ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN AEROBATIC CLUB
The Australian Aerobatic Club (AAC) was formed in 1970. The club was formed to foster interest in the sport by providing opportunities to train and compete. For pilots and non-pilots alike the club also provides opportunities to learn and practice the judging techniques of competition aerobatics. Archived Club Result History is available on-line.
The AAC is responsible for the administration of the sport of aerobatics in Australia. It acts through the Australian Sport Aviation Confederation Incorporated, which is in turn responsible to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI). The FAI is the international organisation, which is responsible for the regulation of aviation sports worldwide. The governing commission of the FAI, which regulates sport aerobatics, in particular is called the Commission Internationale de Voltige Aerienne or CIVA. Australia sends one delegate with full voting rights to theannual CIVA meeting.
AEROBATIC COMPETITION
Over the years, with advances in aircraft design, an internationally recognised sport has developed:- Competition Aerobatics. The sport should not be confused with the kind of aerobatics seen at air shows, commonly known as ‘stunt flying’. Competition aerobatics is a very exacting sport which demands high levels of skill, discipline and concentration on flying. A predetermined sequence of manoeuvres is carried out in a small cube of airspace known as the ‘aerobatic box’. Pilots can fly at different levels of competition from Entry Level to Unlimited depending on their level of skill and the performance capabilities of their aircraft.
AEROBATIC AIRCRAFT
You will probably gain your initial acrobatic endorsement in a Cessna Aerobat, Airtourer, Robin/Alpha, Citabria or Decathlon. These types are often used in lower competition categories. At higher levels, the Pitts Special, the Sukhoi, Extra, Yak, CAP, Laser, DR-107 and Giles type of aircraft are used because of their greater performance.
HOW CAN I START?
While undergoing training as a student pilot you can request that aerobatics be incorporated as part of your training. A log book endorsement can be inserted into your log book by your instructor who must already be approved to give aerobatic instruction. There are only 5 basic aerobatic manoeuvres. They are loops, rolls, snap rolls (flick rolls), stall turns and spins. All other aerobatic manoeuvres are combinations of these 5 basic manoeuvres. This will normally take 5-10 hours. Once you join the club you may then benefit from expert critiquing from experienced competition pilots.
Once you have obtained your basic aerobatic endorsement you will be restricted to performing manoeuvres above 3000 feet above ground level. Members of the AAC can train for a Low Level Aerobatic Approval which permits them to fly their manoeuvres in certain categories down to lower levels. The minimum level for competitions is 100 metres above ground level.
Contests are held on a regular basis to increase competition experience. A Judge’s Home Study Course is available for pilots and aspiring judges.
AAC AND THE CHAPTERS
The Australian Aerobatic Club is a company managed by a Committee elected by the members comprising the President, Club Captain, Honorary Treasurer and six committee members. The Committee also appoints a Secretary or Honorary Secretary.
The Chapters are independent organisations however the AAC Secretary administers the membership of all.
Copies of the AAC internal documentation and procedures can be requested by emailing your request to the AAC Secretary at: secretary@aerobaticsaustralia.com.au
Read more about competition Aerobatics at Wikipedia