What is an Aerobatic Flight, and Why Do People Take Them?
Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the thrill of extreme flying? An aerobatics flight is the perfect way to do it. Aerobatic flights involve a pilot performing various stunts and maneuvers with an aircraft, such as loops, rolls, and spins. It’s a thrilling experience that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
Aerobatic flights are popular among adrenaline seekers who want to experience the thrill of extreme flying. They also offer an amazing view from the air that can’t be matched by any other activity. So if you’re looking for a unique and exciting experience, an aerobatic flight might be just what you need!
If you’re a thrill-seeker looking to experience the rush of aerial stunts, then taking an aerobatics flight is the perfect way to do it. But before you take off, it’s important to know how to prepare for your first aerobatic flight. By understanding the safety protocols and tips for extreme flying, you can ensure that your first aerobatic experience is an enjoyable and safe one. In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know in order to get ready for your first aerobatic instruction experience.
What You Should Know Before Taking an Aerobatic Flight
Acrobatic flights can be an exciting and exhilarating experience, but they also come with risks. To ensure a safe and enjoyable flight, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions before taking off. This includes checking the weather conditions, ensuring that all safety equipment is in working order, and researching the area for any potential hazards. Additionally, it is important to have a plan in place for emergency situations such as engine failure or loss of control of the aircraft. Taking these steps will help ensure that you have a safe acrobatic flight experience.
Know the rules about where you can and cannot fly aerobatics. Here is the legal statute regarding acrobatic flight:
No person may operate an aircraft in aerobatic flight—
(a) Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement;
(b) Over an open-air assembly of persons;
(c) Within the lateral boundaries of the surface areas of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace designated for an airport;
(d) Within 4 nautical miles of the center line of any Federal airway;
(e) Below an altitude of 1,500 feet above the surface; or
(f) When flight visibility is less than 3 statute miles.
For the purposes of this section, aerobatic flight means an intentional maneuver involving an abrupt change in an aircraft’s attitude, an abnormal attitude, or abnormal acceleration not necessary for normal flight.
What to Pack and What NOT to Pack Before Taking an Aerobatic Flight
Are you ready to experience the thrill of an aerobatic flight? Before you get on board, it is important to make sure that you have the right items packed in your bag. Knowing what to bring and what not to bring is essential for having a safe and enjoyable ride. If you’re planning to go on an aerobatic flight, you should consider a few dos and don’ts. So let’s start packing!
A headset is absolutely necessary to communicate with the aerobatic instructor during the aerobatic maneuvers; you can bring your own or use the one provided. Motion sickness medication can also come in handy for those who easily get sick during such flights, something to take into consideration.
As for clothing, you should wear clothes that are comfortable and not too tight, as you may experience a lot of movement during the flight. Acrobatic flight is a workout, and you may find yourself upside down. You will warm up and get sweaty regardless of the outside temperature. If it is already a warm day, you can expect to be hot, so dress accordingly.
Wear flat-soled shoes that allow you to feel the rudders. Acrobatic flight is all about feeling the airplane, so you don’t want to block any sensory inputs.
When flying aerobatic airplanes, it is important to remove any and all objects from your pockets. This is done for two reasons.
- Acrobatic flight involves a lot of G forces, and seemingly mundane objects like a set of keys can injure you when subjected to normal g forces.
- Loose objects flying around the cabin can cause damage or jam up the flight controls.
Planes have crashed in the past because a small, loose object became lodged in a control cable, causing a flight surface to become jammed in a position unsustainable for flight.
What You Need To Know Before Boarding Your First Aerobatics Flight
Have you ever dreamed of taking off in an acrobatic plane and performing daring aerobatics? If so, it’s important to know what you need to do before boarding your first aerobatic flight. Before taking off, there are some important instructions and a pre-flight briefing that you must go through. This includes details about the plane, safety precautions, and other important information that will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Before boarding your first aerobatic flight, it is important to know a few things.
- Ensure that you are in good physical condition and are not prone to motion sickness. If you know you tend to get airsick, there are pills, patches, and/or wristbands that can help. Research and find the best solution for you. DON’T take more than the prescribed amount.
- Listen carefully to your pilot’s briefing and follow their instructions.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or hangovers from the night before. Stick to your normal eating routine. In my experience, an empty stomach is worse than having eaten.
- Be prepared to experience high speeds, G-forces, and rapid altitude changes, but remember to breathe and relax. Lastly, enjoy the adrenaline rush and the unique experience!
- Wear comfortable clothing that tends to be on the cooler side and flat-soled shoes that allow you to feel the rudders. Acrobatic flight is all about feeling the airplane, so you don’t want to block any sensory inputs.
The Thrilling Experience of Flying in An Aerobatic Plane – What to Expect?
Flying in an acrobatic plane can be a thrilling experience, especially if you are looking for an adrenaline rush. You will get to experience the roller coaster-like maneuvers during the flight and enjoy the sensation of free-falling.
The acrobatic maneuvers we perform in our super decathlon typically include loops, rolls, spins, and barrel rolls. These will make you feel like you are on a roller coaster ride as your stomach flips and turns with each movement. You will also get to witness some breathtaking views as you soar through the skies at high speeds.
So if you are looking for an exciting way to explore the skies, then flying in an acrobatic plane is definitely something that should be on your bucket list!
The first few times you go up, you may feel disoriented or dizzy during or after your flight for up to a few hours. This is normal and will go away after a few flights.
Aerobatic flight is equal to a gym session, so you will likely feel tired and a little sore after your first few flights as new muscle groups get worked out. This effect will be lessened if you are a normal gym goer. Don’t be afraid to take a nap as needed. Stay hydrated!
WARNING! Acrobatic flight is addicting. Once you start, you may never want to stop!
Scott Gorski is a former Navy crew member who rekindled his passion for flying after 20 years and now teaches various forms of flight training, including tailwheel, Roll/Upset, and competition acrobatics. He competes regularly and is part of the IAC chapter 67.