In this guide, we will learn about the role of light aircraft in air racing and competitive aerobatics and how pilots train for such extreme sports.
Want to feel like Maverick while flying a light aircraft? Then you need to check out air racing!
Air racing is a thrilling motorsport that is designed for people who feel the need for speed. This sport has been around in some form or the other ever since the first flight back in 1903. Today, proving your skills in an air racing competition and winning is a coveted status that very few pilots get to experience – and at the heart of it all, lies the humble (but modified) light aircraft.
When it comes to manoeuvrability and control, light aircraft are usually the preferred choice for many thrill-seeking pilots. These aircraft are not just designed for pilot training and leisure flying, but they can also be used for competitive aerobatics and air racing.
Both sports are increasing in popularity over the years with many pilots seeking to beat their personal records and establish themselves as the best pilot in the game. In this guide, we will learn about the role of light aircraft in air racing and competitive aerobatics and how pilots train for such extreme sports.
Why Choose Light Aircraft for Aerobatics and Air Racing
Aerobatics requires extreme precision, control, and manoeuvrability. These qualities are seldom found in large and clunky aircraft which is why light aircraft are the preferred choice for such jobs. There are several types of light aircraft. Let’s quickly go over some of the important ones that are used for aerobatics.
Fixed-wing light aircraft are the go-to aircraft for all types of flying needs. These aircraft are built to mimic the design of larger aircraft and have a fixed-wing system and a small, compact, and highly aerodynamic body which allows for smooth flying.
Flex-wing aircraft, on the other hand, are not suitable for air racing or aerobatics because they don’t offer the same precision control and speed found in fixed-wing aircraft.
Flex-wing aircraft have a wing system that consists of a fabric that is wrapped around a rigid skeleton. This type of light aircraft is commonly used for cruising the skies and is an excellent choice for people who want to explore new places or take aerial photographs.
Interestingly though, flex-wing aircraft, although slower, offer a substantially better flying experience than fixed-wing aircraft that have an enclosed cockpit. Flex-wing aircraft are designed without a fuselage in mind. They are built using a trike system with a three-wheel base and a one or two-passenger body. The entire aircraft is exposed to the environment which means that the only thing separating you from the elements is a windscreen. Flex-wings may be able to cruise at 80 to 160 km/h, but they are rarely pushed beyond their limits.
Air racing light aircraft are specifically built to fulfil the needs of pilots who want fast and aerodynamic aircraft that can keep up with their demands while in the air. These aircraft are designed to be highly compact and can reach top speeds of up to 400 km/h which is way more than any other light aircraft.
Here is what you can expect from air racing capable light aircraft:
- Speed
- Control
- Reliability
If you look at a typical light aircraft and a light aircraft designed for air racing, you will notice that both types of aircraft have vastly different designs.
Most fixed-wing light aircraft, like the Piper PA-28 Cadet or the Cessna 150 are fantastic aircraft for training and aerobatics (more on this below), but when it comes to breaking records and speeding past opponents, you need something out of the ordinary. This is where air racing light aircraft take the lead.
Aircraft like the Cassutt IIIM are specifically designed for extreme manoeuvrability and speed. These aircraft can reach top speeds ranging from 400 to 480 km/h!
Almost every light aircraft designed for air racing is modified from existing models. This way, aircraft engineers can use the base of an existing plane and upgrade it to however they see fit to increase its speed and control. These aircraft are also fitted with an upgraded and powerful engine that can output way more power than regular aircraft engines used in light aircraft. Finally, the overall reduced weight of air-racing-enabled aircraft further impacts its speed!
Light aircraft generally weigh anywhere from 450 kgs to up to 3600 kgs. Since these aircraft have a no-frill design, they don’t have to weigh as much as larger aircraft.
Light aircraft also don’t carry as many passengers as other aircraft which further reduces their overall take-off weight (TOW). Light aircraft modified for air racing are even lighter and can usually only seat just the pilot. These planes are redesigned to be even lighter than conventional fixed-wing light aircraft so that the planes can go just a bit faster – because in competitive air racing, every additional boost matters!
The second noteworthy point of light aircraft is that they offer precise control. Ever since engineers were able to crack the code of flight, we have slowly evolved aircraft technology to improve manoeuvrability and increase efficiency.
For example, larger aircraft may have a slower response time when moving in the air but in the case of lighter, compacter, and faster light aircraft, these flying machines can cut through air like a knife!
The aerodynamic body of these super-charged light aircraft also provides better control when flying at high speeds. In fact, the enhanced aerodynamics of these aircraft make them extremely suitable for a range of aerobatic manoeuvres.
Performing aerobatics is all about control and aerodynamics. If the aircraft does not provide precise and quick control and is not designed aerodynamically, then the aircraft might not be able to perform various aerobatics!
Lastly, air racing light aircraft are designed to be extremely reliable. These aircraft are built with a range of onboard instruments that make it easier for the pilot to navigate the aircraft in various conditions.
The inside of the cockpit has a similar layout to what you may commonly find in complex aircraft. These aircraft are also designed with safety in mind! Since these aircraft are designed to perform dangerous stunts and are usually travelling at relatively very high speeds, they are built with redundant safety measures and high-quality materials.
However, a drawback of these aircraft is that they usually require frequent maintenance due to their complex and high-output engine. Regularly maintaining air racing aircraft is extremely important, especially before you intend to compete!
Air Racing in Light Aircraft
Air racing is a popular sport that is gaining more and more traction every year. Many thrill-seeking pilots find this as a great outlet for getting their fix of adrenaline. Air racing is frequently termed as an extreme sport that is performed only by highly trained pilots.
Air racing has a lot of inherent risks, but the reward of being crowned as one of the best pilots is why people go for this thrilling sport! There are several factors that come under air racing. Let’s discuss a few of them:
Types of Air Racing
Air racing has many subtypes. For example, pylon racing is a very common racing format where pilots have to race across a course in the shortest amount of time possible. Similarly, there are cross-country racing and even large competitions like the Reno Air Races. All of these races involve the use of modified high-speed light aircraft, designed for just one thing: maximum velocity!
Air races can be both formal and informal. In each case, the terms of the race are defined before taking off and the stakes are declared if required. Every race has a fixed route and pilots usually follow a course that is marked using pylons. The ground crew carefully monitors the performance of each pilot in a race and considers their lap time based on how soon they reach each checkmark on the course.
The Role of Aerobatics in Air Racing
Air racing is all about speed and agility. The interesting part here is that aerobatics also plays a huge role in air racing. When pilots learn how to race, they tend to first develop a sense of aerobatics.
Why is this important? Well, in aerobatics, a pilot learns various complex and tight manoeuvres that give them an idea about the feel and response time of an aircraft. For example, when taking a sharp left, the pilot will need to take into account how far to pull the stick, how to level the plane, and how to recover from an aerobatic move. Mastering aerobatics gives pilots a huge advantage in the air as it allows them to use these manoeuvring tactics to beat the competition!
Of course, in order to be agile, pilots regularly tweak their aircraft as well until they get the right “feel” from it. These tweaks can be in the form of reducing the overall weight of the aircraft or adjusting the power output of the engine.
Air racing can also involve even more dangerous races like low-altitude racing where pilots can fly as low as 250-500 feet above ground level! For this type of race, a light aircraft is the best bet because it can allow the pilot to steer through the skies safely and quickly! This type of race is quite popular and is an excellent option for people who want the most adrenaline-pumping experience.
Following the Rules
Air racing has generally one implicit rule: be fast and leave the other aircraft on your six! However, in reality, there are a lot of rules that pilots need to follow in order to not be disqualified for a race. For example, air racing is performed according to various class categories. Every aircraft that enters a race is categorised according to the engine size, modification, aircraft type, and more.
Pilots are also expected to finish the race in the most professional way possible. This means that they have to pay extra attention to safety precautions and race within human and aircraft limitations.
Please keep in mind that this is an extreme and dangerous sport that can be very risky, especially if you are not trained. There have been many documented air racing accidents – and almost all of them occur because pilots try to push past the safety limitations.
Light Aircraft for Aerobatics and Training
As explained above, aerobatics and air racing are interlinked since air racing may require the pilot to learn basic and complex aerobatic manoeuvres to outwit their opponents. Light aircraft are an excellent choice for not just learning how to fly, but also how to master the art of aerobatics.
Flight schools like Sherburn Aero Club have a fleet of highly maintained light aircraft that are regularly used to train pilots for both Private Pilot Licenses and Commercial Pilot Licenses.
If you want to take part in air racing, then you will have to start with the basics. Learning how to fly is a great privilege that few people get to enjoy. If you have decided to step into the world of aviation, then congratulations! All you need to do now is to enrol in a flight school and get started on your training.
Sherburn Aero Club has a team of experienced flight instructors that are also trained in aerobatics. This means that you can not only learn how to fly but you can also build a strong foundation for air racing early in your aviation journey.
Remember, in order to take part in air racing, you will first need to develop and then prove your skills both on the ground and in the air. After you obtain your Private Pilot License, you will have the freedom to continue training for both aerobatics and high-speed air racing!
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran in various types of light aircraft.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Simon Hurry on Unsplash
