Aerobatic Training Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a private pilot license to take aerobatic training?

Yes, West Metro Aviation’s Policy is a minimum of a private pilot’s license. However West Metro Aviation offers what we call, “Thrill Rides.”

What should I eat before an aerobatic flight?

Please eat a normal meal. Flying on too empty a stomach leads to low blood glucose levels, increasing your likelihood of disorientation, whereas flying on too full a stomach lowers your blood pressure, with much the same end result. Finally, we recommend you stay away from sodas immediately prior to your flight.

Do you offer aerobatic Thrill Rides?

Yes, we most certainly do. This is an excellent way to be introduced to flying, or –for those who already fly – it’s an excellent way to have fun and maybe even see if Aerobatics is for you. These also make a great gift, and we do offer gift certificates.

Will I feel sick?

Aerobatics entail forces and visual situations that are new to just about everyone. Each person will respond differently to these. Typically, on your first few flights you may feel queasy after some number of maneuvers. With each flight, your tolerance will build and you will feel better and better, until you eventually find you feel fine at the end of a flight. Don't let the initial discomfort discourage you. It's natural, and the end result is well worth it! The more often you practice, the higher your tolerance will become.
There are a few ways to minimize the discomfort. The first is to know when to quit. Once you start feeling queasy, flying one or two more maneuvers is a great way to get yourself sick. Instead, take the controls. This will help take your mind off of how you're feeling, and will also help your brain resolve what it's feeling with what it's seeing. Fly straight and level for a few minutes. Open the vents wide, and keep your eyes looking outside the cockpit. If you continue to feel sick, you may want to think about landing.
You'll probably also find when you fly the maneuvers yourself, you won't feel bad as quickly as if someone else (i.e. - your instructor) is flying. This is probably because when you're handling the controls, you have a better idea of what to expect.

Do I have to wear a parachute when I do aerobatics?

Wearing parachutes for aerobatics flying is regulated in FAR 91.307. It specifies that whenever you carry a passenger, you may not exceed 60 degrees of bank or 30 degrees of pitch up or pitch down unless both occupants wear an approved parachute. This means you do not have to wear a parachute when you fly alone. It does not say anything about aerobatics, it just specifies the bank and pitch limits. So any maneuver that exceeds these limits falls under this rule and requires you and your passenger to wear a parachute.

How safe is aerobatics?

Most people contemplating getting involved in aerobatics feel a bit apprehensive at first. By its very nature, aerobatics involves risks that are not involved in non-aerobatic flight. But as with most anything else in aviation, it is only as safe or dangerous as the pilot makes it. Discipline, planning, common sense, and knowledge are basic prerequisites to safety. Aerobatics can be quite safe if certain safety rules are followed religiously. Examples include:

• Get proper training, especially in all types of spins and botched maneuvers.
• Fly at a safe and conservative altitude.
• Know your equipment and yourself, and keep both well maintained.
• Don't overstress the airplane (and never fly aerobatics in non- aerobatic aircraft).
• Always perform a proper, thorough aerobatic preflight.
• Set and observe strict personal limits (altitude, g-limits, flight duration, health, etc).
• Stay current and take recurrency check rides.
• Don't run out of fuel! (should be obvious, but it happens a lot)
• Stay clear of conflicting traffic, either with regular clearing turns or an observer on the ground.
• Know how to handle emergency situations.
• Always leave yourself a way out.
• Always wear a parachute. Know how to bail out and use it.
• Learn by others' mistakes, not your own.

An example of how safe aerobatics can be is there has never been a fatality in IAC-sanctioned competition, where strict safety rules are always followed.