Aerobatics Training

AOPA Standard Aerobatic Certificate

What does the course cover?

The course consists of a minimum of 6 hours' dual flying with an instructor.  Pilots with some aerobatic experience may qualify for a reduction in the flying hour requirement.  The theoretical knowledge section of the course (see below) consists of a minimum of 6 hours - at least 3 hours of briefings/lectures by our instructors, and the remaining hours may be carried out through self-study under supervision.

Can anyone do the course?

Students may commence the course after qualifying for the AOPA Basic Aerobatic Certificate or if they are considered to be at an equivalent standard.  Upon completion of the course, students are required to have their competence assessed in the air by an AOPA registered instructor;  it should be noted that this test flight is additional to the 6 hours required for the course.  When the test has satisfactorily been completed, it may be sent off to AOPA accompanied by a small fee, who will then issue a certificate.

Flight Training - Standard Aerobatic Manoeuvres

  • Half Cuban Eight (rolling on down line) entered from descending 45 degrees line
  • Half Reverse Cuban Eight (rolling on up line).  Ditto followed by climbing 45 degree line.
  • Half Roll and Half Loop down (Split-S)
  • Two-Point Roll
  • Four-Point Roll
  • Stall /Turn with 1/4 roll down
  • Hesitation Loops (P,Q and Humpty)
  • 1 1/2 turn Spin followed by Stall Turn
  • Half Reverse Cuban followed by Half Cuban
  • Split-S followed by Four-Point Roll

Theoretical Knowledge Training

1. Technical Subjects

  • Kinetic and potential energy
  • Energy Management
  • Stalling and spinning - principles of flight

2. Aircraft - Specifi Characteristics

  •     Aileron design and adverse yaw
  •     P-factor and slipstream effects
  •    Propeller gyroscopics
  •     Weight, balance and intertia
  •     G limitations

3. Emergency Drills

  •    Use of parachutes.  Aircraft abandonment.

4. Aresti

  •     Notation for Standard aerobatic manoeuvres
  •     Aresti System (condensed) - www.arestisystem.com

5. Sequence Appreciation

  •     Height analysis
  •     Sequence learning and preparation
  •     Effects of headwind and crosswind on figures

More info:

  • Courses normally start on a Monday and continue through the week.
  • Flying instruction takes place in the T67 Firefly. Additional flights in the Extra300 can be booked on request, but are not normally included as part of the course.
  • Click here for latest prices and FAQ.