Volare Inc. is specialized in the following training:
- SPINS: entry, development and proper recovery.
- ADVANCED STALLS, such as skid and cross-controlled stalls.
- RECREATIONAL AEROBATICS, including loops, aileron rolls and any variations of these two maneuvers
The plane we use
The Cessna 150 Aerobat has been introduced by Cessna in 1970; the model 150 "Aerobat" became very popular in the Aerobatic training market, and remains a popular sport airplane.
Overall the Cessna 150 is the fourth most produced civilian plane ever, with almost 24,000 aircraft produced. The Aerobat version is equipped with a 100 horsepower (75 kW) Continental O-200 engine, and has been designed with more structural strength (rated for +6/-3 “g”) that a regular cessna 150. Equipped with four-point harnesses, skylights, jetisonable doors, and removable seat cushions (to wear parachutes) the Cessna 150 Aerobat is an ideal and safe basic aerobatic trainer that is capable of performing the following maneuvers:
- Loops
- Spins & Stalls
- Aileron rolls
- Barrel Rolls
- Immelmans
- Cuban Eights
- Vertical Reversement
- Single snaps
- Lazy eights
- Chandelles
Click here to get more information on a Cessna 150 Aerobat that is on display at the "Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum" in Washington DC.
The parachute
Wearing parachutes for aerobatics flying is regulated in FAR 91.307.
This regulation specifies that whenever you carry a passenger, you may not exceed 60 degrees of bank or 30 degrees of pitch up or pitch down unless both occupants wear an approved parachute. This means that you do not have to wear a parachute when you fly alone. It does not say anything about aerobatics, it just specifies the bank and pitch limits.
If you want to know more details about BAILING-OUT of a plane, click on the parachute image. The parachute I use is a "National model 490."
How safe is aerobatics?
Many (most?) people contemplating getting involved in aerobatics feel a bit apprehensive at first. By it's very nature, aerobatics involves risks that are not involved in non-aerobatic flight.
But as with most anything else in aviation, it is only as safe or dangerous as the pilot makes it: "DISCIPLINE," "PLANNING," "COMMON SENSE," and "KNOWLEDGE" are basic prerequisites to safety.
Aerobatics can be quite safe if certain safety rules are followed religiously. Examples include:
- Get proper training, especially in all types of spins and botched maneuvers.
- Fly at a safe and conservative altitude.
- Know your equipment and yourself, and keep both well maintained.
- Don't overstress the airplane (and NEVER fly aerobatics in non-aerobatic aircraft).
- Always perform a proper, thorough aerobatic preflight.
- Set and observe strict personal limits (altitude, g-limits, flight duration, health, etc).
- Stay current and take recurrency check rides.
- Don't run out of fuel! (should be obvious, but it happens a lot)
- Stay clear of conflicting traffic, either with regular clearing turns or an observer on the ground.
- Know how to handle emergency situations.
- Always leave yourself a way out.
- Always wear a parachute: know how to bail out and use it.
Organizations I am affiliated with:
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