Aerobatics
Familiarization
OVERHEAD MANEUVERS
NOTE: All overhead maneuvers require approximately 7,000 ft of altitude to complete.
LOOP
Because the loop is a 360-degree turn in the vertical plane, the stabilator is your basic flight control for the
loop. Employ ailerons and rudder for coordination and directional control (Figure 12).
Figure 12: LOOP
Procedures
Complete the prestall and aerobatic checklist prior to performing the loop. Begin the maneuver at 380
KIAS, on altitude, and lined up on a prominent terrain feature or section line. Advance the power to
approximately 96% rpm and expeditiously initiate a smooth 4-g wings level pullup to achieve 4 g in ap-
proximately 2 seconds. Increase back stick pressure to maintain 4 g as airspeed decreases. Maintain
wings level with reference to the horizon. After the horizon disappears under the nose, maintain wings
level by scanning the section lines on both sides of the aircraft. Continue to maintain the 4-g pull until
reaching optimum AOA (17 units), then maintain optimum AOA over the top. As you approach the inverted
position, look out over the top of the canopy to pick up on the section line for heading information and the
horizon for wings level.
Verify that wings are level, that airspeed is about 150 KIAS, and that the aircraft is flying at optimum AOA
going over the top. Bring the nose through the horizon, keeping the wings level, maintaining optimum
AOA, and staying aligned on the referenced terrain feature. Continue to maintain optimum AOA until re-
intercepting 4 g. Complete the loop at 380 KIAS, at initial altitude, and lined up on the referenced terrain
feature.
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