Bespoke coaching for Saudi Academy Instructors

The Oxford Saudi Academy is based at Damman Airport on the Gulf Coast northwest of Bahrain. The operating company ordered two Extra 330LX aircraft from the factory in Dusseldorf and approached the sales team about conversion and training on type.

They had the choice of waiting for the aircraft to be delivered some months later, or arranging pre-delivery training on existing versions of the Extra so that the Academy had pilots trained on type and ready to start operations as soon as the aircraft arrived.

A tender was created and several Approved Training Organisations invited to bid, including Skyhawk Aerobatics who were recommended by the Extra Aircraft sales team.

Unlike fixed based training organisations, I was able to offer a highly flexible and bespoke syllabus tailored specifically to achieve the Academy’s objectives. I set up video meetings with the CEO and Chief Pilot to establish credentials and dialogue. It allowed me to find out more about the candidates, both senior instructors at the Academy, delving into their backgrounds and experience and honing in on exactly what needed to be included in the coaching.

The candidates opted to come to the UK, and a 10-day training programme was agreed. We based at Denham Airfield that has the benefit of all weather operation with easy access to London for some sightseeing during down time!

Saudi Academy 5
Saudi Academy 6
Saudi Academy 1
Saudi Academy 2
Saudi Academy 3
Saudi Academy 4

“I spent 10 days with John Taylor at Skyhawk Aerobatics conducting a differences training course on the Extra 300L, and also a taster on the Extra 300LX. I would like to give John and this course an extremely positive review, and would highly recommend training with John to those thinking about conducting a course or courses with him. His unparalleled knowledge in all things aerobatics, 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 (Extra 330LX), for that I am extremely grateful.

To anyone who is considering aerobatics endorsements, tailwheel endorsement, formation endorsements, or all of the above, it gives me great pleasure to advise you to do it with John at Skyhawks Aerobatics, a master of the game…”

Odessah G, Asst CFI Oxford Saudia Academy

The training syllabus

Approximately 10 hours (20 sorties) of flight time:

  • General handling, alpha appreciation, slow flight, stalls, side slip
  • En-route navigation, fuel trim, emergency drills (PFL)
  • Circuits, power settings, EFATO, overhead PFL, performance landing, long runway
  • Upper air exercises, advanced handling, spin training (erect & inverted)
  • Aerobatics, velocity & energy management, sight lines
  • Gyroscopic properties
  • Basic formation training (if required)

Classroom sessions:

  • Human Factors, appreciation of G Force, physical limitations
  • Basic engine systems, aerobatic fuel and oil management
  • Airframe limits, cockpit configuration
  • Emergency procedures – parachutes (if worn), Egress Procedure
  • Recovery from unusual attitudes
  • Environmental and noise

Both candidates learned to handle the Extra 300 quickly and to a very high level of proficiency, so there was time at the end of the programme for a “day out” to Ultimate Aerobatics at White Waltham. There I was able to introduce them to the challenges of close formation aerobatics, assisted by Ultimate Aerobatics’ highly experienced instructor, Mike Collett. It was an excellent end to a concentrated training programme that was both hard work and enjoyable but, more importantly, achieved exactly what the candidates need on their return to the Saudi Academy.