Learn Aerobatics
If you have been to an air show and seen pilots perform daring loops and rolls, you know how fascinating and complex it is. Understand that it takes actual flying lessons to learn how to do aerobatics, as it is extremely dangerous to learn and do without instruction, but this article can help you to understand some basics.
Contents
Steps
Loop
- Start off flying straight and level with no change of altitude or roll.
- Push the throttle up to full and pitch slightly down. By doing this you are building up the speed to get you "over the top".
- At about 120 knots, pull back hard on the stick. G-Force will push you into your seat but don't worry about it; just keep pulling back.
- At the invert, gradually relax the pressure and pull back on the stick.
- Carry on pulling back until you are once again straight and level. That is the procedure for a basic loop.
Cuban Eight
5/8s of a loop to the 45 degree line, 1/2 roll, 5/8s of a loop to the 45 degree line, 1/2 roll, 3/8s of a loop to level flight (half of the Cuban Eight is called a "half Cuban Eight", and the figure can be flown backwards, known as a "Reverse Cuban Eight").
Stall Turn
- Fly straight and level. Push the throttle up to full and pitch slightly down. By doing this you are building up the speed to get you up into the vertical.
- At about 120 knots, pull back on the stick until you are going vertically upwards. Keep the plane heading up. When you are near to falling backwards, push the rudder either left or right.
- The plane will fall backwards and tilt to the way your rudder is. It will twist round and start to descend vertically.
- Pull out until straight and level again. That is the procedure for a stall turn.
Knife Edge
- Fly straight and level, go to 3/4 throttle
- Roll your wings to quarter roll,
- Input opposite rudder to the roll and hold
- For exit level your wings and take the rudder out
Four Point Roll
This is best done with low wings. A four point roll depends on your airspeed, a four point roll is a roll in four parts a roll to quarter, a roll to inverted, another roll to quarter, roll to leveled. For this guide we will be doing a right roll:
- Make your throttle 1/2 to 3/4 throttle
- Roll right to first quarter, add left rudder to steady the plane
- Roll right another quarter to inverted, add down elevator to keep the nose up
- Roll right another quarter, add right rudder to steady the plane
- Roll right another quarter to level.
- Fast four point rolls do not require as much rudder and elevator, slow 4 point rolls require a lot.
Tips
- Take lessons to learn how to fly.
- Get your pilot license, as it will be required to fly solo in competitions.
- If you plan on undergoing positive and negative G, make sure you and your body are fit and control your breathing.
Warnings
IF YOU ATTEMPT ANY OF THE STEPS LISTED IN THIS POST WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING OR THE PROPER AIRCRAFT YOU WILL DIE. NOT ALL AIRCRAFT CAN PERFORM THESE MANEUVERS WITHOUT FALLING APART.
- All of these stunts should be done at a height of no less than {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} above the ground unless with a qualified and experienced instructor.
- Before starting the sequence, check your seat harness to make sure it is secure.
- Negative G's can be very dangerous. Try not to exceed three G's as any more could damage your eyes.
- Positive G's above five are dangerous as they can cause you to black out. *Do not attempt without a qualified instructor present.
- As stated above, none of these maneuvers should be attempted without a qualified flight instructor and an aircraft that is certified to perform aerobatics. A flight simulator is a good, safe way to practice aerobatics without endangering yourself or others.
