Do I have to own an airplane?

No. Many of our chapter competitors rent their planes from local flight schools. Email leadership or ask around at a chapter meeting to find a plane that would be a good fit for you.

How do I learn this stuff?

Whether you own your own plane, or not, we are happy to recommend local flight schools and instructors who specialize in aerobatics. We STRONGLY recommend completing UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training) and Spin training before moving on to competition figures. This will give you the skills needed to be safe and confident as you practice, and you’ll learn competition figures more intuitively.

When/where are competitions?

Our chapter most regularly competes at the San Diego Hammerhead Roundup in Borrego, CA in April/October; and The Tequila Cup in Marana, AZ in November. Our own updates for these competitions will be sent out via chapter newsletter, and on our Event page.

For more direct info, and for competitions beyond these, visit the IAC competition schedule.

How much do competitions cost?

It depends. Wildly, actually.
-Registration, lunches, and banquet dinner is generally around $350.
-Safety pilots generally charge $50-75/flight hour. These are required by most rentals, and are highly recommended for all new competitors
-Travel to/from and Individual or group hotel/AirBnb/VRBO cost varies by area.
-Biggest cost factor is the aircraft itself - both ferry cost (split between competitors using the aircraft), as well as individual practice and competition time. Base hourly cost of commonly rented airplanes in our chapter are $160-375 Hobbs, with their hourly rate matching their competition capability. Plan on 3 hours of flight in competition, plus ferry split and pre-competition practice time.

We as a chapter strive to make competing as doable as possible. Much of the time of the time multiple competitors share a plane to cut ferry cost, or airplane owners volunteer part or all of the ferry. Sharing accommodations or carpooling to the competition is a great way to cut costs.

Can I come even if I don’t fly?

Yes please! In fact, we recommend volunteering at a competition before flying, if possible.
Competitions are volunteer run in a fun, high paced environment. When not flying, even competitors are expected to volunteer to keep things moving along smoothly. First time volunteers will be placed in positions where they can learn the basics of the sport and interact with seasoned veterans, preparing them for their own aerobatic box experience.

I’m just beginning - can I still compete?

YES! Primary category was made for you. For more information on category figures and annual known sequences, visit the IAC sequences here.

I have an RV6 (or similar) - can I compete?

Each competition category has its own load factor and power requirements. We don’t recommend competing in any category without an inverted oil system, and complete confidence that your category’s figures are well within performance standards. Come to a chapter meeting or email to get the inside scoop on competition airplanes.

Online Books and Programs?

Books we recommend:
-Basic Aerobatics, by Gezy Szurovy and Mike Goulian
-Emergency Maneuver Training by Rich Stowell
-Learn to Turn, by Rich Stowell
-The Compleat Taildragger Pilot, by Harvey S. Plourde

Online Programs:
Sporty’s Aerobatics by Patty Wagstaff