Have you watched movies with pilots flying overhead performing spectacular aerobatic maneuvers? Does it make you feel like you should also be in the cockpit making those maneuvers? Then, it is time to learn more about how to become an aerobatic pilot. However, becoming an aerobatic pilot requires extensive flight training and outstanding physical health. But it can be a satisfying career if you have what it takes.
What is an Aerobatic Pilot?
Before discussing how to become an aerobatic pilot, let's define what is aerobatic flight and who an aerobatic pilot is. Aerobatic flight involves spatial maneuvers at abnormal speeds and angles.
An aerobatic pilot, also called a stunt pilot, is a specially trained pilot who performs precision flying maneuvers, including loops, rolls, spins, and other complex stunts. Aerobatic pilots are often hired for airshows, competitions, and flight training. A mark of a good aerobatic pilot is the excellent understanding the pilot has of aircraft dynamics and spatial awareness.
Steps to Becoming an Aerobatic Pilot
If you are clear on what is aerobatic flying, let's look at how to become an aerobatic pilot.
Step 1: Earn a Private Pilot License
Your first step when looking at how to become an aerobatic pilot is to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL). A PPL is the first step to flying an aircraft for personal purposes. You can enroll in a certified school to achieve this. In most countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, and India, aspiring pilots must complete 40 hours of flight time, including solo and dual instructions, to get their PPL. They also need to pass a written exam and a check ride. It is important to remember that your PPL training will not cover topics like ‘what is aerobatic flight’ and ‘what is aerobatic flying.’ However, it will teach you the basics of flying, navigation, and aircraft systems.
Step 2: Gain Flight Experience
Once you have your PPL, keep building your flight hours. A PPL is a mandatory requirement for flying. However, it doesn't guarantee that you will know everything about flying. You have to gain experience and confidence in handling an aircraft. The more hours you log in, the more comfortable you will be in the cockpit. Many pilots spend this time getting their Instrument Rating. Some even take the tests to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). For CPL, study your country's specific rules to prepare yourself.
Step 3: Enroll in Aerobatic School
Of course, even with substantial flight hours, your entry into aerobatic flying will be incomplete without training in an aerobatic school. A training course in an aerobatic school will cover a wide range of topics, from what is aerobatic flight to helping you inculcate critical skills to succeed in this vertical. You will learn to handle basic maneuvers and progress to aircraft handling in unusual altitudes. Most schools also employ instructors with significant experience in aerobatic flying so that you can learn from real-life examples.
Your aerobatic flight training will help you get acquainted with aerobatic aircraft. Some popular beginner models include names like the Citabria, Decathlon, and Pitts Special. Training in these aircraft will help you understand how to manage G-forces, energy, and precise control during stunts.
Step 4: Receive Aerobatic Endorsement
When looking at how to become an aerobatic pilot, it is essential to note that most countries have no special licenses for aerobatic pilots. Pilots only require specialized training and can enter the field if they are confident about their skills. However, many countries have a system of logbook endorsement. A logbook endorsement from your instructor confirms to your employer that you have completed your aerobatic flight training. Although not mandatory, many airshows and events can request aerobatic pilots to submit theirs for participation.
Step 5: Log Aerobatic Flight Time
Your path to becoming an aerobatic pilot does not end with obtaining a PPL and completing your aerobatic flight training. Keep track of your aerobatic flight time in your logbook to stay on your game. Your logbook is how you can demonstrate your proficiency in aerobatic flying. Accumulating more aerobatic flight hours will help refine your skills and overall understanding of aerobatics.
Step 6: Participate in Performances
When looking at how to become an aerobatic pilot, the next step is to enter aerobatic competitions or perform at local airshows. Many aerobatic pilots are motivated by the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in performing complex maneuvers at airshows.
Alternatively, you can join organizations such as the International Aerobatic Club (IAC), which helps you access more such events, mentors, and a supportive environment. Knowing more like-minded people in this segment is essential to maintaining morale since aerobatic flying can be physically and mentally exhausting.
Step 7: Continue Training
Even if you are proficient in aerobatic flying, it is crucial to keep updating your knowledge about the field. Many aviation schools offer refresher courses to aerobatic pilots. These courses can help you better understand new safety procedures and unexplored maneuver practices, all aimed at keeping you competitive in the market.
How Much Do Aerobatic Pilots Make?
Did you know that Jacquie B. Warda, a US National Aerobatic Team member, received a salary of $750,000 when she retired in 2011? The compensation for an aerobatic pilot is quite competitive but also depends on factors such as experience, type of employment, and location. In the United States, aerobatic pilots can earn around $86,000 annually. In the United Kingdom, aerobatic pilots make around £38,361 ($50,730.70) in a year. Numerous sources are available for aspiring aerobatic pilots to check how much they can earn in their country.
Key Skills for Aerobatic Pilots
Many skills go into making a successful aerobatic pilot. When looking at how to become an aerobatic pilot, it is vital to consider the must-have skills to succeed in the field.
- Exceptional flying skills: A mark of an actual aerobatic pilot is how well they can handle their aircraft. Having precise control over your plane is essential in executing complex maneuvers.
- Spatial awareness: Aerobatic pilots must constantly focus on their aircraft's position and orientation in three dimensions.
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Physical fitness: Physical fitness in aerobatic flying is paramount. Aerobatic maneuvers create significant physical stress. This means that you need to be physically fit to withstand G-force. Another exciting career where physical fitness becomes an essential skill is an air ambulance pilot. You can consider becoming an air ambulance pilot if you want to combine aviation skills with lifesaving missions.
- Communication skills: Pilots need to communicate clearly and effectively with others. Communication skills help speed up this process, especially since time is of the essence in this field.
- Problem-solving skills: Complex aerobatic maneuvers should not be performed if safety is compromised. As an aerobatic pilot, you will assess situations and find solutions that keep you and onlookers safe.
Career Opportunities for Aerobatic Pilots
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We looked at topics such as 'What is aerobatic flight?' and 'How to become an aerobatic pilot.' The discussion can't end without discussing the different areas one can enter as an aerobatic pilot. With the right skills and training, aerobatic pilots can enter national and international competitions with the scope of becoming a world champion in the field. If you have sufficient flight hours, you can also become a flight instructor and teach others about aerobatic flying. Additionally, aerobatic pilots are required in aerial photography, film production, and safety consultancy roles. Besides airshows, some stunt pilots are even sponsored by companies or branches of the military. Acrobatic flying can be so spectacular that planes painted in specific colors can bring significant visibility to key demographics.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it boils down to your passion for flying. Aerobatic flying can be physically exhaustive, demanding pilots to have laser-sharp focus. It is not a career for everyone who wants to fly an aircraft. However, it can also be a thrilling adventure for some. It is also crucial to remember that the life of a stunt pilot is not just the thrill of racing a plane through the sky and performing a wide range of acrobatic stunts. Most of your time is spent practicing and training to enhance and improve your skills. If you are part of a flight team, you will also practice with them to develop tricks fully.
With more pilot jobs opening up, it is up to you to grab an opportunity as it presents itself and make a memorable career out of it. Most importantly, stay dedicated. It can take years before you even start to gain recognition. Furthermore, you must be prepared for setbacks that can and do occur along the way, like accidentally crashing your plane. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey!
