DISCOVER THE EXCITEMENT
Click here first if you are interested in attending an Aerobatics course, but did not learn to fly solo at 1st RC Flight School.
Unless student and instructor followed a comprehensive training program, most pilots simply "react" to what the plane is doing and learn by trial-and-error. Reactors typically wait to see a deviation before it occurs to them that a correction is (or was) needed. Considering the compound effect a deviation has on the rest of a maneuver, their skills tend to plateau at a point where reacting to deviations after the fact is already too late to perform any maneuver very well. If persistent, those who do get better at correcting deviations require great amounts of time and expense to do so. Reactors tend to make 3 to 4 times more control inputs than what the maneuvers require when flown optimally. The pilot who is continually making inputs has little opportunity to be thinking about or receiving instruction on how to become a better flyer. A high quantity of inputs also increases the likelihood of errors and inconsistent results. To make the most of every minute on the sticks, the pilot must learn to control the airplane.
Controllers execute each maneuver using predictable commands with the airplane following along. When a deviation is encountered, they take that opportunity to determine why it occurred, and from that point forward they are able to anticipate the appropriate corrections to prevent that deviation from happening, before it happens. In other words, they are "ahead of the airplane". Controllers fly with less effort, make fewer mistakes, enjoy greater consistency, and thus present fewer instances for the wind to exploit mistakes. 1st RC Flight School Aerobatic courses provide pilots of all skill levels the opportunity to learn the techniques utilized by the elite 1% who precisely control the airplane, ensuring a more enjoyable and successful hobby, especially in the wind!
Controllers execute each maneuver using predictable commands with the airplane following along. When a deviation is encountered, they take that opportunity to determine why it occurred, and from that point forward they are able to anticipate the appropriate corrections to prevent that deviation from happening, before it happens. In other words, they are "ahead of the airplane". Controllers fly with less effort, make fewer mistakes, enjoy greater consistency, and thus present fewer instances for the wind to exploit mistakes. 1st RC Flight School Aerobatic courses provide pilots of all skill levels the opportunity to learn the techniques utilized by the elite 1% who precisely control the airplane, ensuring a more enjoyable and successful hobby, especially in the wind!
AEROBATIC COURSES
Courses run May through September, with each class running Monday-through-Thursday. (Aerobatic courses are 4 days because aerobatics are more quickly learned than learning to fly solo.) Aerobatic classes begin Monday 9:00 AM at the flight school's training site (map). Class sizes are held to 2-3 people so each person receives plenty of hands on experience and personal attention. The planes and all equipment needed during the course are provided by 1st RC Flight School.
Aerobatic lessons are taught using the same DAS System crawl-walk-run format used in the Solo Course to produce maximum results in the least amount of time: A. You will be systematically exposed to the techniques shared by the best aerobatic pilots—traditionally learned over long periods of time—from the start. B. Each maneuver will be broken down into sequential steps and first practiced in its rudimentary form to facilitate ease, consistency, and your ability to think ahead of the airplane. C. Once each maneuver has become routine, we will build in the natural progression of refinements and/or add new maneuvers.
With the experience of training hundreds of aerobatic pilots to draw from, Dave Scott will be able to pinpoint the cause and advise the solution to overcome any trouble spot you may experience along the way, with minimal interruption in your overall progress and confidence.
NOTICE: To progress and succeed in our Aerobatic programs, you need not have practiced extensively beyond Solo. You will find that executing the maneuvers is not hard when things are done in their proper sequence. It is perfecting them that takes practice along with an organized training approach and a foundation built on good habits.
Aerobatic lessons are taught using the same DAS System crawl-walk-run format used in the Solo Course to produce maximum results in the least amount of time: A. You will be systematically exposed to the techniques shared by the best aerobatic pilots—traditionally learned over long periods of time—from the start. B. Each maneuver will be broken down into sequential steps and first practiced in its rudimentary form to facilitate ease, consistency, and your ability to think ahead of the airplane. C. Once each maneuver has become routine, we will build in the natural progression of refinements and/or add new maneuvers.
With the experience of training hundreds of aerobatic pilots to draw from, Dave Scott will be able to pinpoint the cause and advise the solution to overcome any trouble spot you may experience along the way, with minimal interruption in your overall progress and confidence.
NOTICE: To progress and succeed in our Aerobatic programs, you need not have practiced extensively beyond Solo. You will find that executing the maneuvers is not hard when things are done in their proper sequence. It is perfecting them that takes practice along with an organized training approach and a foundation built on good habits.
AEROBATIC COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Refresher/Phase I: Fundamentals will be reinforced, yet in the interest of maximizing total learning, we will practice as much of the Sport Aerobatics program as is practical in order to, among other things, make general flying, especially landings, seem easier and happening slower. Sample of Contents
Phase I. Sport (Basic) Aerobatics: Basic looping and rolling maneuvers will be first practiced individually, and then assembled into a continuous aerobatic sequence of one maneuver after another. Progressive variations will be added to the maneuvers as we go. Sample of Contents
Phase II. Precision (Intermediate) Aerobatics: Additional precision is applied to all Sport Aerobatic maneuvers. New maneuvers are added, with the emphasis throughout the week on anticipating the proper uses of Rudder to prevail over both wind and engine torque. The result is that pilots are able to maintain an uninterrupted sequence of maneuvers in any condition and enjoy the hightened satisfaction of a flight very well done. Sample of Contents
Phase III. Advanced Aerobatics: Inverted flight, knife-edge, slow rolls, and using rudder to put the finishing touches on all maneuvers. Snap rolls, spins, and vertical maneuvers with options on the up and downlines. 3D Lomcevak, rolling turns, and much much more. Sample of Contents
Phase I. Sport (Basic) Aerobatics: Basic looping and rolling maneuvers will be first practiced individually, and then assembled into a continuous aerobatic sequence of one maneuver after another. Progressive variations will be added to the maneuvers as we go. Sample of Contents
Phase II. Precision (Intermediate) Aerobatics: Additional precision is applied to all Sport Aerobatic maneuvers. New maneuvers are added, with the emphasis throughout the week on anticipating the proper uses of Rudder to prevail over both wind and engine torque. The result is that pilots are able to maintain an uninterrupted sequence of maneuvers in any condition and enjoy the hightened satisfaction of a flight very well done. Sample of Contents
Phase III. Advanced Aerobatics: Inverted flight, knife-edge, slow rolls, and using rudder to put the finishing touches on all maneuvers. Snap rolls, spins, and vertical maneuvers with options on the up and downlines. 3D Lomcevak, rolling turns, and much much more. Sample of Contents
Note: While 4 example courses are listed here, all aerobatic courses are custom tailored to the skill level and goals of each pilot.
TYPICAL 4-DAY SCHEDULE
Day 1. 9:00 A.M. Ground School start at the flying field. 4-day agenda discussions and setting preliminary goals. Flight evaluations: Reinforcing good fundamentals and correcting any bad-habits. Establishing a parallel foundation and positive control feel. Practice looping and rolling maneuvers, and multiple maneuver combinations. Session review and planning tomorrow's itinerary. Finish approx. 2:00-3:00
Day 2. 9:00 A.M. Ground School start at the flying field. Review of the previous day and current objectives. Assembling maneuvers into a continuous aerobatic sequence. Introducing new maneuvers. Routine practice to develop automatic inputs, timing, and confidence. Session review and planning tomorrow's itinerary. Finish approx. 2:00-3:00
Day 3. 9:00 A.M. Ground School start at the flying field. Review of the previous day and current objectives. Solo Aerobatics: Less walking you through, and more coaching personal key points. Focusing on areas needing extra work. Adding applicable refinements. Session review and planning tomorrow's itinerary. Finish approx. 2:00-3:00
Day 4. 9:00 A.M. Ground School start at the flying field. Review of the previous day and current objectives. More Aerobatics practice. Adding variations to certain maneuvers.Optional: Experience flying a more advanced model type. Session review and planning home flying objectives. Finish approx. 2:00
Day 2. 9:00 A.M. Ground School start at the flying field. Review of the previous day and current objectives. Assembling maneuvers into a continuous aerobatic sequence. Introducing new maneuvers. Routine practice to develop automatic inputs, timing, and confidence. Session review and planning tomorrow's itinerary. Finish approx. 2:00-3:00
Day 3. 9:00 A.M. Ground School start at the flying field. Review of the previous day and current objectives. Solo Aerobatics: Less walking you through, and more coaching personal key points. Focusing on areas needing extra work. Adding applicable refinements. Session review and planning tomorrow's itinerary. Finish approx. 2:00-3:00
Day 4. 9:00 A.M. Ground School start at the flying field. Review of the previous day and current objectives. More Aerobatics practice. Adding variations to certain maneuvers.Optional: Experience flying a more advanced model type. Session review and planning home flying objectives. Finish approx. 2:00
1st RC Flight School has numerous types of electric and gas aircraft to suit every skill level. You are welcome to bring your own airplane, but it is not crucial. Good aerobatic flying is achieved through good planning and an emphasis on controlling the plane instead of reacting to it. While one plane might require more or less elevator than another, the steps that make up the maneuver remain the same. Therefore, whether you fly our planes or your own, the instruction will be equally effective (assuming that when you return home, before anything else, you adjust the controls to match your skill/comfort level and the type of maneuvers you perform).
If you bring your model and use a radio other than Spektrum, if possible, we ask that you bring a 2nd transmitter setup as a trainer box. This will enable us to train without reservation or fear of crashing until skills are learned. More importantly, it allows a seamless transfer of control back to the instructor for demonstration purposes.
If you bring your model and use a radio other than Spektrum, if possible, we ask that you bring a 2nd transmitter setup as a trainer box. This will enable us to train without reservation or fear of crashing until skills are learned. More importantly, it allows a seamless transfer of control back to the instructor for demonstration purposes.
The right training can make an incredible difference in your flying. You can be certain that after investing in a week of aerobatic training at 1st RC Flight School your confidence and skill will be elevated to a point that traditionally would have taken months or years (if ever) to acquire on your own!
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Notes for Enrollees: We strongly suggest that you acquire the appropriate training manual(s) for your skill level prior to the course to familiarize yourself with the terms and techniques that will be used in your training. Manuals Page
If you can bring your simulator, doing so will be a big help to reinforce the lessons taught earlier in the day and thus ensure greater productivity moving forward.
We do not take a lunch break. If you bring snacks, we recommend that you keep them light to avoid the fatigue that typically follows a normal size lunch. Cold drinks are a must in the summer time. The flight school does not provide a cooler at the field because students usually prefer to arrange their own coolers the night or morning before training.
Weather: While no one can control the weather, efforts will be made to conduct double sessions to build up flying time if rain is forecasted, or to make up for rain delays.
Bring enough clothing for a variety of weather. Average May temps: 50 degrees (morning) 65 degrees (afternoon), June: 50-75, July: 60-85, August: 60-80, September: 50-70. A hat is recommended as well as insect repellent. Sunscreen and sunglasses are necessities!
- "Because of how you organized the material, tailored the lessons to the student’s needs and your constant input, my learning curve rose steadily and left me with the confidence and satisfaction that I could master aerobatics at my home flying field."
JIM KROPELIN. LEWISTON, NY
"I was amazed at how well my Ultra Sport flew once I returned from the school -- somebody must have switched planes on me while I was gone (grin). I notice steady improvements each time I fly and this is something I just wasn't experiencing prior to your courses."DAN HAMMON. BOUNTIFUL, UT
"I cannot be more positive about my experience at the school. There was no other way for me to advance my skills so quickly. I no longer react to what the aircraft is doing, rather I anticipate what to do and control the plane. The smoothness of my flying is improving and I am having more fun flying than ever."KEN WEDDELL. FREMONT, MI
- "I wanted to thank you for the aerobatic training I received this summer. I've received several compliments from club members since attending. I can't think of anything that has impacted my flying in such a positive way in 22 years of flying. All I can say is, the DAS system really works!"
RON GRAHAM. ASHLEY, OH
"I just wanted you to know how much benefit I received from your flight manual. After practicing on the sim until I could do the things in your book, I was able to fly two 5 minute flights with no outside assistance."DEAN EHN. BOULDER, CO
"What a difference a little flight instruction makes!! Even my landings were better!! It is such a pleasure to fly the various maneuvers with competence. The school is the best investment I've ever made!"MARVIN JONES. PRESCOT, AZ
- "Your instructions, coaching, patience and willingness to adapt the curriculum and the airframe to better fit my needs was an incredible experience for me. I was blown away at all we were able to accomplish in such a short amount of time."
TIM BLACK. WASHINGTON, DC
"I'm now flying in much stronger winds than before the course. I actually look forward to windy days more than quiet ones in order to practice serious rudder corrections. As a result I went out in approx. 20plus knot winds. I was having so much fun I tore the servos out of the wings! Got to love this hobby."BELA BALLO. GATES MILLS, OH
"Since the flight school everything has been going perfect. I'm certainly "over the hump" and I now feel comfortable flying in any attitude. Thanks for the great time."LOU SARDELLA. SPARKS, MD
- "The school was without doubt the finest training seminar or short course I've ever taken. Those 4 days rejuvenated my interest and desire to improve. You are an incredible teacher, who mixes the right amount of enthusiasm with an enormous knowledge of flight."
HERB CARPENTER. PLATTSBURGH, NY
"My brother and I are both very pleased with our progress throughout the week long session. We have, and will continue to recommend your flight school to those looking for this type of concentrated, personal attention in sharpening their skills."GARY SMITH. SPRINGFIELD, IN
"My favorite part about attending 1st R/C Flight School is each time that I think you have taught me just about everything there is to learn about flying, you introduce me to exciting new levels of flying I didn't know existed."STEVE SITEK. ATCHISON, KS
- "I just flew for the first time since the course and today was my best day ever at the field. My Loops, Immelmanns and Rolls were by far the best I’ve ever flown. I'm ecstatic. Thanks again for the week David - just the best, pure and simple."
LAWRENCE COTTON. THORNHILL, ONT
"I can honestly say that I have never been more satisfied with any investment of my time, energy and money than I am with the training provided by your school. In my analysis, the return on investment will continue to accrue for as long as I am active in the sport."BOB KOHLER. CEDARBURG, WI
"I want to thank you for a great week at your school. I had been afraid to fly my Kaos, but the first time I flew it back at my home field I had a blast with it. My confidence is at a new high. Flying is so much fun now. Your carwl-walk-run training really works!!!"JOEL SMITH. NORTH GRAFTON, MA