

[eharding]

The T67A is a slightly different proposition to the M260 though - but if that's the most convenient and close to hand, then go for it.

[Papoo]

eharding said:

The T67A is a slightly different proposition to the M260 though - but if that's the most convenient and close to hand, then go for it.

Out of curiosity, what's the going rate on a Pitts S2 with instructor in the UK, Sir?

[eharding]

From memory, the WLAC dual rate in the S2 must be about £220 an hour - its been a while since I hired the S2 at the solo rate, which was £180.

[Papoo]

Thanks. I've a couple of UK-based birthdays which need servicing early in the new year. Food for thought..