Any person that has been to an air show and witnessed the dizzying range of aerobatic maneuvers walks out of the experience in one of two ways. Either he or she is impressed by said stunts and wish that they could do it themselves or are horrified by it. However, not many people consider that what might seem like death-defying stunts are highly precise maneuvers that can help pilots regain control of an aircraft in any situation. How is this so?

Whether due to mechanical failure, turbulence or human error, it is not impossible for any aircraft to suddenly slip out of control.  A plane can suddenly dive,  turn or find itself in a dangerous position that requires immediate intervention by the pilot. Under these situations, pilots that possess aerobatic training are better equipped to take action.

Why should all pilots consider aerobatics training?

Perhaps the most significant reason why all pilots should undergo some form of aerobatics training is that they get access to specialised training material on aircraft recovery techniques. This includes the physical effects of aerobatics as well as the aerodynamic expertise necessary for a complete understanding of aeroplane efficiency, speed, airframe constraints and more. Most people would agree that such knowledge more than justifies the cost of Aerobatics training.

Increase pilot confidence and competency

With a heightened understanding of just how to maintain control of an aircraft in any situation comes increased self-confidence which is another benefit of aerobatics training. The same is true with people engaged in general services which are often more confident in doing their job knowing that there is always something that they can do in any eventuality.

Think about it — pilots who have never been exposed to unusual circumstances during training can break down under stress and are more likely to make mistakes that can jeopardise the aircraft.

Aerobatic training  provides pilots with excellent motor skills for regaining control of a compromised aircraft

While it doesn’t need much aerobatic training to recoup from minor disturbances during mid-flight, pilots with aerobatic practice are a lot more able to respond intuitively, leading to less altitude loss. Such instincts are crucial when wake turbulence is just one factor in potentially complex scenarios.

Aerobatics training drills pilots in the most effective strategies for quickly regaining control of a distressed aircraft. This includes quickly recognising the closest perspective and control the plane back into a neutral position. Nonetheless, pilots without aerobatic training take longer to identify the horizon, resulting in altitude loss from either lack of action or employing the wrong strategies altogether. Aerobatic training shows pilots how to notice when the plane is starting to stall and how to correct the situation.

While it is true that aerobatics training is not necessary for learning aircraft recovery, pilots will still find joy in learning all sort of maneuvers that he or she would not be able to do otherwise like the Immelman, Cuban 8 and Split S maneuver. Such skills will make you less …

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