First off, there is no "course",
The AOPA Aeros course may not be compulsory for aeros, but it is a course in the same way as the PPL is a course - it gives you a basis to start from, what there is not in the UK is an Aerobatics
rating. I would agree that it is not essential to do the AOPA course but you should do
some sort of course, the important things to learn are how to sort it out if you make a mess of it, so spinning and unusual attitude training are IMHO must do's. Then learn the basic maneuvers from an instructor who knows what he is doing and go on from there. I can recommend UH - OK I am biased, but I think there are a number of other forumites who would say the same, and they usually run a couple of beginners comps as well which will give you a good starting point.
