Chapter 10: Introduction to Aerobatics

CHAPTER TEN

INTRODUCTION TO AEROBATICS

1000. INTRODUCTION

This stage of your flight training is primarily devoted to the performance of aerobatic maneuvers

and the further refinement of the maneuvers previously introduced.

Aerobatic flight training is essential to your development as an effective military pilot.

Experience gained through aerobatic training will increase your confidence and enhance your

understanding of practical aerodynamics. Your coordination, timing, and ability to maintain

spatial orientation will improve as you learn by flying the aircraft through the various aerobatic

maneuvers.

The ability to perform aerobatic maneuvers skillfully is in large part due to an innate "sense of

feel" which is developed through practical experience. Mechanical execution of the procedures

alone will not produce the desired results. The pilot must continually analyze and make control

adjustments based upon a constant flow of visual, tactile, and even aural feedback.

Increased demands will be made upon your airwork as you improve your consistency and

precision in the landing pattern. You will also perform angle of attack (AOA) approaches for the

purpose of introducing landing procedures which are used exclusively in fixed wing Naval

Carrier Aviation and to some degree in the USAF.

Aerobatic flight training is as challenging as it is exciting. Study this instruction thoroughly.

The better you prepare yourself on the ground, the quicker you will begin to develop your "sense

of feel" while in the air. Careful study and preparation will ensure that you receive the

maximum benefit from this training while maintaining the highest possible level of flight safety.

1001. RULES AND PRECAUTIONS FOR AEROBATIC FLIGHT

Due to their unique nature, there are certain rules and precautions you must observe prior to

performing any aerobatic maneuver. FRRs and local SOP will prescribe restrictions governing

the airspace within which you may perform aerobatic maneuvers. Ensure that you are

thoroughly familiar with these regulations. Strict compliance is mandatory.

1002. AEROBATIC CRUISE

All aerobatic maneuvers will be from aerobatic cruise. This is defined as trimmed and balanced

flight utilizing the maximum allowable power setting (1015 ft-bs.). Transition to aerobatic

cruise by increasing power to maximum allowable and trimming for straight and level balanced

flight. This will normally result in an indicated airspeed between 180 and 190 KIAS. Once the

aircraft is trimmed for aerobatic cruise, leave the trim tabs where they are and do not adjust them

while performing the various aerobatic maneuvers. Remember that one of the basic reasons that

aerobatic training is performed is so that you may develop a "sense of feel" under constantly

changing attitudes and airspeeds. The use of trim tabs would defeat this objective by altering the

feel of the controls.

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