|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
View info or gallery for Aerobatics |
|
|
 | Glen Dell at Virginia:
An Awesome Aerobatic display |
|
|
Feel the need for Speed? Enjoyed your last trip on the Rollercoaster?
Well, you’ve come to the right place. Aerobatics is the demonstration of flying maneuvers for recreation or entertainment. It is an entirely unique experience and is considered to be a sport, an art and a skill, all bundled up in one exciting and unique package.
Aerobatic maneuvers involve a complex combination of rolling, pitching and yawing. These maneuvers can be combined together to form an aerobatic routine and the result is often referred to as aerial ballet. Pilots require tremendous skills, experience and spatial awareness to execute these routines and the pursuit of perfection is one of the main reasons why these pilots enjoy their sport so much.
We are lucky to have some of the finest aerobatic pilots based in South Africa and a variety of fantastic aerobatic packages available in most major centres. Whether you are looking at a wild ride in the back of a High Performance Aerobatic Plane, a team outing with a Professional Formation Aerobatic Team or advanced aerobatic training, we have all the info you need right here.
Equipment:
Aerobatic aircraft usually fall into two categories - specialist aerobatic, and aerobatic capable. Specialist designs such as the Pitts Special, the Extra 200 and 300, and the Sukhoi Su-29 aim for ultimate aerobatic performance. These aircraft can have two seats (one behind the other) and have a very high power-to-weight ratio, as well as a specially designed wing. This allows the aircraft to accelerate and climb extremely quickly and gives it superior handling capabilities, but comes at the expense of general purpose use such as touring, or ease of non aerobatic handling such as landing.
At a more basic level, aerobatic capable aircraft, such as the RV4 and the Citabria, can be dual purpose - equipped to carry passengers and luggage, easy to land, as well as being capable of basic aerobatic figures.
There has recently been a large influx of local and foreign ex-military planes and there are various venues throughout South Africa that offer specialist aerobatic packages in these aircraft, which include Harvards, Vampires, Lightnings and the L29.
 | | Aerobatics - Red Bull Air Races |
|
|
Safety:
As with all aviation related activities, your safety is of paramount concern to all operators. Whilst you may see an experienced airshow pilot do aerobatic manouevers within a whisker of the ground, your aerobatic experience will take place at a safe height above the ground. You will be in the capable hands of a licensed pilot who will tailor the experience to your needs and G-force tolerances, and will constantly monitor you for any signs that you are not enjoying the ride. He will not do anything that you don’t want him to do and will explain each manouver to you in detail, before beginning the sequence.
All aircraft are regularly serviced according to strict legislation, which is implemented and monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). As an added precaution, you will be required to wear a parachute, in the unlikely event that the aircraft develops structural damage.
Some operators may require you to provide a letter from your GP stating that you are in Good Health. If you suffer from a heart condition or have any back problems, this activity may not be for you as the G-forces that you sustain during the aerobatic experience, may aggravate your condition. If you are unsure, simply visit your local GP who will be equipped to answer any questions you may have.
Interesting Facts:
|
|
 |
|
|
Copyright AdventureEscapades.co.za 2005 - 2012 |
|
|
