Aerobatics in Yorkshire

[markflyer6580]

Hi all.
I'm currently hour building whilst doing my ATPL's,to keep myself amused I have decided to do some aeros. I currently fly at humberside but the only aerobatic a/c there is a 150 aerobat

I have looked at Full sutton and Sherburn-both nice spots and very freindly,so it pretty much boils down to aircraft. Full sutton have a Firefly,Sherburn have a Cap 10 for slightly less and a robin 2160 for a lot less,since its not going to be a lot of hours the cost difference doesn't matter,my main concern is the tailwheel conversion if I went for the Cap 10.

I have about 80hrs tt+night rating,and fancy a change! Any advice or suggestions welcome

[eharding]

Go for the Cap10, and do a tail-wheel conversion anyway. Never flown a Robin, the Firefly has a fairly sedate roll-rate, and the Cap is a lovely bit of kit. Presumably if you're flying with an instructor anyway, then the tail-wheel aspect isn't an issue. If you're not flying with an instructor, and you don't have aerobatic experience, then you should be.

[stiknruda]

I agree with everything that Ed has said - however, the aerobatic instruction at Full Sutton is world class.

Castle Smith has represented the UK at advanced aerobatics on several occasions. He might even be persuaded to roll out his Pitts S2B and show you how life really ought to look.

Have fun wherever you choose,

Stik

[Rod1]

Try Bagby. Tom Casells is ex British Aerobatic champion and is very very good. Castle Smith is a very nice chap, but competes one level below Tom. Some years since I flew with both so Tom may not still be in the game.

Rod1

[markflyer6580]

Thanks chaps,Cas Smith definatley seemed to know his stuff,and yes Stik I saw the pitts in the hangar-very nice he did mention going up in that!

I hadn't considered Bagby as its a bit of a trek,but I will look in to it-its a nice drive up there from mine.

Cheers Mark

[stiknruda]

As "personable" as TC is, I still think that Cas would be a better ab-initio aeros instructor!


Stik

[Zulu Alpha]

I would agre with Stik. Cas will give you a good grounding and also has a Pitts that he takes to most aerobatic competitions for his students to enter in. This means you have a route after the AOPA course into starting competing if you want.
I think you will enjoy the CAP10 most out of the three aircraft you mention. It is the most capable. In the air the tailwheel won't make any difference to the aerobatics, just the landing so you will be getting some tailwheel experience at the end of each lesson 'for free' so to speak.

[NinjaBill]

Another Vote for Cas at Full Sutton, top bloke, and an excellent instructor.

[Speed Twelve]

If you fancy a bit of a trek down to Sheffield, Yorkshire Vintage Flying School have an ex-DEFTS FireflyM160. Chap called Mike Rowe can fly with you at weekends, very experienced current mil QFI. Agree that the Firefly roll-rate isn't the greatest but it is a hoot to fly. They have a Chipmunk T10 as well if you fancy something a little more sedate but still great fun.

[markflyer6580]

The first aeros I did were in a chipmunk! Fantastic,if my numbers came up tonight I would buy one tomorrow. Will look in to that,however all the chipmunks seem to be knocking on for £200/h

I think Cas smith seems the best choice,unfortunately his firefly is away having its annual,so I will have to wait

Thanks again. Mark

Edit to add-I just looked at the chippie and its only an extra £6/h and about 20 min extra drive-decisions,decisions???

[stiknruda]

Chippie v Firefly

I'm afraid to say that because of its superior control harmonisation the dH comes first - every time!

[markflyer6580]

Thought so! I'm a sucker for old aeroplanes anyway

[Lord Flashheart]

Last time i checked the Chipmunk and the Firefly were around £150 per hour at Yorkshire Flight Training in Sheffield City.

Top school with excellent instructors, definantly give them a call.

[javelin]

Aaarhhh, The Chipmunk, you can't polish a turd

Personally, I would go with the British Champion - Mr Cassells.

[RVR800]

Slingsby

Full Sutton has an ex-DEFTS Firefly M160 as well

[HappyJack260]

Aerobatics training

Well, if you want REAL value for money you could try a Pitts S-2C for around 160 ponds an hour, dual or solo!
The only snag is that you'd also have to take a holiday in Sydney, Australia, at the same time. But you'd probably save enough against the cost of doing the course in the UK to pay for the flight, get a more advanced aircraft into the bargain and get a holiday in the sun.

The aircraft's based at Camden - less than an hour outside Sydney - have a look at this link:www.airborne-aviation.com.au

BTW - the Pitts is absolutely bloody fantastic; much as I love the old Chippy (60 odd hours on them) and the Robin's not bad either, the Pitts blows them all into the weeds.

So where the bloody hell are you???

[waldopepper42]

HappyJack260,

Now, where do I get those immigration forms from...!

I flew the S2-C in Florida afew years ago with a guy called Bruce Thalheimer, and it sure is a superb aeroplane. Not very many available for rental here in the UK though

[djpil]

Jack - do you let guys fly the S-2C with nil tailwheel experience?

Taking it to Parkes this weekend?

[HappyJack260]

Originally Posted by djpil

Jack - do you let guys fly the S-2C with nil tailwheel experience?

David,
They can fly it (ie in the air) but the landings and take-offs tend to be done by the instructors. Having said which there are a couple of private pilots who are now checked out in it for solo private hire (incl the President of the local gliding club!).
I'm not sure whether we'd market it for a tailwheel conversion, though I know Phil Unicomb does that with his. And the insurance specifies minimum PPL & 200 hours with 10 hours on type + 25 hours tailwheel. But if someone with no tailwheel experience wants to fly aeros - no problem - and if they want to go for their tailwheel rating then Peter would probably give them a few hours in the back seat of the Chipmunk or Citabria to help them along the way.

Originally Posted by djpil

Taking it to Parkes this weekend?

A couple of us may go up for the day to watch but I've simply not had enough time for practice to have a go at my first competition. We may have a look at the State comp in October, though.
Are you coming up to Parkes in the Decathlon?

[HappyJack260]

Originally Posted by waldopepper42

HappyJack260,
Now, where do I get those immigration forms from...!
I flew the S2-C in Florida afew years ago with a guy called Bruce Thalheimer, and it sure is a superb aeroplane. Not very many available for rental here in the UK though

Are there any Pitts S-2C's in the UK at all? I know of three in Oz, of which I think all are available for hire.
No need for immigration - just get a temporary business visa and you can come and go for a maximum of 3 months in the country at any time - no minimum stay overseas before returning. Always assuming you have business interests. Like serious flying business