First Steps into Aerobatics! -Madison Dooley

My name is Madison Dooley, I’m 21 and recently qualified as a commercial pilot. Whilst building hours in Florida I was lucky enough to visit multiple air shows including the Vero Beach air show and the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland. This was the first time I’d seen an Aerobatics performance, and I remember thinking ‘This is amazing, I wish I knew how to do that!’. Fast forward to the end of my commercial training and the last step before gaining a commercial licence was Advanced Upset Recovery.

This was something I’d looked forward to but with a slight apprehension. I’d never experienced the physiological effects of this kind of flying, so how I would react to it I had no idea, the only thing I knew was that I really wanted to enjoy this kind of flying. Taxing back after the first one-hour flight, multiple loops and rolls later, my instructor asked how I felt. I thought about it for a moment and realised I felt absolutely fine!

The sensation was like that of a roller coaster but much smoother and with a much more beautiful view. By far this was my favourite flight in the whole syllabus, and I was ready to do it again!

After completing Upset Recovery, I researched the different ways of getting into Aerobatics, this is where I found the ‘Get into Aeros’ event hosted by the British Aerobatic Association. The event gives PPL holders up to the age of 35 the chance to try an aerobatic sequence in a two-day event at Sleap Airfield.

No previous aerobatic experience is required and there was a range of pilots from all different backgrounds taking part. The initiative takes place every year around June time and to apply all you need to do is fill in a short application form. This involved why you wanted to take part, your previous flying experience, and a few personal details. The applications are then reviewed, and you are notified via email if you have been chosen to take part.

The two days involved briefings, demonstrations, and of course some aerobatic flying. The first 35-minute flight comprised practicing the club sequence in the local area, getting to grips with the manoeuvres and handling of the aircraft. The second flight of 20 minutes was a chance to fly the sequence in the competition box with judges providing feedback and scoring each manoeuvre.

Throughout both days you have the chance to watch varying levels of British Aerobatics pilots showcasing their skills and where the sport can take you. With a multitude of pilots and representatives present over the two days, gaining an insight into taking your first steps in aerobatics is invaluable.

If you’re thinking about taking your first steps into Aerobatics, there are multiple routes. Volunteering at a competition is a great way to see experts in action and get to know those in the aerobatics community.

Most likely you will be assisting on the judging line as a scribe but with experience, you may even be able to become a judge. No experience is required to assist with judging, you will be briefed on the day on how to fill out the score sheet as the scores are called out, and will soon become familiar with Aresti, the notation used in Aerobatics.

Taking part in events such as ‘Get into Aeros’ is extremely valuable in providing a taster and understanding of what sport flying all is about. If you decide aerobatics is for you and want to obtain a rating, you will need 40 hours of flight time after your licence issue or in the case of sailplanes, 120 launches as PIC.

You will then need to find an approved training organisation, the British Aerobatics website hosts a directory of training providers across the UK, and you will need to complete at least 5 hours of aerobatic training alongside theoretical knowledge instruction.

There are many bursaries and scholarships available to help with the cost, The Air League can offer 3-5 hours of advanced training which could be used for aerobatics. The British Women Pilots’ Association also regularly offers funding to female pilots which could be used for aerobatics. It’s best to keep an eye out as these bursaries and scholarships come up.

I am aiming to gain my aerobatics rating at some point in the future, building on my flying precision and confidence. I’m excited at what the future will bring and I’m always looking for the next challenge so I think an aerobatics rating may be just that! Aerobatics can be great fun, so I’d urge anyone who hasn’t tried it to have a go!