Aerobatic rating

[CaptainKing]

Hi there,

Can someone tell me what is envolved in getting your aerobatic license.

[SNS3Guppy]

I don't know about South Africa, but in the United States, there's no such thing. Aerobatics are a skillset and a product of experience and training...but there's no license or rating given for aerobatics.

Are you talking about IAC aerobatic recognition or classification?

[CaptainKing]

I'm not 100% sur, I was just wondering. But thanks anyway.

[katana 1]

Take a look at the AOPA web site.

[BackPacker]

Same here. No formal aerobatics rating in JAA-land. Although in the future it looks like EASA is trying to introduce something like that.

The AOPA course suggestion is a good start. The book by Robson also contains a suggested course schedule.

In practice, if you have about 10 lessons of half an hour aerobatics each (+ taxi/transit time), you should be able to do solo aerobatics safely, at least the basic maneuvers such as the loop, aileron roll, half cuban, one-turn spin, competition turn, 45 degree up and downlines and maybe a stall turn. And with perhaps five more lessons like that, you would be able to compete at Basic/Beginners level.

In the UK, the BAeA hosts "Loop Beginners Days" where you can try your hand at competition aerobatics under the guidance of an experienced aerobatics instructor. All you need is a PPL to enter.

http://www.aerobatics.org.uk/pdf/LOOPBeginnersDay2009v1.pdf

[rusty sparrow]

Looks like a great course - but at the risk of souding like a wimp, are parachutes normal when learning aerobatiics? I got used to wearing them in glidiers.

[DX Wombat]

The BAeA (http://www.aerobatics.org.uk/) also has an excellent Buddy System for those wishing to learn more / improve their skills.

[Ultranomad]

Same here. No formal aerobatics rating in JAA-land.
Not entirely true:

JAR–FCL 1.017 Authorisations/Ratings for special purposes

Authorisations/Ratings for special purposes associated with a licence (e.g. IMC flying, towing, aerobatics, dropping of parachutists, etc.) may be established by the Authority in accordance with the requirements of that JAA Member State for use solely within that Member State’s airspace. The use of such an authorisation/rating in another JAA Member State’s airspace requires the prior agreement of the State(s) visited, except where a bilateral
agreement exists.

For instance, Czech Republic does have such a rating on the books. The course includes some theory and 9 hours of flight training.

[Zulu Alpha]

Looks like a great course - but at the risk of souding like a wimp, are parachutes normal when learning aerobatiics? I got used to wearing them in glidiers

They are not obligatory in the UK. However they are obligatory in the US. So you find that most aerobatic aircraft seating is designed to take a parachute and hence people wear them here. Also it is a good idea!!!

Aerobatic parachutes are slightly different as they have the buckles moved so that they are not underneath the aircraft straps. You can use a standard parachute, but you will get bruises from the straps digging the buckles into you.

DJ

[stiknruda]

CK - If you are in the PWV area of the Traansval get over to Rand, somewhere in the vicinity of hangar 11, ask for Dennis Spence.

He should be able to sort out a beginner course for you.

There were some aerobatic types in Somerset West last time I was down that way, too.

Hope that this helps,

Stik - a BAeA Buddy!

[rusty sparrow]

The course leaflet states: 'LOOP Beginners Days are single day events
designed to give novice aerobatic pilots an
introduction to flying competition style aerobatics. ' Also asks for 'Your BAeA Proficiency Card or signed Log Book safety authorisation'

So, not for beginners

[Zulu Alpha]

' Also asks for 'Your BAeA Proficiency Card or signed Log Book safety authorisation'

So, not for beginners

This only applies if you want to fly your own aircraft or fly solo.

If you fly with the instructor in his aircraft then this isn't needed. The British Aerobatics assoc arrange for one or two instructors to bring training aircraft. The last Beginners day had an Extra 300 and Slingsby. see The Loop Breighton Beginners Event - 2009 (http://www.aerobatics.org.uk/results/2009/loop1breighton_2009/loop1breighton.htm)
for details of the recent one.

There are two more this season

1 at Leicester on 9th May
and
1 at Little Gransden on 27th June

ZA

[SNS3Guppy]

Aerobatic parachutes are slightly different as they have the buckles moved so that they are not underneath the aircraft straps. You can use a standard parachute, but you will get bruises from the straps digging the buckles into you.


Most sport rigs today don't use buckles, or use a minimum thereof. Pilot emergency canopies are typically round canopies, though some ram-air square parachutes are now in use as emergency rigs.

Sport rigs take a little more training and one shouldn't wear one during aerobatic flight as a pilot without proper training in the wearing, and use. Unlike an emergency rig, there are more handles and controls and more ways that the parachute (either one) may be released in the airplane...which can be a deadly event. There are also more ways to disable or make unsafe a sport rig than a pilot rig. Pilot rigs are lighter, flatter, and easier to wear when getting in and out of the aircraft.

Today's sport rigs tend to utilze very small canopies which make the overall container smaller, but also lead to more injuries and fatalities while flying and landing a perfectly good parachute. Nobody should wear a parachute aloft without adequate training in normal and emergency parachute operations, malfunction recognition and clearing, egress, water and tree landings, parachute landing falls, and perhaps most important to the pilot, protecting the rig from deployment in the airplane.