In aviation, you can know something for decades before—one day—you suddenly “get it.” That happened to me recently with constant-speed propellers, which are variable-pitch props that can be controlled by the pilot.
Aileron rolls, loops, and spins comprise the basic aerobatic maneuvers, and most airshow routines are combinations of these three ingredients. I’ve always loved an adrenaline rush, so learning aerobatics as soon as I finished my private certificate is a highlight of my aviation journey. Keeping the blue side up all the time can be overrated.
The loop is one of my favorite aerobatic maneuvers. Other maneuvers, like the aileron roll, which calls for subtle control movements, take a while to perfect and can be frustrating to learn. I always demonstrate one first, before handing over the controls.
“What’s the definition of aerobatic flight?” “When are parachutes required?” “Is a spin an aerobatic maneuver?” Pose those questions in a hangar flying session and you’re guaranteed to get as many responses as people in the group.
If you tend to develop a knot in your stomach approaching a stall, you are not alone. The anxiety of pushing an airplane past the limits of lift is common for student pilots, and many of us figure out soon enough that the stall—and recovery—is just another maneuver to master.
Aerobatic pilots—and competition judges—who strive for perfection may be the most obvious users, but Acrowrx creator Paulo Iscold wants everyone to enjoy aerobatics from anywhere in the world.
You may have flown the virtual version of this airplane over the Chicago skyline, or upside down over Michigan Avenue, and now's your chance to own the real thing.
We’re on the back side of a loop over western Maryland’s verdant fields. The Extra 300L’s nose is pointed straight down, the sleek airplane is quickly accelerating—and then it happens.
This video series explores flying an acrobatic classified aircraft, the Extra 300 airplane, to expand your proficiency by learning stall, spin recovery and an introduction to aerobatic flying skills to expand your skills for your everyday flying.
Lift Aviation started in 2017 as a passion project for owner, president, CEO, and pilot Guido Rietdyk. Striving to fill a void in the aviation industry, LIFT Aviation delivers strong and lightweight, innovative safety and flight equipment.
As a self-proclaimed taildragger enthusiast, I naturally gravitate towards burly, backcountry beasts, old warbirds, and vintage/modern Cubs. Although aerobatic airplanes typically fall into the tailwheel category, I have never been drawn to them. After all, the mere thought of pulling Gs makes me slightly nauseous.
On September 4, Red Bull Air race pilot Dario Costa piloted his Zivko Edge 540 through not one but two tunnels near Istanbul. The world record-setting flight only lasted 43.44 seconds but was preceded by years of preparation and training.
Timing is everything—and that’s especially true for formation flyovers. A few seconds too soon, or too late, and the flyover misses the moment and loses its chance to be an emotional highpoint for a ceremony or large event.
Airshow performer Sean D. Tucker carefully coaxed the iconic Oracle Challenger III biplane out of a truck and into a Smithsonian National Air and Space restoration hangar May 3 where it will be reassembled to act as a welcoming centerpiece when the "Thomas W. Haas We All Fly" general aviation exhibit opens in 2022.
Loops, rolls, and spins may seem like thrill-seeking diversions compared to more pragmatic flying tasks such as instrument approaches and crosswind takeoffs and landings.
Transporting skydivers to launch altitude is some of the most exciting flying you can do, said Jumpers Away founder Ed Scott, an instrument-rated commercial pilot and longtime skydiver who is teaching pilots how to fly jumpers at a North Carolina flight school near the birthplace of powered flight.
Blue sky above—puffy white clouds ahead—breezy coastline below.
I’m getting acquainted with the Extra NG—the latest unlimited aerobatic uberplane from Extra Aircraft in Germany—starting with a few familiarization maneuvers. Steep turn, Lazy 8, barrel roll, loop.
The iconic Oracle Challenger III biplane that enveloped aerobatic pilot Sean D. Tucker while he dazzled and delighted thousands with his signature aerobatic moves has performed its last hammerhead, half-Cuban, and barrel roll.
Women pilots have four opportunities in 2019 to explore the unique challenges associated with backcountry, seaplane, and mountain flying—and learn something about themselves in the process.
Phillips 66 Aerostars team leader Harvey “Boss” Meek was dead serious about empty pockets, but there is always room for fun in the cockpit of an Extra 300.
Georgia resident Elgin Wells was equally at home flying an aerobatic aircraft as he was leading a jazz band, according to his friends after the Gwinnett Daily Post reported that Wells died in an April 25 crash during airshow preparations in central China.
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Get instant access to Flight Training's special issue titled You Can Fly: Your Path to Become a Pilot. This beginning pilots' resource guide explains what you can expect from your introductory flight through initial training—and how to turn your dream of flying into reality. Simply enter your name and email address.