AOPA - Basic Aerobatic Certificate
If you have seen pilots rolls, spin, and loop their aircraft in the air and want to learn how to do aerobatics, then you must possess an Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Basic Aerobatic Certificate.
This certificate is not a license but a qualification and a recognition of a pilot’s skill. It is awarded only to pilots who fulfil the minimum requirements required to pass the ground examinations and flight test. This certificate aims to train aviation enthusiasts on how to perform various basic and complicated manoeuvres during flight.
The requirements for this certificate include 10 hours of flight training where the pilots will learn how to perform loops, rolls, spins, and even intentional stalls. They will of course, also learn the various recovery techniques for each of these aerobatic manoeuvres.
On top of this, pilots will also be meticulously trained on all the safety instructions and protocols to ensure that they fly the aircraft as safely as possible, even when stalling or performing other extreme maneuverers.
It is important to note that while aerobatics may seem exciting, it is also one of the most challenging training programs due to the risks that it carries. Pilots are carefully screened and tested during the entirety of the program and only the most capable pilots are awarded the certificate.
Learning aerobatics can open up several avenues. For example, pilots can enrol in flight competitions and get hired for various air shows to perform different aerial stunts. This type of certificate is also an excellent way for adventure and adrenaline-seeking individuals who want to take their training to the next level.
Sherburn Aero Club is one of the few top-tier flight schools that provide thorough training for this certificate and if you truly want to upgrade your skills then we highly recommend that you enrol in this program at Sherburn!
Eligible candidates may commence the course at any time after qualifying for a PPL or NPPL although we recommend that pilots have a minimum of 50 hours P1.
What does the course cover?
The course consists of a minimum of 8 hours of dual flying with a qualified instructor. Pilots with some aerobatic experience may qualify for a reduction in the flying hour requirement. The theoretical knowledge section of the course (see below) consists of a minimum of 8 hours.
At the end of the course, students are required to have their competence assessed in the air by one of our AOPA registered instructors; it should be noted that this test flight is added to the 8 hours required for the course. When the test has satisfactorily been completed, it should be sent off to AOPA accompanied by a small fee, which will then issue a certificate.
Flight Training - Basic Manoeuvres assessed at the end of the course
- Loop
- Aileron (Ballistic) Roll
- Barrel Roll
- Slow (level) Roll
- Stall Turn
- Half roll of the top of a Loop
- Half Cuban Eight (rolling on down line) or Half Loop up, half Barrel Roll down (Quarter Clover rolling downwards)
Theoretical Knowledge
1. Technical Subjects
- Legislation affecting aerobatic flying
- Airframe and engine limitations - revision
- Stalling & spinning - principles of flight
- Physical Limitations
- Body stresses - 'g' forces
- Disorientation
- Airsickness - Limitations Applicable to the Specific Aeroplane Type
- Load factors
- Airspeeds
- Engine (including inverted flight limitations) - Emergency Drills
- Use of parachutes
- Aircraft abandonment - Aresti System
- Notation for basic aerobatic manoeuvres - www.arestisystem.com
Aircraft:
When it comes to practicing aerobatics, pilots must train on highly manoeuvrable aircraft that can handle environmental stresses while performing both simple and complex aerobatics. Sherburn Aero Club has its own fleet of light aircraft with highly experienced instructors that can help you achieve your aerobatics qualification!
The AOPA Basic Aerobatic Certificate is conducted in our Robin 2160, a lightweight and low-wing aircraft that provides exceptional stability and manoeuvrability while performing aerobatics. The aircraft is also powered by a four-cylinder engine that enables high-performance flying with smooth control, making it the best aircraft to train on.