Would you be interested in an Aerobatic Clinic?

[ronschreck]

The IAC (International Aerobatic Club) has a keen interest in getting RV pilots to participate in IAC competition. The subject is being discussed at the EAA Board of Directors meeting this week and I have been brought into the discussion by board member, James Clark. We think that a RV-specific aerobatic clinic, similar in structure to formation clinics, would provide an opportunity for RV pilots to learn aerobatics in a safe environment, supervised by experienced RV aerobatic pilots.

Yes, there are numerous aerobatic schools and instructors out there but they can be expensive and more than often instructors are unfamiliar with with the RV's capabilities and limitations. So while you may graduate from such a course with a real appreciation of your skill level in a Decathlon or Pitts, you will likely have little knowledge of RV aerobatics.

The IAC wonders why so few RV pilots participate in IAC competition. I can list a few obstacles:

1. A competitive event is intimidating for a first-time competitor regardless of what you fly.

2. RV pilots have heard that RV's are not suited to competitive aerobatics.

3. RV pilots don't feel they have the skills required to compete.

4. The cost of a parachute (required in competition) is too high.

5. Fear of aircraft damage, injury, or failure.

I believe that most of these obstacles could be addressed and minimized or omitted in the course of instruction at an aerobatic clinic. In my mind, the largest obstacle is the cost of a parachute. Of course once bitten by the aerobatic bug the cost of a parachute becomes less of an obstacle. However, there are those who are unsure and purchasing a parachute in order to attend a clinic would be a wasted expense if they later decide that aerobatics are not for them.

I'm throwing this out there to get some idea of the interest in such a clinic. For now don't be concerned with WHERE such a clinic might be held but let me know if the idea appeals to you or not and state your reasons either way.

[ColoRv]

I'm in.
.
.

[fixnflyguy]

I have been hoping something like this would develop. I have a chute already, and have been anticipating some acro training, but would really like to see it RV specific. I will be watching for details!

[AndyRV7]

I'm interested. No parachute though.

[sandifer]

Great idea Ron. And I think you have the reasons nailed regarding the issues associated with non-RV participation up to this point. In my experience, there is a good bit of cautious aerobatic interest out there. A clinic like this would be an excellent way to get past these issues for pilots who have the interest.

And I would expect that we could gather together a few chutes that could be made available to pilots attending a clinic, if held in the central NC area. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Eric

[kjlpdx]

I'm curious to know if anyone has ever ejected from an RV, especially a tilt-up.

[WileEcoyote75]

I would be very interested in attending an RV specific aerobatic clinic. I do not currently own a parachute.

Chad

[Kahuna]

I would be very interested in an aerobatic clinic.

[DEWATSON]

I would love to participate, but I don't have a parachute.

David Watson

[Saville]

Originally Posted by ronschreck

The IAC (International Aerobatic Club) has a keen interest in getting RV pilots to participate in IAC competition. ........... We think that a RV-specific aerobatic clinic, similar in structure to formation clinics, would provide an opportunity for RV pilots to learn aerobatics in a safe environment, supervised by experienced RV aerobatic pilots.

The IAC wonders why so few RV pilots participate in IAC competition. I can list a few obstacles:

1. A competitive event is intimidating for a first-time competitor regardless of what you fly.

This is especially true given that, quite often, if someone is renting, say, a Super D from an FBO, that FBO quite often has an aerobatic instructor who is familiar/participates in aerobatic competitions. Without that, who wants to push down their acro to the competition floor/ceiling without instruction? And how does one know if they are the least bit competitive?


2. RV pilots have heard that RV's are not suited to competitive aerobatics.

3. RV pilots don't feel they have the skills required to compete.

See #1


4. The cost of a parachute (required in competition) is too high.

5. Fear of aircraft damage, injury, or failure.

See #1 - especially with regard to the competition floor/ceiling


I believe that most of these obstacles could be addressed and minimized or omitted in the course of instruction at an aerobatic clinic.

Agreed


In my mind, the largest obstacle is the cost of a parachute.

I don't fly acro without one but YMMV

Of course once bitten by the aerobatic bug the cost of a parachute becomes less of an obstacle. However, there are those who are unsure and purchasing a parachute in order to attend a clinic would be a wasted expense if they later decide that aerobatics are not for them.

One option is clini-rentable chutes. Don't know what the liability iss might be with that though.


I'm throwing this out there to get some idea of the interest in such a clinic.

I'd be interested


For now don't be concerned with WHERE such a clinic might be held but let me know if the idea appeals to you or not and state your reasons either way.

I'd be interested.