Conversion Training
Skyhawk Aerobatics is a recognised Instructional Facility with the Extra aircraft factory near Dusseldorf in Germany and I regularly travel to new and existing owners around the world to guide them through conversion training, recurrent training or a more dedicated introduction to type and its aerobatic capability.
Differences Training
My flying background includes numerous single engine piston aircraft ranging from the Tiger Moth first generation trainer biplane to sophisticated state-of-the-art carbon winged examples. Consequently, you can be assured of quality coaching regardless of whatever aircraft is available to you.
Over the years training aircraft have evolved from first generation biplanes with plenty of built in drag and low horsepower coupled with basic fuel systems. The introduction of composite materials and manufacturing technologies dramatically improved both handling and performance. It is no coincidence that tailwheel configurations offer the best strength-to-weight ratio. However, there are many nosewheel examples that also fly beautifully in classic aerobatic figures such as the Slingsby, Decathlon and Bulldog to name a few.
The challenge is always to adjust your mental approach and to accept the limitations of each airframe. In many older examples aerobatic figures are a lot more difficult to master – try slow-rolling a Tiger accurately to see what I mean!
The best example of a differences training aircraft is the CAP10c. The side-by-side cockpit layout lends itself to direct handling tuition as it is much easier to see and copy the instructor control input.
The seating positions are offset from the flightpath – not by much, but nevertheless enough to make it harder to follow an accurate path through the manoeuvre.
This is not an issue with fore and aft (tandem) seating where you are now definitely on your own and right on the centre-line of flight.
“I spent ten days with John Taylor at Skyhawk Aerobatics conducting a differences training course on the Extra 300L and also a taster on the Extra300LX. I would like to give John and this course an extremely positive review and would highly recommend training with John to those thinking about a course or courses with him. His unparalleled knowledge in all things aerobatic, tailwheel, formation flying and technical knowledge of the Extra aircraft comes from a long career in doing what he does best.
His ability to pass on his knowledge and answer questions in ways that are easy to grasp is a testament to his vast experience in this type of flying, all the while making his training enjoyable and exhilarating. John went over and beyond what we needed to achieve in the differences course and gave my colleague and I the chance to get a feel for formation flying and a feel for the aircraft we have purchased (two Extra 330LX), for that I am extremely grateful.
To anyone who is considering aerobatic endorsements, tailwheel endorsement, formation endorsement, or all of the above, it gives me great pleasure to advise you to do it with John at Skyhawk Aerobatics, a master of the game…. Cheers”
Odessah G – Deputy CFI, Oxford Saudi Academy