In a Pitts!? Seriously? I thought 400+ was monoplane only territory?
I agree, all pilots should give aerobatics a bash. The skills in aircraft control, which can be picked up (use of co-ordinated rudder, slow-flight, aggressive but
smooth control inputs etc) will undoubtedly make you a much more competent (and confident) aviator.
I was "scared" for many years, and my only taste of aero's was in the Air Cadets at the end of an air experience flight. I didn't really take to it, so decided maybe it wasn't for me.
Then, after attending a flight school who prided themselves on aerobatic instruction, I thought, maybe I'll give it a go again (as many view this as proper flying, macho etc.) so I did. Got through the first flight (an hour in an open-cockpit biplane) in one piece, holding the contents of my stomach in until after I de-planed... before running to the toilet! (and feeling rough for 4-5 hours after) Second time, I thought maybe this still isn't for me, but persevered (and wasn't sick, but did feel queasy towards the end) and tried to "man up" a bit. Third time, flew more aggressively, concentrating more on the manoeuvres etc. Then, after that, a few more hours until I got signed off to go play solo, and that was it!
It's very addictive, and any sickness issues will usually be overcome with practice, you simply build a tolerance to it.
I'd just like to add, it's not all about pulling G's and making people feel sick. Most manoeuvres can be flown very smoothly, even at competition level. So, don't be fooled by the show-off who likes everyone to see his post-flight G-meter readings... as it counts for nothing.
If anyone (preferably pilots) in the Leeds/York area would like to come along for a jolly sometime in a Slingsby, please PM me!