Many people dream of flying; some wish to make it an art. Compared to the more than 350,000 commercial airline pilots believed to be active worldwide, only a small number of certificated pilots will choose aerobatics – an aviation discipline that relies on precision, physical and psychological fitness, plus quick decision-making, all of which determine not only the success of their performance but also their survival.  

Aerobatic pilots do more than simply fly. They test the limits of physics, skill and endurance in ways few others do. While most pilots focus on getting from one point to another safely, aerobatic flying is about pushing the boundaries and anticipating challenges.  

However, this is not an area that can be entered into on a whim. Aerobatic pilots need to be familiar with aerodynamics and the nuances of aircraft control during different maneuvers, but they must also prepare for enormous physical and physiological stress.  

Some maneuvers generate extreme gravitational forces, making the pilot change their weight from +800 kilograms to -800 kilograms or even more within fractions of seconds. Without proper preparation, such loads can cause a loss of consciousness due to reduced blood flow to the brain or due to dangerously high blood pressure levels.  

Here, AeroTime explores aerobatic flying, looking at how it differs from commercial aviation, the technical and psychological skills aerobatic pilots must have, and the risks associated with this unique discipline.  

Aerobatics: entertainment or skill?

Before World War I, aerobatic maneuvers were demonstrated both as a form of crowd entertainment and as a means of testing aircraft capabilities. With the advancement of military aviation, these maneuvers became essential in aerial combat, known as dogfighting, and were subsequently introduced into military pilot training. Today, aerobatic flying is not a mandatory part of every pilot’s training.   

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *