The British Aerobatic Association (BAeA) is holding a ‘Get into Aeros’ event in May at Sleap Airfield. This is designed to introduce pilots who are under 30 to the world of aerobatics and the benefits this skill can bring to their flying.

The event is a step towards developing the new generation of aerobatic pilots that could potentially go on to represent Great Britain on the world stage.

Aviation is an activity where pilots can benefit from pushing their skills to the extreme to understand the limits of their aircraft and how to mitigate risk and develop the skills that will enable them to compete at an international level.

Britain has a history of success in aerobatics and the BAeA is now on the lookout for a new generation of pilots to continue that success, their goal is for British pilots to win team and individual medals at future world and European championships.

The ‘Get into Aeros’ event at Sleap airfield will be take place on the 7 and 8 May. The event has proved popular with all 20 places being sold out in just four days. Each pilot will receive two training flights with a qualified instructor which is a great opportunity for them to improve their skill and discover a new sport.

PPL (private pilot licence) training teaches students about ‘unusual attitudes’ and how they can recover and avoid them. This can often become a restriction throughout their pilot careers, and aerobatics teaches them that there is no such thing as an unusual attitude, only that of the pilot. It helps to develop better risk management based on knowledge and ability as well as better recognition of what the aircraft is doing and how to safely control the aircraft even at the extremes of flight.

Red Bull Air Race star and multiple British National Unlimited Aerobatic Champion, Nigel Lamb, will also attend the weekend to give advice. “I fell in love with the three-dimensional freedom of aerobatics during my Airforce training and it has been the cornerstone of my career for 40 years. Not only can you learn to soar with the eagles, but aerobatics teaches you to understand your own limitations and those of your aircraft. I cannot imagine it’s possible to be totally at ease in the air without feeling comfortable in any attitude!

Gerald Cooper, current British aerobatic champion and ranked number 4 in the world will also be in attendance giving his world class display. “If you just want to improve your handling skills and understand your aircraft aerobatics is unrivalled in that respect”.

Once they are through this aerobatics weekend pilots will be able to apply for their BAeA proficiency sign-off to enter aerobatic competitions and start on the road to a competition career in aerobatics.

Although the May event is sold out the BAeA is taking details of pilots for future events on a first come, first serve basis.

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