The Aerobatic Trial Lesson
Overview
An aerobatic trial lesson, sometimes called "aerobatic stunt flying" is designed to give you, the student, a sample of the thrill of aerobatic flight. You will have the opportunity to get involved in many aspects of the flight including loads of the flying and can fly some of the aerobatic manoeuvres too! The flight is suitable for both pilots and non-pilots alike.
Pre-flight briefing
The lesson should include a full pre-flight briefing to address:
- How to use the aircraft controls (for non pilots)
- What will happen during the flight
- What your role will be during the flight
- The effects of g-forces on the human body & how to minimise them
- Emergency procedures e.g. how to get in/out of the aircraft; operation of doors and harnesses
- Location of fire extinguisher and first aid kit
- What to do if you feel less than 100% during the flight!
More Details
Your instructor will be delighted if you are keen to be actively involved, and will encourage you to do as much of the flying as possible. If you aren't sure that you want to actually take the controls, you don't have to, although it would be a shame to pass up the opportunity.
It's perfectly normal to be nervous at first, but if you are up for it, and most folk are prepared to give it a go, I would expect you to be invited to: fly to the aerobatic training area; be shown how to do a couple of aerobatic manoeuvres i.e. the instructor demonstrates; then you copy what he/she has demonstrated (yes, "you" fly the aerobatic manoeuvre!); then you fly back to the airfield again. How great is that!
My students are usually invited to do the following:
- Perform the take-off (this depends on the strength & turbulence of the wind on the day)
- Fly to the aerobatic area
- "Follow through" (that is placing your hands & feet lightly on the controls) while I demonstrate an aerobatic manoeuvre
- You then copy what I have just demonstrated (don't worry, I'll talk you through it)
- You will be shown & can then fly, additional aerobatic manoeuvres depending on the duration of your lesson. For a 30 minute flight, there should be time for at least 4 aerobatics manoeuvres, that is 2 with the instructor demonstrating and then 2 with you flying
- Fly back to the airfield
- Perform the landing (this again, depends on the strength & turbulence of the wind on the day)
FAQs
Can I take someone else with me on the flight?
This is very unlikely for an aerobatic flight. Most aerobatic aircraft only have two seats. Those that have more, are usually restricted to having a maximum of two front seat occupants during aerobatic manoeuvres, and one of them has to be occupied by the instructor! The next best thing is to share a video of the flight with your friends. See the section elsewhere on this page on in-flight video.
Should I have an in-flight video of the flight?
Aerobatics is an adrenalin packed experience which is unlike almost anything else in life. After the flight it will be impossible to recall exactly what happened, how you felt, what was said ... and whether you screamed or not unless you have the video to prove it! It's a superb way to relive your flight and to share your experience with family and friends.
Not all clubs offer video as an option. If your chosen club does, try to see an example of their video so you know what to expect for your money. Check the quality of the video and the audio. It really isn't the same if you can't hear what's being said! There is plenty of video elsewhere on this site to compare it with, but remember that our web-based video doesn't come close to the quality of our video DVDs.
What length of "Trial Lesson" should I go for?
For almost all flying clubs, the "flight time" will usually start from the moment the aircraft starts to move, to the time it stops moving after the flight (i.e. brakes off .. to brakes on & parked). This means that some of your "flight time" will be spent getting the aircraft and you from the parking area to the aerobatic training area, and back again. This will take the same amount of time whether you fly for 30 minutes or an hour, but for the hours flight, you will have four times as long to experience aerobatics, so longer flights are better value. However, an hours worth of aerobatics is a lot of aerobatics. One of the clubs I work for calls this "Extreme" aerobatics, it's extreme both in the sheer amount of aerobatics, and also in the type of aerobatics. Remember that a roller coaster ride only lasts a couple of minutes!
I recommend a flight time of around a 45 minutes which will double your aerobatics time, but should only increase the cost by about 50%. If your chosen flying club doesn't have this as an option in their advertising material, then ask. They will probably be delighted to help.
Why is it so expensive?
Aerobatic aircraft use a lot of fuel, and are expensive to maintain. Typical fuel usage will be 15 gallons(70 litres)/hour and costs more than forecourt petrol! This is not the same fuel as the jets use. See the section on which length flight to opt for to get the best value from your flight.
My friends would like to watch from the ground - will they be able to see anything?
You will be able to bring your friends to the club, they might be allowed to participate in your pre-flight briefing, but they will probably not be able to see the flight much beyond the takeoff and landing. Aerobatic training is usually done well away from the airfield at a safe height (3000ft to 5000ft) in a location where the noise of a hard working, unsilenced aircraft engine will not be a problem for folk on the ground.
What is the best way to purchase a trial aerobatics lesson?
I recommend you purchase a flight/flight voucher direct from the flying club of your choice. It will usually cost you less than going via another organisation, sometimes significantly less, and you will able to fly at the club of your choice.
Do make sure you understand what you will be getting for your money. The flying club will describe their flights accurately, but "experience/activity days/voucher" organisations will have a more general description as their voucher can be exchanged at a number of clubs. This can lead to misunderstanding. For example, a "One hour aerobatics experience", may only buy you a 1/2 hour flight (plus a 1/2 hour briefing). Please ask the flying club, they will be happy to explain what your flight will include.
What if I feel sick during the flight?
It is best to let your instructor know if the flight stops being as much fun as it was at the start. Everyone wants you to really enjoy the flight, and your instructor should keep checking with you to see how you are feeling and whether you are happy to continue the aeros. Please be honest with him/her!
There is quite a bit that your instructor can do to make you more comfortable, including keeping the aircraft the right way up, changing the altitude the aircraft is flying at in order to fly in smoother air, and being very gentle with the aircraft controls.
Aerobatics isn't for everybody, and there is no shame in finding out during the flight. If throwing an aircraft around in the sky isn't for you, then there are plenty of other things that your instructor can show you and get you involved with. Or you can simply enjoy the view. Your instructor will have a sick bag available ... just in case.
