WOW! I'm away for a day chasing parts for my Bonanza in the morning and working on my replacement canopy in the afternoon and I almost missed this thread. Great thread and poll Ron. Lots of variables.
I'll try to address the poll selections and put my "spin" on it. Yes, that was intentional.
1. I can understand doing gentleman aerobatics or the occasional loop and roll at a reasonable altitude. It's invigorating. No pressure of competition. A little more air between you and terra firma.
The thing that attracts me most to competition aerobatics is, despite that I have been flying for nearly 40 years and have done aerobatics for most of those 40 in some capacity, is that it has really truly elevated my flying to a level I did not previously experience. I have been comfortable in any attitude for many many years, but now I'm comfortable in that attitude knowing that I precisely put it there with purpose. It's aerobatics with a purpose. I am finding that I enjoy the challenge of making it better and better. I get it. It's kind of like golf or really any other sport. It takes a lot of work to get that last 10% The other things I enjoy about competition aerobatics is that I have yet another way to use my RV that I so dearly love. I'm enjoying the travel to practices and to the contests. I'm flying more than ever now. And of course I'm enjoying the people and the camaraderie very much. I've already developed some sincere friendships that I expect will last a lifetime.
2. Breaking your airplane. Yes, it's possible. Proper training will help you prevent doing something catastrophic. I can't say for sure, but I believe the wear and tear on my airplane has accelerated since I started doing this. So far it's all been repairable. I guess it comes with the territory. But I am flying a lot, about 180 hours/year.
3. Afford equipping for aerobatics. If you're already flying, you don't need anything extra to fly in Primary or even Sportsman. A fully inverted oil and fuel system is helpful to be competitive in Sportsman, but it is truly not required. A constant speed prop is not required, it just makes it a bit easier. A used chute can be had for $1000-1500.
4. Too old. Bill McLean is 78! Sorry Bill!
5. I can't find someone to teach me. There are various schools and instructors around the country. Check the IAC website. If you have an RV, you are likely able to get to most locations with relative ease.
On a side note. I do realize it is impossible to get dual in your own RV and stay within the limits of the aerobatic category. For most RV aerobatics, you should only see a maximum of 3 1/2 -4 g. The 6 g's are there to account for botched maneuvers. With a good instructor, you won't see that. The aerobatic training I give starts with stall and spin training and unusual attitude recovery which rarely exceeds 2-3 g Aerobatic training in a Decathlon directly transfers to aerobatics in your RV.
6. Aerobatics scare me. It's the fear of the unknown. A good instructor will not want to impress you with his/her aerobatic skills on the first flight and take the time (baby steps) to address those fears.
7. Wife or others discourage activity. See above. Buy your wife an introductory aerobatic ride.
8. Medical condition. Some things just can't be fixed. Other's may need some attention to enjoy the activity. My wife is contemplating bunion surgery so that she can continue to enjoy playing tennis. Sometimes it just may require a life style change. Although it didn't last long, I actually started working out when I began to fly competition aerobatics. I may give that a try again!
9. Don't like having fun. I do realize, it's not for everyone. I don't like Brussel Sprouts either. But some foods I've come to enjoy after tasting them a few times. At 53 years old, I'm finally warming up to mushrooms. If you still don't like aerobatics, don't worry; there are many ways to have fun in your RV.
10. Haven't thought about it. Tell me more. Start by searching all of the old threads here by Ron, me, Eric Sandifer, Bill McLean, and others. Lots of info concerning aerobatics right here on VAF. Look through the IAC website. Go to a practice or contest to see what it's all about.
Well, that's about all I got to say about that. Fire away with your questions.