Aerobatic Training

[TWinter]

I've always been a huge fan of aerobatics. I've searched the web and have found a few schools in Florida, Texas, Arizona and So. Cal that offer courses in aerobatics.  Typically they seem to be about a week or so long and range $3k-5k. I'm not really looking at it from a endorsement standpoint (it would be okay to get a tail-wheel sign-off though) , quite honestly I think it would be a great experience and just maybe make me a better pilot. It would be a cool vacation experience if it was at the right location.  Does anyone know, recommend or have any personal experience with one of these type schools?  I'm in Tennessee (near Memphis). In realistic terms closer would be better, but one of the Florida schools would not be out of the question.

 

Thanks,

 

Tom

[Raptor05121]

Which schools in FL are you looking at? I know Patty Wagstaff has a school in St. Augustine

[TWinter]

WingOver Aerobatics in Leesburg, FL was one I just did some reading on.

[N201MKTurbo]

There used to be a couple of places around here. I think Chandler Air Service still does it.

[N601RX]

Tom,

Greg is close to you has his own private runway you can fly into and bed and breakfast you can stay in.

http://www.gkairshows.com/Newsite/Training/Training.html

[TWinter]

I'll check him out..I saw his website and videos. Thanks. Did not know about the BB. That would workout great.

[N601RX]

I've met him at a fly in before and watched him perform a couple of times. He has good routines. I would like to go up for one of his weekend courses sometime.

[MB65E]

Sean Tucker's School in King City CA is the most comprehensive. They can talior anything just for you. Ken Erickson and Ben Freelove have been teaching for Sean for over 15 years. I did a Pitts transition with Ken. Ben and I have done some advanced solo and formation work. Ben Eats sleeps and breaths Aerobatics. I think he understands the aerodynamics better than Sean. Ben is on The U.S. Team this year.

The Pitts S2B will teach you anything you could want to know. His Rates aren't as high as you would think. There are a few hotels that have the school rate. Call me bias, but I think it's the best money one could spend on training...way fun too!!

-Matt

[Dave Marten]

TWinter,

 

Two thumbs up! No need to travel to FL or CA for training (unless you want to). The International Aerobatics Club (IAC) maintains a list of aerobatic schools. Check out the list here:

 

http://www.iacusn.org/schools/index.php

 

Go spin, accomplish unusual attitude recoveries, and fly some basic aerobatic maneuvers!

 

If you do want the "aerobatic/tailwheel vacation" none better in your area than Greg Koontz at his Sky Country Lodge in AL. http://www.gkairshows.com/

 

Or locally in TN go fly with Keith Davis http://kdairshows.com/

 

CAUTION: You may get hooked! Possibly resulting in your profile picture changing from a Mooney to an aerobatic machine.  

[TWinter]

Thanks for all the tips and referrals. I've thought about this for a long time and just have not had my ducks lined up business wise, so maybe this will be the year I can get a chance to go for it. I think it would be fantastic training and as Dave said a possible new addiction. 

[MB65E]

Greg Koontz is Awesome as well! Great southen charm. He makes his Super D dance!! Way harder than making a Pitts Dance!

-Matt

[TWinter]

I've been emailing w/ Greg. Seems like a great guy and program. So great that we have pretty much narrowed a week down for his full package. We will firm details, but this is something that I have wanted to do for quite a while. Hope to be great training and an awesome experience. I'll keep the updates coming.

[bonal]

Attitude aviation in Livermore CA has a syllabus program that develops over a number of flights. Did the first step and had fun learned a lot definitely plan to do more when time permits. Lots to do in the East bay and is close to Oakland International

[Hank]

TWinter,

 

Two thumbs up! No need to travel to FL or CA for training (unless you want to). The International Aerobatics Club (IAC) maintains a list of aerobatic schools. Check out the list here:

 

http://www.iacusn.org/schools/index.php

 

Go spin, accomplish unusual attitude recoveries, and fly some basic aerobatic maneuvers!

 

If you do want the "aerobatic/tailwheel vacation" none better in your area than Greg Koontz at his Sky Country Lodge in AL. http://www.gkairshows.com/

 

Or locally in TN go fly with Keith Davis http://kdairshows.com/

 

CAUTION: You may get hooked! Possibly resulting in your profile picture changing from a Mooney to an aerobatic machine.

Hey, wow! Greg is close, I'll have to check him out! But first, annual beckons . . .

[Ftlausa]

Thumbs up for WingOver Aerobatics in Leesberg.  I did the spin course, basic and advanced emergency procedures, and basic aerobatics courses with them.  I would have continued with them, but my wife decided that aerobatics was not for me. :- (  

 

Cathy is great to fly with in the Zlin 242 to get acquainted with acro, and Steve Wolf knows Pitts' flying like few people do.  He builds Pitts aircraft, and has his own modified version he builds.   

[John Pleisse]

Do it!!! You'll feel like you can get out of any jam. I highly recommend Stencil in Fresno, Adam Cope in Ft Washington, MD or "Diamondan" on Mooneyspace, Leesburg, VA. I recommend staying away from Pitts and higher performing a/c's. A symmetrical airfoil, neutral stability, fast roll rate aerobatic performer least resembles the traditional Mooney's we fly. Learn in those if you are serious about aerobatics. The three I have suggested above use and know Super Decathlons. There are good teachers with good planes everywhere, probably a couple good ones in Nashville. Also, there is the famous show pilot in AR-AL...Super D guy.

 

http://www.gkairshows.com/

 

Changed the way I viewed and understood straight and level. Also, if you don't have your Commercial yet, get it. It is worth it's weight in gold......big confidence booster.

 

EDIT: After thought. Also, you may experience nausea. This is common for 50% or more of students, particularly if you are a bit older or overweight. It is usually mild and goes away at about the fourth hour of flight time. Don't let it dissuade or derail you in any way (unless it is a bigger issue).

 

Also, if you go with Koontz, you may be able to land your Mooney at his house....not sure.