R.W
I will resist this enchanting ‘thread creep’ and return to the theme.
Aerobatics can be both highly exhilarating, or extremely alarming, depending on the confidence you have in 1) the aeroplane and 2) the individual who is flailing the stick about.
The most vigourous aerobatics I experienced were with Brian Lecomber in an Extra, and though it included outside loops and other negative ‘G’ horrors, the whole experience was almost relaxing, because you simply could not wish to be in a safer pair of hands
Conversely, on Dec 17th (100 years of flight etc) I had a whiz- round in a Tiger Moth, which was all OK until No2 decided to demonstrate a s-l-o-w roll. In an open cockpit, with no parachute, and a sloppy old harness, this is not at all comfortable, especially when your goggles are hanging above your head, and your mouth is full of mud, falling ‘up’ from the floor.
Aerobatics will sharpen your flying skills, and increase your confidence in your own abilities, but is an art that is should be taught, and self-tuition is highly dangerous.
As outlined above, in all practical terms there is no money in it. Even Lecomber himself has not found a sponsor this year. However, if somebody has a passion for flying, aerobatics should at least be experienced, ideally in something with a stick rather than a yoke. A Chipmunk, Stampe or Jungmann is great. A Pitts or a Yak may be a bit ‘hardcore’ for a beginner.
There are a number of schools/companies who will turn you upside-down, and if you are keen on the Extra, head to Kemble, and ‘The Ultimate High’ , who operate two. Huge fun, and the roll-rate is astonishing, a bit like a postcard on the end of an electric drill !
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