AEROBATICS AVIATION

Aerobatics is the demonstration of flying maneuvers for recreation, entertainment and sport. Aerobatics can be performed by a single aircraft or in formation with several others. Nearly all aircraft are capable of performing aerobatics maneuvers of some kind, although it may not be legal to do so in certain aircraft.

Aerobatic aircraft usually fall into two categories - specialist aerobatic and aerobatic capable. Specialist designs aim for ultimate aerobatic performance but this comes at the expense of general purpose use. At a more basic level, aerobatic capable aircraft can be dual purpose - equipped to carrying passengers and luggage, easy to land, as well as being capable of basic aerobatic figures.

Flight formation aerobatics are flown by teams of up to sixteen aircraft, although most teams fly between four and ten aircraft. Teams often fly V-formations - they will not fly directly behind another aircraft because of danger from wake vortices or engine exhaust. Aircraft will always fly slightly below the aircraft in front, if they have to follow in line.

All aerobatic maneuvers demand training and practice to avoid accidents. Low-level aerobatics are extremely demanding and airshow pilots must demonstrate their ability before being allowed to gradually reduce the height at which they may fly.

Associations

Anyone flying aerobatics over an airfield needs to be in the possession of a valid aerobatic rating; this applies equally to competition flights as well as air shows. The Sport Aerobatic Club of South Africa, through the Aero Club, is the responsible body for the issue of such ratings.

An aerobatic rating can be issued in two different ways:

Firstly, by the undertaking of an approved course in aerobatics by an approved aerobatic instructor, whereupon a rating is issued at the Graduate level by the Aero Club on the recommendation of the approved instructor. This then needs to be confirmed within a twelve month period by a board of SAC Judges either at a competition or at a classification day.

Secondly, for those pilots already with a proven history in aerobatics, ratings at the appropriate level can be issued directly by Aero Club on the recommendation of a panel of SAC judges at a classification day or at a contest.

Requirements for an aerobatic license in South Africa
1. The candidate must be a member of the SAC.
2. The candidate must be a member of the Aero Club of South Africa..
3. A suitably qualified person must sign out the candidate.
4. Successful candidates will be issued with a Graduate rating.
5. The candidate must lodge this form with Aero Club who will issue him with the correct rating card.
6. The candidate must pay the Aero Club/ SAC the required fee for the rating.
7. The candidate must be in possession of a valid PPL, CPL or ALTP as issued or validated by the CAA

Ideally, a complete aerobatic instruction course should consists of a minimum of six sessions:
They are:
Safety
Spins
Loops
Stall turns
Rolls and flying inverted
Solo linked sequence of spin, loop, stall turn, roll.

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