Well said,
Flyin'Dutch'. No, babygrows aren't compulsory but, if you've never worn one, it won't do any harm if the instructor who demonstrates or teaches you the manoeuvre has at some point.
WorkingHard It isn't the topic which has raised temperatures, but your attitude to it. I confess my reaction was influenced by reading your (now merged) thread in which you described the manoeuvre as "irresponsible behaviour", and suggested listing airfields which allow them.
The manoeuvre is not irresponsible; doing it may be, depending upon the circumstances. The idea of yet another 'ban' or restriction, whether imposed by airfields or the CAA, fills me with horror. In 30 years or so flying, I've seen an increasing number of restrictions imposed upon our freedom to use our own judgment. Some are necessary; many are an unfortunate product of the 'nanny' culture in which we now live.
There was a tragic accident at North Weald, and lessons should be learned. But I know of no evidence (personal, official or anecdotal) to suggest there is a problem calling for the imposition of yet another restriction.
Is your experience different from mine? Have you been caused anxiety by such manoeuvres?
Our attitudes are inevitably formed by the type of flying we've done - in my case, mainly RAF, Tiger Club and the Old Flying Machine Company at Duxford. Like Flash, I've frequently been invited to do a RIAB when visiting airfields. Much depends upon type flown. When flying a Harvard or Yak 11, requests are common; not surprisingly, I've never been asked when flying a Piper or Cessna. Invitation or not, I wouldn't do so unless satisfied it was safe.
I don't seek to persuade you to my point of view. Having now read many of your contributions to various topics, I am entirely satisfied the only thing we have in common is that we both hold a pilots licence. I respect your right to fly as you wish, and have done a modest amount of s&l cross-country flying myself. Some of us have a more adventurous, but nonetheless safety-conscious, approach to our flying - but there's plenty of scope for us to co-exist happily and safely without the imposition of yet more rules.