FallingWithStyle

I'm thinking about doing some aerobatic training beyond the spin endorsement which I already have. It seems that the packages offerred are 5 2-hour lessons for $1250 (or somewhere in that range) but only about 2.5 hours will be in the actual airplane.

Any recommendations of specific places to go in south Florida? What about through an individual rather than a "flight school" that's advertising/spending money to gain new clients?

Finally, I know aerobatic training will make me more confident for sure but at the end of the day should I spend the money on another rating such as seaplane (or something else ((rating, endorsement)))? Since aerobatic training isn't something that can be "signed off" so to speak.

Thanks in advance

2StgTurbine

I think every pilot should have soaring and aerobatic training. And for those that actually enjoy flying small planes, a seaplane rating is a blast. But if I had to pick between either aerobatics or seaplane, go with aerobatics. You will gain experience that will help you in any aircraft.

Typical intro aerobatic courses are 5-10 hours of flight time. I'd say anything more than a 2-hour ground lesson (not including normal 15-minute preflight briefs) is probably a waste. You defiantly need a good understanding of aerodynamics, but most of it is basic private pilot stuff. The emphasis should be placed on applying that knowledge in the air.

For reference, I'd expect to spend $2,000 to $2,500 for a 10-hour aerobatic course. You can get a seaplane rating in a Cub in 5 hours for about $1,000.

FallingWithStyle

Ok, thanks for that info,
So with spending between $2-2500 I should expect much more flight time than what I'm seeing is what it sounds like. Which I definitely prefer, I want to be doing the maneuvers, not just talking about them.

Which brings me back to the question of recommendations in my area (south Florida)?

USMCFLYR

Straight aerobatics is a heck of a lot of fun and very precise flying - so you learn things that will help in everyday aviation - but maybe you are looking for something more like Upset Recovery Training? Completing a course like that would even help with your insurance I believe and involves many of the same aspects as basic aerobatics and aircraft handling. There is that one school out in Phoenix I think that specializes in such training that is very highly regarded. I'm sure a Google search would turn up the name.

FallingWithStyle

I've already done spin/upset recovery training and received the endorsement. I would like to do more aerobatics, the main thing is money and trying to get as much time in the air as possible.

Roost

Don't know about Florida. But, Chandler Air Service in Chandler, AZ does aerobatic training in a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 biplane. Basic 10 hour course is 2 hours ground and 10 hours in the aircraft. Solo rate $195, dual rate $275, ground $70/hr. So all in about $2890 plus if you have cash they usually give another 10% discount. At the completion of the course you can solo the Great Lakes. You will learn aileron rolls, slow rolls, loops, immelmanns, split s, cuban eights, hammerheads, spins, snap rolls, and inverted flight.

I've been through the program and also instructed it. Some of the best and most fun flying I have ever done. Highly recommended it. And yes it will make you a better pilot overall.

I'd call around the Florida schools and see if any of them know of any aerobatic schools like the one in Chandler.

Good luck!

FallingWithStyle

Thanks so much! That's exactly what I'm looking for. Maybe I'll make a trip out there. But I'll search around here some more first and see what turns up.

If I did make a trip though, do you think it could be done in a week?

Roost

Absolutely, plus there are hotels near by with transportation I believe. If you give them a call they can probably work out the training and hotel for the week.