Why Aerobatics?

There are many possible reasons, some of these are:

• To learn a new skill
• To polish your General Handling
• To become more relaxed about stalling and spinning
• To begin competing at BAEA aerobatics competition
• To feel fully at home in the Bulldog
• Or just to put the “WOW” back into your flying!!!!
  

The cost

Including all briefings, landings, and use of parachutes.

AOPA course ……… £1,512.00

(8 hours dual training)

Training is conducted by one of five Aerobatic instructors. We are able to offer the course 7 days a week, although the weekends are more popular.

What?

We usually begin with wingovers, loops, and aileron rolls, then move on to barrel rolls, stall turns and spins, then add slow rolls, immelmans and precision spins. Along the way we will cover stalls, accelerated stalls, chandelles, lazy eight's, recovering from the vertical, recovery from the inverted, maximum rate turns, sequences and a thorough checkout on all aspects of flying the Bulldog. At every stage there are appropriate briefings and pre/post flight briefings.

How long?

The minimum for people who are already familiar with the Bulldog (or who don’t wish to fly it solo) is 8 hours of dual training and a test. The actual time taken will depend upon individual rates of progress.

Do I have to take the whole course?

No, you can do as little as you want. Be warned, most people land with a huge grin from the first trip and eagerly anticipate the next!

Can I do more?

Yes, there are a wide range of manoeuvres including: Flick Roles, Cuban 8s, Hesitation Roles, Avalanche, Clover Leaf, Rolling Circles, Derry turns and varieties of the Stall turn.

Will I be Sick?

Almost certainly not. Most people are anxious when they begin the course and may feel queasy, so sortie lengths are kept short. The anxiety decreases as confidence and competence increases so the sortie lengths can then be extended.

Who can learn?

Anyone. There are no pre-requirements other than normal health.

Is it Dangerous?

No. We teach recreational or basic competition aerobatics, NOT low level or display aerobatics. All training is performed above a briefed minimum “Base” height– normally 3000ft, higher for developed spins.

The Aircraft

We have two Bulldogs; G-BULL & G-BCUV. These are easy to fly and readily available for solo hire.
Bulldogs have been used by the RAF, Sweden and other countries for the basic training of military pilots. The handling, view from the cockpit and “feel” are exactly what you would expect from a military trainer. Both of our aircraft are equipped to a high “airways” Standard.

The Airfield

Old Sarum has:

• A large number of potential practise areas within very short transit times
• No controlled airspace to get in the way
• Radar available when required from Boscombe, Bournemouth and Southampton