ronschreck
Well Known Member
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.
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.