Aerobatic training in the USA

[felixflyer]

Hi

I am thinking of going over to the USA to do a basic aerobatic course. I want to fly over here and eventually enter competitions but would like my initial training to be consolidated over a week. I was thinking of somewhere like Arizona and have been to Chandler before which I enjoyed.

I just wondered whether anyone can recommend any other places?

Also what is the situation regarding sevis, visa etc? I flew over there 3 years ago and had to get a 61.75 which took forever, will I need to do this again? The training will all be dual so do I need to go through all that hassle or can I just turn up and fly?

Regards

[taybird]

There's no reason you shouldn't be able to do a basic aerobatics course in a week in the UK, unless you choose a particularly bad week for weather.

What aeroplane are you planning to use for competition?

[felixflyer]

Hi

The problem, is if I book a week off work I don't get paid. If I go to somewhere like Arizona then I know I will get to fly probably every day. I don't want to book a week off and end up not flying here because of weather. Also I haven't been on holiday for 2.5 years so it would be nice to get away.

I have joined the Tiger club so will be continuing my training with them on the Cap10. I will also be keeping my eye out for a share in something.

[Zulu Alpha]

Try Sunrise aviation in California (South Los Angeles)

Nice people and a good selection of different aerobatic aircraft

www.sunriseaviation.com/aerobatics-airplanes.html

Otherwise try http://www.iacusn.org/schools/index.php

[ifitaintboeing]

If you're looking at Arizona, try Budd Davisson at Airbum:

Pitts Flight Training (http://airbum.com/Pitts/PittsFlightTraining.html)

And California try CP Aviation at Santa Paula:

CP Aviation (http://cpaviation.com/)

ifitaint...

[BackPacker]

Also what is the situation regarding sevis, visa etc? I flew over there 3 years ago and had to get a 61.75 which took forever, will I need to do this again? The training will all be dual so do I need to go through all that hassle or can I just turn up and fly?

You are exempt from the requirement to get a TSA clearance. TSA is only required for initial airmen training, for IR, ME and type ratings above a certain MTOM.
https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov/afsp2/?acct_type=c&section=WN#C

If all the training is dual you also won't need your own licence. The instructor will be PIC. Similarly, you won't need a US medical. But if you already have a 61.75 "piggyback" PPL and the underlying licence (including the licence number) has not changed and is valid, then you should be able to "reactivate" this PPL with just a BFR. And for a 61.75 you can either have an FAA medical, or a valid medical attached to the underlying licence. This might come in handy if you do want to do a solo flight at some point in time.

Visa is a far more debatable issue. You might want to search this forum for more opinions, and here's a few links that you may want to read:
Visitor Visas - Business and Pleasure (http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html)
English USA - Issues related to study on B status in Intensive English Programs (http://www.aaiep.org/news/policy_b_status)
http://www.pprune.org/private-flying/278995-guide-obtaining-jaa-ppl-us-part-1-a-5.html (start at post #90)
In your case my gut feeling is that you would need an M-1 visa. But I would call the embassy or consulate first to confirm.

The big issue you'll find is that M-1 visas can only be issued if your "sponsor" (the school) is connected to the SEVIS system. Which is typically only true for Part-141 schools, and specialized flight schools like aerobatics, tailwheel and seaplane schools are not normally Part-141.

[djpil]

A list of aerobatic schools:
http://www.iacusn.org/schools/index.php

I can recommend:
APS in Arizona Upset Recovery Instruction, Aerobatics Flying, Spin/Stall Flight Training (http://apstraining.com/)
Tutima Academy Tutima Academy | Sean D. Tucker (http://www.tutimaacademy.com/)
Greg Koontz Welcome to Greg Koontz Aviation! (http://www.gkairshows.com/)
Dagmar Kress Welcome | Dagmar Aerobatics (http://www.dagmaraerobatics.com/)
Rich Stowell Rich Stowell's Aviation Learning Center (http://www.richstowell.com/)
and Bud Davisson of course
(no particular order).

Seems to me that a tourist visa would suffice for "enrollment in a short recreational course of study" which is what my friends have done.

I'm currently in the US for a couple of aerobatic contests - unfortunately the first was washed out in the Colorado floods.

[It flies]

I spent a great week at Tutima back in March. The aeroplanes are immaculate, the instructors are very good and it was 23 degrees and sunny nearly all week.

I flew the Pitts S-2B, S-2C and Extra 300L in a customized program. But they also do a very popular 5 day comprehensive APT introduction to aerobatics course. This also includes a lot of spin recovery practice.

I entered the USA under the Esta visa waiver program. There are no special restrictions on aerobatic training for international pilots.

No aerobatics, but here is a video that shows some of my training to give an idea of the setting.

Learning to wheel land the Pitts Special on Vimeo

[felixflyer]

Thanks for the replies, I have booked a course with Chandler in Arizona next week.:ok:

[Straighten Up]

Old thread but I wondered if you had any feedback on your course at chandler Felix flyer? Thanks

[daqui]

Hello,

I am also interested in doing an aerobatic's course in the US. has anyone been to a school recently and can recommend?

Thank you!

[felixflyer]

Hi

I am the OP and I went to Chandler in Arizona. I flew the Great Lakes and it was great.

If you go make sure you ask for a canyon flight.

Have a look at this video, I did all of this and more in this aircraft and its still the best flying I have ever done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCjpa5dOoiA

[velo84]

Is there a list of places to learn aerobatics in the UK? Looking for somewhere in the South East. Interested in it and looking for somewhere to learn. I know of Redhill (Slingsby) , Blackbushe (152 Aerobat) and Goodwood (Bulldog and Extra) Just wondered if there are any others.

Thanks

[Prop swinger]

https://www.aerobatics.org.uk/training/directory

[velo84]

Thanks for that.

[dobbin1]

AOPA publish a list of their members who offer training for the AOPA certificates:-
AOPA Aerobatics Certificate (http://www.aopa.co.uk/index.php?option=com_contactenhanced&view=category&id=208&Itemid=861)

[Camargue]

if in south east, tiger club at pent farm have a cap10c which is a very nice plane to fly and £200 per tacho. If you want to learn to fly a tiger moth that also £200 per hour.
otherwise bang for buck, Cambridge have an extra 200 which only about £250 dual £210 solo and even more fun to fly.