aerobatics - Overview

Any sequence of turning, looping and rolling movements of an aircraft flown to display the skill of the pilot and the manoeuvrability of the aircraft. Competitive aerobatics are flown in aircraft specially designed to withstand the stresses incurred during the manoeuvres. While performing a set of allowed figures the pilot must keep the aircraft within the lateral and vertical limits of the designated aerobatics box. The flight is assessed by trained judges on the ground and is marked according to the quality of performance and the difficulty of each manouevre. The sport is controlled by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI).

Aerobatics is the demonstration of flying maneuvers for recreation or entertainment.

Many aerobatic maneuvers involve rotation of the aircraft about its longtitudinal axis (rolling) or the pitch axis (looping).

Overview

In the early days of flying, some pilots used their aircraft as part of a flying circus to entertain. In due course some of these maneuvers were found to allow aircraft to gain tactical advantage during aerial combat or dogfights between fighter aircraft.

Aerobatic aircraft usually fall into two categories - specialist aerobatic, and aerobatic capable. At a more basic level, aerobatic capable aircraft can be dual purpose - equipped to carrying passengers and luggage, easy to land, as well as being capable of basic aerobatic figures.

Flight formation aerobatics are flown by teams of up to sixteen aircraft, although most teams fly between four and ten aircraft. Some are state funded to reflect pride in the armed forces whilst others are commercially sponsored. Teams often fly V-formations - they will not fly directly behind another aircraft because of danger from wake vortices or engine exhaust. Aircraft will always fly slightly below the aircraft in front, if they have to follow in line.

Aerobatic maneuvers flown in a jet powered aircraft are limited in scope as they cannot take advantage of the gyroscopic forces that a propeller driven aircraft can exploit. Jet powered aircraft also tend to fly much faster which increases the size of the figures and the length of time which the pilot has to withstand increased g-forces.

Training

Aerobatics are taught to military fighter pilots as a means of developing precise flying skills and for tactical use in combat. Aerobatics and formation flying is not limited solely to fixed wing aircraft, helicopters are also used - the British Army, Royal Navy and the Indian Air Force have helicopter display team. The Indian Air Force helicopter display team is known as Sarang or peacock. Famous teams include the Red Arrows (Royal Air Force -- United Kingdom) Roulettes (Royal Australian Air Force), the Frecce Tricolori (Italian Air Force), the Southern Cross (Cruz del Sur -- Argentine Air Force), Turkish Stars (Türk Yıldızları) (Turkey), Brazilian Air Force Demonstration Squadron (Esquadrilha da Fumaça), Black Arrows (South Korea), Blue Angels (United States Navy), Surya Kiran (Indian Air Force) Diables Rouges (Belgian Air Force), Halcones (Chilean Air Force), Midnight Hawks (Finnish Air Force), Patrouille de France (French Air Force), Patrouille Suisse (Swiss Air Force), Red Pelicans, Rothmans, Silver Falcons (South African Air Force), Roulettes (Royal Australian Air Force), Royal Jordanian Falcons (Royal Jordanian Air Force), the USAF Thunderbirds (United States Air Force), Snowbirds (Canadian Forces), the Patrulla Aguila (Eagle Patrol -- Spanish Air Force), Saudi Hawks (Royal Saudi Air Force), and the Yellowjacks.