Getting Started with Aerobatics & Advanced Flight Training
Aerobatic flying is the practice of maneuvering an aircraft through intentional, precise, and controlled attitudes that are not typically encountered in normal flight operations. Far from being mere “stunts,” aerobatics is a discipline that demands a profound understanding of energy management, aerodynamics, and three-dimensional flight. It involves performing a series of specific maneuvers, including foundational figures like loops, rolls, spins, hammerheads, and Cuban eights. The core of aerobatics is not recklessness, but rather the pursuit of ultimate control and precision, teaching a pilot to command the aircraft with confidence in any orientation. This form of flying expands a pilot’s skills and understanding of an aircraft’s capabilities and limitations in a controlled, educational environment.
This is a fundamental question for any pilot committed to lifelong learning and safety. While competition and airshows are exciting applications, the primary benefit of this type of training for the vast majority of pilots is the significant enhancement of airmanship, confidence, and safety in all flight operations.
Most pilots operate within a very small fraction of an aircraft’s flight envelope—perhaps only 10% to 20%—defined by standard attitudes and maneuvers. This limited experience can create a critical knowledge gap when an unexpected event, such as a wake turbulence encounter or a developed stall/spin situation, forces the aircraft outside of this narrow comfort zone. Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) remains a leading cause of aviation accidents, precisely because pilots may lack the skills and mental composure to correctly respond to such events.5
Advanced training directly addresses this gap.
- Aerobatics teaches pilots to manage an aircraft’s energy and maintain precise control through a wide range of attitudes, making them more intuitive and capable at the controls.
- Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) specifically prepares pilots to prevent or recover from unintentional upsets, replacing the startle response and potential panic with practiced, life-saving skills.
- Tailwheel training is widely regarded as the ultimate way to master fundamental “stick-and-rudder” skills, sharpening a pilot’s reflexes and precision during the most critical phases of flight, particularly takeoffs and landings.
Ultimately, this training is not about seeking thrills; it is about building a deeper reservoir of skill, knowledge, and confidence that makes a pilot safer and more capable in every aircraft they fly, from a single-engine piston to a corporate jet.
While aerobatics and UPRT both involve all-attitude flying, their philosophies and objectives are distinct. UPRT is a specialized safety curriculum designed to provide pilots with the skills to prevent and, if necessary, recover from an airplane “upset”—an unintentional event where an aircraft exceeds normal flight parameters.
The key difference is intent. Aerobatics involves intentionally placing the aircraft in unusual attitudes with a planned entry and exit. UPRT, conversely, focuses on the skills needed to handle unintentional events that can lead to loss of control, such as severe wake turbulence, wind shear, icing, or pilot-induced oscillations.6 The training provides a comprehensive understanding of an aircraft’s limits and helps remove the fear and mystery associated with unusual attitudes and stalls. By replacing fear with education and practiced motor skills, UPRT builds a pilot’s resilience to the powerful psychological factors of startle and surprise, which are major contributors to LOC-I accidents. While aerobatic skills are complementary, UPRT is a dedicated safety course focused on avoidance, recognition, and recovery from unexpected flight conditions.
A tailwheel endorsement is a one-time logbook sign-off required by the FAA to act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft with conventional landing gear (a tailwheel) versus the more common tricycle gear. However, its value extends far beyond regulatory compliance. Tailwheel training is widely revered as one of the most effective ways for any pilot to master fundamental aircraft control and “stick-and-rudder” skills.
Because a tailwheel aircraft is inherently less stable on the ground, it demands greater precision, anticipation, and active control inputs from the pilot, especially during taxi, takeoff, and landing.8 This process sharpens a pilot’s reflexes, coordination, and understanding of aerodynamic forces like P-factor, torque, and gyroscopic precession. Mastering a tailwheel aircraft forces a pilot to become more attuned to the aircraft’s behavior, resulting in smoother, more precise control inputs. The skills developed—particularly in crosswind conditions—are directly transferable and will make a pilot more proficient and confident in any aircraft they fly for the rest of their career.
While advanced flight training involves exploring the edges of the flight envelope, it is conducted within a highly structured and safety-oriented framework designed to mitigate risk. The entire purpose of this training is to increase safety in a pilot’s everyday flying by equipping them with skills to handle unforeseen circumstances.
Several layers of safety are always in place at Scott Gorski Aviation:
- Certified Aircraft: All training is conducted in aircraft specifically designed, tested, and certified for the stresses of aerobatic flight, such as the Extra 300L and the American Champion Decathlon.
- Experienced Instruction: Your instructor, Scott Gorski, is a highly experienced professional with a background that emphasizes discipline and procedural safety.
- Safety Equipment: All occupants wear parachutes during aerobatic and UPRT flights. While the need to use one is exceedingly rare, it is a standard and non-negotiable piece of safety equipment. Comprehensive training on its use is provided before the first flight.
- Thorough Briefings: No flight begins without a detailed pre-flight briefing covering the planned maneuvers, objectives, and emergency procedures. This ensures a clear understanding and shared mental model between instructor and student.
- Progressive Training: Students are eased into advanced maneuvers. The intensity and complexity of the training are increased gradually as the student’s comfort and skill level grow. You will never be pushed into a situation you are not prepared for.
The training environment is designed to be a safe laboratory for learning, where the “fear and mystery” of unusual attitudes can be replaced by knowledge, skill, and confidence.
Your Training Courses at Scott Gorski Aviation
Scott Gorski Aviation offers a focused suite of four distinct training courses, each designed to meet specific pilot development goals. The courses range from foundational skill-building in tailwheel aircraft to advanced aerobatics and life-saving upset recovery techniques. The 1 following matrix provides a clear overview to help you select the course that best aligns with your objectives.
| Course Title | Primary Audience | Key Objectives | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Aerobatic Course | Licensed pilots seeking to explore aerobatics for recreation, confidence-building, or future competition. | Learn foundational aerobatic maneuvers (loops, rolls, spins, etc.); improve energy management and precision control. | 3-5 Days | $2,750 – $5,000 |
| Upset Recovery Training (UPRT) | All pilots, from private to professional, focused on enhancing safety and handling unexpected events. | Prevent and recover from stalls, spins, and unusual attitudes; manage startle/surprise response. | 1 Day | $800 |
| CFI Spin Training Course | Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) and CFI candidates needing the required spin endorsement. | Meet FAR 61.183(i) requirements; learn to safely demonstrate and teach spin awareness and recovery. | 1 Day | $850 |
| Tailwheel Endorsement Course | Any licensed pilot wanting to fly conventional gear aircraft and master fundamental stick-and-rudder skills. | Earn the tailwheel endorsement; achieve proficiency in 3-point/wheel landings and crosswind operations. | 3–5 Days | $2,750 |
The Basic Aerobatic Course is a comprehensive, 10-hour dual instruction program designed to introduce licensed pilots to the art and science of precision aerobatic flight. The course is structured over approximately three days and consists of four distinct lessons that build upon each other. The curriculum covers a range of essential aerobatic maneuvers, including:
- Spins
- Loops (full, half)
- Aileron Rolls
- Hammerhead Turns (Stall Turns)
- Immelmann Turns
- Cuban Eights (half, reverse half)
The syllabus is designed to be flexible, allowing for adaptation to each student’s pace of learning. The cost for the complete course ranges from approximately $2,750 to $5,000, with the final price dependent on factors such as student proficiency and the specific aircraft used (Decathlon or Extra 300L). The primary goal is to provide a solid foundation in aerobatic flight, enabling pilots to fly with greater confidence and precision in all three dimensions.
The one-day UPRT course is an intensive safety program designed to arm pilots with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prevent and recover from in-flight upsets. The day begins with comprehensive ground instruction covering aerodynamics relevant to stalls and spins, the primary causes of aircraft upsets, and effective recognition and avoidance strategies. This is followed by flight training in a fully aerobatic Decathlon, where you will practice:
- Recognition of and recovery from various types of stalls.
- Incipient and fully-developed spin entries and recovery techniques.
- Recovery from unusual attitudes, such as nose-high and nose-low spirals, and overbanked situations.
- Simulated wake turbulence encounters and the proper recovery procedure.
This course goes far beyond basic stall training, providing pilots with the confidence that comes from having safely experienced and recovered from the very situations that can lead to loss of control.
The CFI Spin Training Course is designed specifically for flight instructors and CFI candidates to meet the aeronautical experience requirements of Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 61.183(i). This one-day program provides the necessary ground instruction and flight training to receive the mandatory logbook endorsement to teach spins. Importantly, this endorsement does not expire once issued.
The course goes beyond the regulatory minimums. It focuses not just on performing spins, but on how to teach spin awareness and recovery techniques effectively and safely. You will gain a deep understanding of spin dynamics, entry characteristics, and recovery procedures, enabling you to confidently instruct your own students in stall/spin awareness, a critical element of primary flight training.
The Tailwheel Endorsement course is structured as a 10-hour program, as proficiency is typically achieved within 8 to 10 hours of dedicated training. The course is not about simply logging hours; it is a proficiency-based program designed to ensure you are a safe and competent tailwheel pilot. The curriculum covers all aspects of conventional gear operations, including:
- Ground handling and taxiing with proper control inputs for wind.
- Normal and crosswind takeoffs.
- Three-point (full stall) landings.
- Wheel landings.
- Go-arounds and recovery from bounced landings.
- Fast taxiing and directional control exercises.
Should you complete the endorsement requirements in less than the allotted 10 hours, the remaining time can be used for additional practice or even an introduction to basic aerobatics, providing excellent value for your training investment.
Yes. For pilots who have completed the basic course or who come with prior aerobatic experience, Scott Gorski Aviation offers advanced and customized training tailored to individual goals. This can include:
- Competition Aerobatics Coaching: For pilots aspiring to enter the world of aerobatic competition, Scott can provide coaching on flying sequences, understanding Aresti notation, and refining maneuvers to competition standards.
- Recurrent Training: Like any high-level skill, aerobatic and upset recovery proficiency can diminish over time. Recurrent training sessions are available to help you maintain and sharpen your skills.
- Training in Your Aircraft: If you own a suitable aerobatic aircraft, instruction can be provided in your own plane, helping you master its specific flight characteristics.
Please contact us directly to discuss your specific experience and training objectives, and we can design a personalized program for you.
Eligibility, Health & Safety
To receive flight instruction at Scott Gorski Aviation, all students must hold, at a minimum, a valid FAA Private Pilot License (PPL) or higher certificate. Additionally, students must possess a current FAA Medical Certificate. A BasicMed certificate is acceptable in lieu of a traditional medical certificate. These prerequisites ensure that all students have the foundational knowledge and medical fitness required for advanced flight training.
Scott Gorski Aviation specializes in providing professional flight instruction to licensed pilots and does not offer introductory or “experience” flights for non-pilots. This policy is a conscious decision rooted in a commitment to a higher standard of training. While many schools offer thrill rides, our focus is exclusively on pilot development and skill enhancement. By working only with individuals who already possess a pilot certificate, we can ensure that every flight hour is dedicated to a more in-depth, technically focused curriculum. This approach positions our school as a center for serious aviators seeking to genuinely advance their airmanship, rather than a tourist attraction. This focus allows us to provide a more rigorous and rewarding educational experience for our clients.
Yes, there are weight limitations based on the specific aircraft’s weight and balance envelope.
- In the American Champion Decathlon, the student weight limit is 200 pounds.
- In the Extra 300L, the student weight limit is 250 pounds.
Regarding age, there is no upper limit, provided the pilot holds a current medical certificate and is in good health. Physical fitness is more important than chronological age. We have successfully trained students up to 87 years old who handled the G-loads of aerobatic flight without issue. If you have any concerns about your ability to handle the physical demands, a one-hour introductory flight can be arranged before you commit to a full course.
Motion sickness is a common concern, but it is often preventable or manageable. Several effective methods can help mitigate or prevent its onset:
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can significantly increase susceptibility to motion sickness. Ensure you are well-hydrated before your flight.
- Eat a Light Meal: Having some food in your stomach is generally better than flying on an empty stomach. Avoid heavy, greasy, or acidic foods.
- Consider Medication: Non-drowsy Dramamine (Meclizine) is FAA-approved and can be very effective when taken as directed before the flight.
- Try the Puma Method: This is a breathing and muscle-tensing technique specifically designed for pilots to combat air sickness. More information can be found at https://www.pumamethod.com.
Communicate: The most important thing is to communicate with your instructor. If you start to feel unwell, the maneuvers can be stopped immediately. The training is progressive and designed to build tolerance, not to make you uncomfortable.
Yes, for the vast majority of individuals, the body adapts to the sensations of aerobatic flight with repeated exposure. It is very common for a new student to feel the effects of G-forces and unusual attitudes more acutely during their first few flights. However, just as one develops “sea legs,” pilots develop a tolerance for aerobatics. The training is structured to introduce G-loads progressively; initial flights will likely never exceed 4-5 G’s, well within the aircraft’s and the average person’s tolerance.
Many pilots who initially experienced motion sickness have gone on to become highly proficient and comfortable with aerobatics, with some even advancing to compete at the national level. The key is a gradual, controlled introduction to the environment, which allows the body and mind to adapt.
The Aircraft & Your Equipment
You will have the opportunity to train in one of two exceptional aerobatic aircraft, depending on the course and availability.
- American Champion 8KCAB Decathlon: The Decathlon is a world-class aerobatic trainer. It is a tandem-seat, stick-controlled, tailwheel aircraft renowned for its robust design and honest flight characteristics. Its stability and forgiving nature make it an ideal platform for learning foundational aerobatics, spins, and upset recovery maneuvers.
- Extra 300L: The Extra 300L is a high-performance, unlimited-category aerobatic monoplane, considered one of the premier competition and airshow aircraft in the world. It offers an incredible rate of roll and is capable of the most demanding aerobatic figures. Training in the Extra provides an experience at the highest level of aerobatic performance.
Both aircraft are certified to withstand G-loads far exceeding what is encountered in normal flight, ensuring a wide margin of safety during training.
- The Extra 300L is certified to +/−8G in its two-person configuration.
- The American Champion Decathlon is certified to +6.5G and −3.5G.
It is important to remember that during initial training, maneuvers are performed smoothly and progressively. It is unlikely that you will experience more than 4-5 positive G’s, and negative G’s are introduced gently and only when the student is ready.
Students should bring the following personal items to their training:
- Pilot Certificate
- Current Medical Certificate (or BasicMed documentation)
- Logbook
- A personal headset, if you have one you prefer to use.
Scott Gorski Aviation provides all necessary safety and flight equipment, including:
- High-quality aviation headsets.
- A modern parachute for each occupant.
- Any required charts or publications for the flight.
Absolutely. We encourage you to capture your flight experience. Mounting options for cameras like the GoPro are available in both of our aircraft. If you do not have your own camera but would like to record your flight, we have cameras available for your use. You would simply need to bring a compatible SD card to store the footage. This is a fantastic way to review your maneuvers, share your adventure, and preserve the memory of your training.
Booking, Payment & Logistics
Scheduling your training is a straightforward process. The best way to begin is to contact Scott Gorski directly to discuss your flying background, your training goals, and to determine which course is the best fit for you. Once a course is selected, we can review the calendar and find dates that work for your schedule.
You can reach us by:
- Phone: (425) 999-9534
Email: scott@scottgorskiaviation.com
Yes. To confirm your training dates and reserve your position on the schedule, a deposit of $1,000.00 is required. This deposit secures your aircraft and instructor for the selected dates. The clear and upfront statement of financial policies is a cornerstone of our professional service, ensuring there are no surprises and allowing clients to plan their training with confidence.
Our payment and cancellation policies are designed to be transparent and fair.
- Payment: The remaining balance of your course fee is due ten days prior to the start of your scheduled training program.
- Cancellation & Rescheduling: All payments, including the deposit, are non-refundable. However, we understand that schedules can change. If you need to reschedule, the full amount you have paid can be applied toward a future course taken within six months of the original booking date.
We offer a variety of convenient payment options. We accept:
- Cash
- Check
- Venmo
- MasterCard
- Visa
Scott Gorski Aviation is based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, operating in the Seattle, Washington area. Please confirm the specific departure airport when scheduling your training, as operations may be conducted from various convenient airfields in the region.
We welcome pilots from across the country and around the world. Some of our students travel to Seattle specifically for this specialized training. We recommend you Google local hotels near our training facility to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible.
About Your Instructor & The Scott Gorski Aviation Difference
Scott Gorski is a highly experienced flight instructor and a former U.S. Navy crew member who rekindled a lifelong passion for aviation. His background is diverse and deeply rooted in a culture of precision and safety. He specializes in several advanced forms of flight training, including tailwheel, Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), and competition-level aerobatics. His dedication to the art of flying is matched only by his passion for teaching, helping pilots of all levels expand their skills and become safer, more confident aviators.
A background in military aviation instills a unique and invaluable perspective on flight training. The U.S. Navy’s approach to aviation is built on a foundation of discipline, standardization, procedural compliance, and an unwavering commitment to safety. This philosophy is at the heart of the instruction at Scott Gorski Aviation.
This means your training will be characterized by:
- Thorough Briefings and Debriefings: Every flight is framed by a detailed discussion of objectives, maneuvers, and potential contingencies, followed by a comprehensive post-flight analysis of performance.
- Procedural Discipline: A deep respect for checklists, standard operating procedures, and established best practices is emphasized in all phases of flight.
- A Culture of Safety: Safety is not just a chapter in a manual; it is an ingrained mindset that governs every decision, from pre-flight inspection to shutdown.
This structured, professional approach, informed by the rigorous standards of military aviation, provides a training experience that is not only effective but also builds a strong foundation of discipline and airmanship that will serve you throughout your flying career.
Choosing the right instructor is the most critical decision in your advanced flight training journey. Scott Gorski Aviation stands apart through a combination of unique factors:
- A Focus on Pilot Development: We specialize in training for already licensed pilots. This allows for a curriculum that is deeper, more technical, and entirely focused on serious skill enhancement, rather than one-time experience flights.
- Navy-Informed Instruction: The disciplined, safety-first approach shaped by a U.S. Navy background provides a level of structure and professionalism that is unique in the civilian flight training world.
- Personalized, One-on-One Training: Every course is tailored to the individual student. You are not just a number in a class; you receive dedicated, one-on-one instruction focused entirely on your progress and goals.
World-Class Location: Training in the Seattle area offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest, providing an unforgettable backdrop for your aviation adventure.
After Your Training: Next Steps & Advanced Skills
Completing a basic aerobatic course is the perfect first step into the exciting world of aerobatic competition. The path forward is well-defined and accessible:
- Join the IAC: The next step is to join the International Aerobatic Club (IAC), which is the world’s largest sport aerobatics organization and a division of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Membership is required to compete in sanctioned contests.
- Connect with a Local Chapter: The IAC is organized into local chapters that host practices, meetings, and contests. Scott is an active member of IAC Chapter 67, providing a direct connection to the local competition community.
- Practice and Coaching: Continue to hone your skills. Scott can provide advanced coaching and guidance as you prepare for your first contest.
Aircraft Access: One of the biggest hurdles for new competitors is access to a suitable aircraft. Scott Gorski Aviation offers options for using our aircraft during contests, providing a direct and accessible pathway into the sport.
There is no specific FAA endorsement required for a pilot to legally fly aerobatics in a suitable aircraft for personal recreation or to compete in IAC-sanctioned events. However, this regulatory freedom should not be mistaken for a suggestion that training is optional. Attempting any aerobatic maneuver without proper training from a qualified instructor is extremely hazardous. The skills and knowledge gained in a structured course are essential for safety.
It is also important to note that the rules are different for pilots who wish to perform in airshows. Flying aerobatics before the public requires a Statement of Aerobatic Competency (SAC) card, which involves a more rigorous evaluation process.
Proficiency in advanced flying skills is perishable and requires regular practice to maintain. To stay sharp after your course, consider the following:
- Join the Community: Active participation in the International Aerobatic Club (IAC) will keep you connected with other pilots and provide opportunities for practice days and critiques.
Schedule Recurrent Training: Best practices in aviation safety suggest that pilots should undergo recurrent UPRT or aerobatic training every 12 to 18 months to maintain proficiency and reinforce correct techniques. A short refresher course can make a significant difference in skill retention.
Other FAQs
Age Limits:
None
Weight Restrictions:
8KCAB: Between 80 lbs & 200 lbs
Height Restrictions:
8KCAB: No taller than 6’4″
Apparel Restrictions:
Shoes and Socks Required. Warm jackets recommended in Winter.
We do everything in our power to prevent people from getting airsick. All of our training uses a building block approach, starting with basic maneuvers and working our way up to more advanced maneuvers. At any point, we encourage our customers to communicate their comfort level and we are happy to take a break between maneuvers to give your stomach a chance to catch up.
It is a common misconception that you should fly on an empty stomach. The truth is that you should adhere to your normal habit patterns. While it may not be advisable to eat a breakfast buffet just before your flight, you should have something in your stomach, perhaps a light breakfast, such as cereal or some fruit. Though you should always stay hydrated, it is probably a good idea to stay away from alcohol before an aerobatic flight.
We also encourage customers to do as much flying as possible during the flight. The more you immerse yourself in the experience, the less likely we are to get sick. No alcohol or hangovers!
If you feel that you are susceptible to motion sickness, we recommend a Dramamine tablet the night prior and another one 1 to 2 hours before your flight.
You must have a Private Pilot’s certificate (minimum) and current medical (BasicMed is OK.)
I will travel to your location for a surcharge determined by how far I have to go. Contact for rates.
It is normal to be excited and have some apprehension before your first aerobatic lesson. We ask ourselves: “What if I get sick?” “What if I don’t like it?” “Is aerobatics something I’m capable of learning?” Aerobatics is for every pilot. There is nothing magical about it. Like everything else, learning aerobatics is a methodical training process. We don’t start your first lesson with advanced maneuvers. We start with very basic ones such as steep turns, stalls, perhaps Lazy8’s and build up to a simple aileron roll. You might be surprised by how much you love it! Think of it this way: Pilots have been doing aerobatics almost as long as flight itself. Aerobatics used to be a part of every student pilot’s curriculum. During WWII, pilots were not permitted to solo unless they could demonstrate a 3-turn spin, a Loop, a Roll and a Half Cuban 8.
Most people land from their flights with a big smile on their face, but it’s not unusual to feel a little nausea or discomfort during or after your first “acro” flight. Most people recover quickly and after a one- or two-hour break, do fine on the second or third flight.
Dress casually and comfortably (shorts are ok if weather permits). Please wear flat soled shoes, the flatter the better. Thick soled shoes or boots will make it difficult to feel the rudder pedals. You will be asked to empty your pockets of keys, wallets, phones, cameras, etc., so be prepared to leave those items behind while you are flying. We can’t have FOD floating around the airplane.
Please bring your logbook if you would like a log entry for any endorsement. for any endorsement (BFR or CFI Spin,) you will need to show your license to your Instructor. Bring a light snack or lunch if you’d like, but there are plenty of places to go to nearby.
Rules and Regulations: While we follow the FAA regulations for aerobatic flight, which is to be 1,500 feet AGL or above, not over a congested area, at least 3 miles of visibility, and not within 4 nautical miles of a federal airway, our personal limitations call for a minimum of a 3,500-foot ceiling and good visibility. If the weather is not suitable for flying, sometimes we must wait it out. Usually our weather is excellent, but it’s one thing we have no control over. If necessary, we will work with you to reschedule for the earliest possible time.
Just come with an open mind and a willingness to learn! The short cockpit orientation videos below will be helpful, and watching videos with Sportys: Basic Aerobatics and if you’re planning to get a tailwheel endorsement, then Tailwheel Checkout. You’ll be ahead of the game if you watch them beforehand, and we can also run them for you while you’re here.
Go to: www.sportys.com/aerobatics And www.sportys.com/tailwheels