FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. "How safe is aerobatic/spin training flight?"
A. Aerobatics/spin training involves risks that are not involved in regular flight, but it is only as safe or dangerous as the pilot makes it. Discipline, proper planning, common sense, and knowledge are the basic prerequisites to safety and we are here to teach you these basics to ensure that each flight will result in learning new maneuvers in the possible safe way.

Q. "Can you suggest an instructional book for learning aerobatics?"
A. The Basic Aerobatic Manual by William Kershner.

Q. "How long does it take to get proficient in SPINS?"
A. You can learn how to enter a spin and get out of a spin in an hour, but will you be proficient? It will probably take you an average of 3 flight hours to understand the dynamics of a spin and how to safely recover. Also recurrent training is a good idea to remain proficient in spin training.

Q. "How long does it take to get proficient in AEROBATICS?"
Basic aerobatics includes being proficient in LOOPS and AILERON ROOLS since these two maneuvers are the basic block of all the other aerobatic maneuvers. 5-10 hours is a minimum to become a little proficient in these 2 maneuvers in a Cessna Aerobat 150.

Q. "What is the maximum weight of a student pilot?"
A. One of the limitation in flying in a Cessna 150 Aerobat is the maximum load. Right now I can teach with students that weight a max. 210#

Q. "What is the cost for aerobatic training in the Aerobat 150?"
A. Aerobatic/spin training in an Aerobat 150 is very inexpensive. Currently the plane rental is $85/hour that includes fuel, plane rental and an extra $5 for parachute rental (if needed). Instruction fee is $40/hour.

Q. "Will I feel sick?"
A. Aerobatics/Spin training entail forces and visual situations that are new to just about everyone. Each person will respond differently to these. Typically, on your first few flights you may feel queasy after some number of maneuvers. It took me ten hours to get used to the forces that our bodies are not used while flying in normal conditions.

Q. "How do I start?"
A. Send me an email at w_pontel@yahoo.com or call me at (828) 302-3853 to discuss your training needs.