Let's finish this.
I think I hit a nerve! After 113 posts and over 5000 views in just two days I think we have run the course. I have learned a lot about all of you and hopefully many of you have learned a bit about competition aerobatics. The be sure, I'd like to address the responses to the poll and offer further reading for anyone wanting more.
1. I am thrilled to see that over 51% of you do fly aerobatics. I'm convinced that those who explore the outer reaches of the flight envelope will be less likely to inadvertently find themselves outside of that envelope. And if they do stray from the envelope those with aerobatic training are more likely to possess the skills to get back in the envelope thus avoiding bent metal and other disagreeable consequences.
2. For those 15% of you worried about breaking your airplane I can assure you that the RV is very robust. I'm as hard as anyone on the RV and after 2200 hours of mostly air show aerobatics and competition aerobatics, hundreds of flights where loads exceed 5.5 Gs and speeds right up to Vne I can assure you that this is one tough cookie! Having said that, I remind you that there are published limitations on the RV and you would be wise to adhere to those limits.
3. For the few (3%) of you who can't afford to equip your planes for aerobatics; if you have the will but not the bucks you can ease into it. I equipped my RV for aerobatics over several years. Take a look at the articles and webinar links at the end of this post and see what you can afford now and save for more as you go.
4. For the 10% who think you are too old. I direct your attention to Bill McLean who is 78 and regularly flies his RV-4 at the Intermediate level of IAC competition. He placed 2nd in a field of 17 at the 2016 US National Aerobatic Championships. I am aware that medical issues are more likely to be a factor as we age but age itself is not a limiting factor.
5. Twelve percent can't find someone to teach them aerobatics. You don't have to commit to aerobatic competition to join you local IAC chapter and avail yourself of the free coaching and instruction. Only 11% of IAC members actively compete. The rest enjoy casual aerobatics, volunteering or just hobnobbing with like minded folks.
6. For the 10% that are just afraid of aerobatics I hope that's not because you had a bad experience with someone who pushed you too far, too fast. There are kind instructors and mentors out there who will go at your pace and are mindful of your fears. I hope you give it another try.
7. Almost 5% don't participate because someone else is discouraging them. I understand that people are afraid of the unknown. Maybe you can share your new-found knowledge of aerobatics with this person, take them along to a competition or training day. Once they become familiar with aerobatics and the professional approach that emphasizes safety and step-by-step instruction maybe they will be more encouraging.
8. For the two percent who have medical conditions precluding aerobatics I hope you are able to surmount your problems. I, too have a worsening medical condition that will eventually take me out of the aerobatic box. I hope to continue as a judge and instructor just to stay involved. For now I'm in it as long as the body allows.
9. For the two percent that just don't like having fun, I hope you were kidding because I was kidding when I wrote that poll option.
10. For the 7% who want to know more, I hope this thread has taught you a thing or two. For more information I offer the following additional information.
The
IAC web site is a vast store of information. Much of the information is only available to members but you can join
HERE.I hope you do.
I recently conducted an
IAC Webinar on RV Aerobatics which is loaded with information specific to RVs.
Finally, there is a great article in the August 2016 issue of Sport Aviation, written by
Dick VanGrunsven. Immediately following Dick's article is one I wrote on Equipping your RV for Aerobatics.
I'll leave this thread open in case there are more questions or issues you would like to discuss.