Aviation Performance Solutions - Emergency Manouver Training

[sywell-flyer]

I've been looking at their Emergency Manouver Training course:

http://www.apstraining.com/program.htm

Thinking of doing it next year as a low houred ppl.

Was just wondering if anyone else has done one of their courses and whether it was any good??? Also whether people think it would benefit a new PPL?

It does looks great from the website and videos!

Cheers,

Sywell-Flyer

[Genghis the Engineer]

I wouldn't bother with this particular course.

Those courses are primarily aimed at big aeroplane pilots, who don't otherwise get to turn an aircraft upside down very often - it spills the G&Ts. I'm sure it's excellent and so are the instructors, but you'd be better of going to any good flying school, finding an experienced (preferably aerobatic or ex-mil) instructor and asking them to spend some time taking you through spinning, stalling, spiral dive recoveries, missed approaches - stuff that isn't really covered in depth on the PPL course. You don't need to spend a lot of money on a special "upset recoveries" course.

G

[hobbit1983]

What about the Ultimate High Wings course - http://www.ultimatehigh.co.uk/academy/course_detail.php?id=0024
Basically advanced PPL training on the Bulldog; covers UPs & emergencies (among other things) and is taught from a GA perspective. I did it and very much enjoyed every second!

[sywell-flyer]

All good comments!

I'll have to have a look into each of the options. I think the thought of doing the training in the US has certain attractions. I'll take a look at Ultimate High. I'm thinking maybe to find out if they do customised courses rather than a standard package.

NSOF does have a Pitts. I think the AOPA certificate comes in a quote a bit less than 2k - 3k do that might be a good option. I could spend the rest on a night rating!

I think a bit of thought is needed now.

Cheers for the replies!

[BEagle]

Firstly, it is really good news to note that a 'low hours' PPL is looking for ways to improve his/her knowledge and skill. Well done - good for you!

I would thoroughly recommend the 'advanced' course offfered by UltimateHigh. It seems to add the interesting and more demanding aspects of military light aircraft work to the PPL course and looks to be extremely good fun as well.

Plus you would be taught in a professional environment.

(I hasten to add that I have no connections with UltimateHigh)

[Julian]

Sywell,

Another way to improve yourself and have some fun thrown into the bag is to undertake the AOPA Basic Aeros course. Its about 10 hours if I remember rightly and also has the benefit of adding another string to your bow when you go flying!

J.

[greeners]

sywell-flyer

Ultimate High very definitely will tailor a course to your specific requirements! The standard expected of our APPL graduates is quite specific but students range from new PPLs to 800hr IRs; we establish at the start exactly what it is that you are trying to achieve.

Shoot me an e-mail to [email protected] and I'll very happily send you details of our offerings.

Cheers

greeners

[apstraining]

I don't often chime in on forums but I regret I do not agree with Genghis in that the APS course is about large airplanes nor that it should not be bothered with. As its chief flight instructor, and APS having trained more pilots in comprehensive upset recovery than any other organization in the global aviation industry, the APS course should not be dismissed so readily. I do agree with the rest of Genghis' comments though as we, and APS, are all of what recommends seeking out. We train all pilots form the new Cessna 172 pilot to the seasoned 767 airline captain and they can often be in the same class. Each program is tailored to the individual pilot.

I hope that helps and am not trying to dismiss Genghis, just clarifying one area of his comment.

[Genghis the Engineer]

I reserve the right to modify my opinions in five years anyhow!

G

[BEagle]

Out of interest, the AOPA Basic Aerobatic syllabus is currently being adjusted slightly, so that it will cover all the requirements of the emerging €urocratic 'Aerobatic Rating'. The flight time required is now 5 hr or aerobatic flight instruction (not 'chock-to-chock' - take-off, climb, transit, descent and landing are not included in the 'aerobatic flight instruction' time) and the course ends with a simple aerobatic sequence to be flown.

'Confidence manoeuvres' such as spinning and max rate turns are included as part of the 5 hrs aerobatic flight instruction.

Even after completing the course, although you would be able to fly aerobatics in non-EASA aircraft such as the Chipmunk, you would need to have achieved 40 hrs PIC since licence issue before you could apply for an Aerobatic Rating to fly aerobatics on EASA aircraft such as the Cessna Aerobat. AOPA, BAeA, FAI and others are trying to remove this nonsensical, safety-negative prerequisite (for which you can blame the German CAA) - but in any case, an EASA Aerobatic Rating won't be mandatory for flying aerobatics in EASA aircraft before Apr 2015.

[The500man]

I've just finished the AOPA basic course, and have to say that it is a very good introduction to aerobatics and will improve your flying accuracy as well as give you the confidence to recover from any attitude at any airspeed (including minus numbers!). If you think about it, the best way to learn upset recoveries is to unexpectedly arrive in unusual attitudes which then require you to perform upset recoveries.

You'll find that you will more than likely "fall-out" of almost every maneouvre at least once when you first learn to fly them, and initially it may well surprise you!

I did the course on a Pitts S2C, and have found the limited panel has much improved my flying. Apart from the engine/ fuel instruments it only has an altimeter, ASI and a "g" meter; for everything else you have to look outside.


you would need to have achieved 40 hrs PIC since licence issue before you could apply for an Aerobatic Rating


I wonder where they get these silly numbers from! As to the 5 hours, I think the current 8 hours is really tight to get everything done, even making the most of transits.