Aerobatic Flying
Aerobatic training: Advanced maneuvers
What can take a pilot’s moves to the next level? Here’s a look at the essentials of aerobatic training.
As the first person to accelerate through the sound barrier in freefall, Felix Baumgartner knows what it takes to test the boundaries of what’s possible in aerobatic flying.
Felix Baumgartner begins his Stratos jump
© Red Bull Stratos/Red Bull Content Pool
“These pilots have to be completely fit, and they have to put so many different skills into it,” Baumgartner says. “There are a lot of things they have to focus on in a very short amount of time, at very high speed, and while they’re enduring a lot of G forces.”
As Baumgartner knows well, aerobatic training is a must to achieve this level of skill. It takes a blend of technical mastery and sheer adrenaline, offering pilots the chance to command the skies with precision and confidence. Whether a pilot is flying in an airshow, such as Airpower24, or wants to sharpen their handling skills, aerobatic training opens the door to an unparalleled experience.
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What is aerobatic training?
Aerobatic training is a form of specialized education designed to teach pilots how to perform advanced maneuvers like tailslides, rolls, loops, spins, and inverted flight. These are not everyday flying techniques; they push the envelope of what a plane — and a pilot — can do.
Precision flying courses focus on guiding pilots to make split-second decisions while maintaining complete control at any flight altitude or orientation. More than just a flashy set of tricks for different competitions, aerobatic training serves critical functions for pilot skill enhancement. It builds confidence, improves spatial awareness, and hones precision.
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Why take aerobatic training?
Plane Swap 2022 Highlights Recap Art
© Predrag Vuckovic / Red Bull Content Pool
So, why should pilots invest their time and energy in aerobatic training? The short answer is that it makes them a better pilot. The experience teaches pilots how to fly more precisely, stay calm in high-pressure situations, and respond instinctively to emergencies. It can be incredibly useful during different stunts, like Plane Swap.
- Improved handling skills: Aerobatic training fine-tunes the ability to control the aircraft in any scenario. Upset prevention and recovery training, for example, equips any pilot to manage the unexpected loss of control, ensuring they know how to bring the aircraft back to stable flight.
- Confidence building: It’s not just about honing individual technical skills. Performing advanced flight maneuvers, such as a complex loop or tailspin recovery, enhances a pilot's overall confidence.
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Types of aerobatic maneuvers
Loops
One of the most classic aerobatic maneuvers, a loop involves flying the aircraft in a vertical circle. A pilot dives to gain speed, then pulls back gently on the joystick while keeping the wingtip aligned with the horizon. Next, they adjust back pressure and rudder input as the speed changes and finish by leveling off at the starting altitude and heading.
Cuban 8
This maneuver involves two consecutive loops, with a twist — literally. Halfway through each loop, the plane rolls, forming a figure-eight in the sky. It’s a true test of a pilot’s dexterity and control.
Aileron rolls
The aircraft rotates 360 degrees around its longitudinal axis, requiring precise control to maintain altitude and direction during the maneuver. Ailerons, control surfaces on the wings that guide the plane’s roll movement, are used to achieve this specific roll.
Tail slides
The pilot gets enough speed to fly vertically upwards until the plane loses speed and slides backward (tail first) in a controlled descent. The plane then flips over into a vertical dive to recover. If it’s a competition, the pilot will likely fly into the next move. This move challenges pilots to manage both aircraft speed and attitude at the brink of a stall.
Hammerheads
A hammerhead turn, or stall turn, takes the plane on a vertical climb, then pivots 180 degrees at the top to descend in the opposite direction. Similar to tail turns, this maneuver tests a pilot's ability to manage abrupt changes in direction without losing control.
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Benefits of aerobatic training for pilots
Increased situational awareness
Aerobatic maneuvers for pilots require intense focus and spatial understanding, which translates into improved overall awareness in flying situations. Pilots learn to anticipate issues before they arise, providing an extra layer of safety.
Enhanced control skills
1 min
Bullseye Landing
Polish pilot Łukasz Czepiela attempts to land a plane atop Dubai’s famous Burj Al Arab high-rise building.
Executing advanced aerobatic techniques like tail slides or hammerheads demands precise control over the aircraft’s inputs. This skill set directly translates into better handling during normal flight conditions and record-breaking stunts alike. For instance, with such accurate control, pilots such as Łukasz Czepiela are able to use their flying experience to perform jaw-dropping moves like landing a plane on a skyscraper's helipad.
Emergency recovery techniques
Aerobatic training includes essential upset prevention and recovery training and spin recovery training, which are critical when it comes to handling unexpected conditions. Whether a pilot is in a spin, a dive, an unusual altitude, or an airplane upset they’ll know to recover properly.
Fun and challenging flying experience
Total Solar Eclipse
© Dustin Snipes and Mason Mashon / Red Bull Content Pool
On top of the technical benefits, aerobatic training is just plain fun. For example, two pilots used their aerobatic flying skills to fly through a rare solar eclipse, capturing a once in a lifetime photo in the process. Mastering loops, rolls, and spins while experiencing the thrill of G-force tolerance training offers pilots an exhilarating challenge unlike anything else in aviation.
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Who should enroll in aerobatic training?
Aerobatic training isn’t just for aspiring airshow pilots — though they’ll certainly benefit from these advanced skills. This type of airplane maneuver training is perfect for a range of pilots:
- Private pilots: These pilots can train to improve their in-flight skills and feel more confident handling unexpected situations.
- Aspiring aerobatic competitors: Pilots who aim to compete in aerobatic competitions need these advanced flight techniques to reach the top of their game. Red Bull pilot Kevin Coleman’s aerobatic training, for example, has helped him earn medals in numerous competitions.
- Recreational pilots: Even hobbyist pilots can gain a great deal from aerobatic training, especially for those eager to master new challenges in flight.
- Commercial pilots: For those working in the aviation industry, learning advanced aircraft handling can help control the plane during possible turbulence.
Pushing the sky’s limits
Aerobatic training isn't just for thrill-seekers. It’s for any pilot looking to refine their skills, boost their confidence, and gain the tools needed to handle any situation. From mastering loops to understanding how an aircraft behaves in extreme situations, aerobatic training is about pushing limits and gaining mastery in the air. Whether it’s an enthusiast learning for fun or a competitive aerobatic flyer to improve their techniques, one thing is certain: the sky’s the limit.