For the pilots among us. What in your opinion is the best aeroplane to display first? Simple types such as Chippie, Stearman or Tiger Moth, or something a little more exotic?
And how does one start off getting checked out for displays? Who teaches you? What are the CAA rules?
By: Airbedane - 12th March 2004 at 06:43
Starting in the display world – have a look at CAP 403 on the CAA web site, then if you want to continue, call Dave Evans at the CAA 01293 573510, who will give you a DA (display authorisation) number, send you a form and give you a list of DAE’s (Display Authorisation Examiners) in your area. Get in touch with the one of your choice and work up your display to a satisfactory level. Also, when you call Dave ask him for a copy of the latest Display Pilots Guide.
First aeroplanes – chose a machine that you are very current and competent on, make sure it has a market and make sure people want to see it. Rember that Harvards are expensive to operate, they are noisey and they don’t have too much airshow appeal – that’s why the Harvard Team went out of fashion in the early nineties. On the other hand, an interesting light aircraft such as a BA Swallow or Tipsy Junior may have a market at shows such as Old Warden. Extras and the like are good for village fates (sp?), and Warbirds are great at Duxford. There are already a lot of Piper CUbs on the circuit, but you ould try a Piper formation team with some mates.
Do remember that the DA has many levels, the basic of which is the flypast rating. If you want to go for aerobaics and/or formation as well, it’ll take a longer work up and the test will be more seaching. Remember also that at shows, people will expect you to display the aircraft appropriately – there’s no point in doing a flypast display in a Pitts, for example.
By: srpatterson - 12th March 2004 at 00:17
All depends what you want to do, and where you want to go. I can’t help with the CAA, but here are a few thoughts.
There is something to be said for buying warbirds in the same order pilots used to train…start with a basic trainer like the Tiger Moth, Stearman, BT-13.
Got a little more money? The Harvard is excellent, and necessary if you want to fly a Mustang or Spitfire one day. There are plenty of them, so parts and support are not a big problem. Also the P&W 1340 is a fantastic engine with great reliability. Good airplane to learn formation work.
One of the easiest warbirds to fly is the T-28 Trojan. Tricycle landing gear and performance not much less than most of the WW2 fighters. On the down side the systems are MUCH more complex than a Harvard and you will spend considerably more on maintenance. But, you also go 100 knots faster. Also, the T-28 sounds great during a fly-by.
There are no wrong choices. Buy and fly the one you like best that fits your budget.
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March 11, 2004 at 10:38 pm