Have a PPL? Try Aerobatics!

Get Into Aeros is an initiative that aims to secure the future of competition aerobatics by encouraging young pilots at the start of their aerobatic careers to get involved at an accessible rate, made possible by generous subsidisation. We hope that some of you may one day join our national teams and we could even find a future champion or two, not to mention long-term members for our Association.

The event will give LAPL/PPL holders an insight into the sport and the chance to try it for themselves, in a two-day event that will be held at Popham Airfield on 11/12th May 2024 and cost £200. No previous aerobatic experience is required!

So, what will actually happen at this event?

The Flying

Inarguably the most exciting part of the event: participants will undertake two flights with an experienced instructor; one c. 40 minute training flight away from the airfield, where you will learn a Club-level sequence, and a c. 20 minute second flight that will take you straight into the box to fly the sequence a couple of times (you will have the chance to do a practice in the box first, before the sequence that 'counts'!). Our judges will provide critique for the sequences flown in the box.

Briefings & Presentations

First of all, a detailed briefing will be given on the structure of the event, how competitions work, and the sequence you will be flying. Throughout the event, additional presentations will be given by British Aerobatics members - including previous Get Into Aeros participants -  on how to get involved in the sport, and some of the opportunities available to you. It is also a great opportunity to chat to them and find out more about aerobatics in general.

Practice Flights

You will have the chance to watch British Aerobatics pilots - from Club to Unlimited level - practice competition sequences in the box, along with commentary explaining what the judges are looking for in their flying. This will give you an idea of the increasing complexity of the different levels, but also show that it’s not all the very complicated stuff you may have seen by our top pilots.

Camping & Food

Free camping will be available on the airfield, should you wish to do so. The airfield café will be serving food throughout the event and there will be a BBQ on the Saturday evening (weather-permitting!), although this is not included in the price. 

Nearby Accommodation

Please check out nearby accommodation on the Popham Airfield website.

A Quick History 

The inaugural event was held in May 2016 and, following on from its success has been held every year since (except 2020 for understandable reasons). The report from the most recent event can be found here. 

Participants from previous events have not only continued their aerobatic training with confidence, but have gone on to compete, work their way up through the different levels of competition and even take home a few medals!

How to Apply

If you have a current UK-issued LAPL/PPL with SEP rating and medical, and are interested in pursuing an exciting career in aerobatics, please fill out the application form below by the closing date: 6th April 2024 (5pm). The Get Into Aeros organising team will review applications and notify applicants by 13th April 2024 if you have been successful or not. We would love to be able to offer places to all applicants, however airfield, aircraft and instructor limitations mean we only have 16 places available for this year. 

No aerobatic experience is required – just enthusiasm for the sport and a UK-issued PPL/medical! If you have any further questions about the event or application process, please email getintoaeros@aerobatics.org.uk

Application Form - Get Into Aeros 2024

Good luck, and we hope to see you in May!

Weather Disclaimer

It goes without saying that anything flying related is at the mercy of the weather and if the weather is looking unfavorable for flying, we will postpone the event and advise participants by 12pm, Thursday 9th May.On postponement, we would look to reschedule the event to a suitable weekend later in the Spring/Summer following discussions with our host airfield. Of course, in the unlikely event of us being unable to put on the event on another weekend, or you are unable to attend the rescheduled event, your £200 will be refunded. 

Get Into Aeros - Club level Explanatory Notes

The Club sequence fully explained