How Long Does an Aerobatic Flight Last?
Ten minutes in the air on the First Flight package, twenty on Adrenaline, up to fifty on Masterclass. Plan about ninety minutes at the airfield in total. The flight is short deliberately, and it is worth understanding why before you assume longer would be better.
The timings
| Package | In the air | Briefing and debrief | Total on site |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Flight | up to 10 min | about 20 min | about 90 min |
| Adrenaline | 20 min | about 35 min | about 90 min |
| Masterclass (PPL(A)) | up to 50 min | extended, with analysis | half a day |
Why so short
Three reasons, the first of which outweighs the other two.
The participant. Responses to G loading vary. There is no universal duration that guarantees comfort or prevents symptoms.
The aeroplane. An aerobatic sequence in a 300 hp engine burns fuel at a rate that has nothing in common with cruising flight, and the airframe accumulates fatigue cycles that drive the maintenance programme. Aerobatic time is expensive time.
The sequence. Twenty minutes is enough for the full repertoire with recovery between figures. The actual sequence depends on the programme and conditions.
Where the rest of the ninety minutes goes
- Arrival, paperwork and the safety statement, about 10 minutes.
- Briefing, 20 minutes or more: the figures, the breathing technique, the harness, the parachute, how to say stop.
- Kitting up and walking to the aircraft, about 10 minutes.
- The flight itself.
- Debrief, flight certificate and photographs, about 15 minutes.
Spectators are welcome throughout and there is no charge for them, so the wait is not dead time for whoever came with you.
Is the flight time net or gross?
The advertised airborne time includes the climb and return for landing, not only the aerobatic sequence. The time available for figures depends on the package, conditions and participant.
Should you buy the longer package?
For a first experience, compare the up-to-ten-minute First Flight with the twenty-minute Adrenaline package. Choose according to your preferences and discuss doubts before buying. There is no obligation to request stronger figures.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an aerobatic flight?
Ten minutes in the air on the First Flight package and twenty minutes on Adrenaline. The Masterclass for licensed pilots runs up to fifty minutes. Total time at the airfield is about ninety minutes for the standard packages.
Why are aerobatic flights so short?
Duration follows the package and operational plan. A short flight does not eliminate the risks of G loading, and there is no fixed enjoyment or tolerance threshold for everyone.
Is the quoted flight time net aerobatic time?
No. Advertised airborne time includes climb and return for landing. The time available for figures depends on the programme and conditions.
How long should I allow at the airfield?
About ninety minutes for the First Flight or Adrenaline packages, covering paperwork, briefing, kitting up, the flight and the debrief.
Can I book a longer flight than twenty minutes?
Yes, through the Masterclass package, which runs up to fifty minutes but requires a valid PPL(A) licence, because at that length you are flying rather than riding.
Fly it yourself
Aerobatic flights in the Extra 300L SP-EKS from Radom-Piastów (EPRP), 100 km from Warsaw. From 2,222 PLN, no licence or experience required. Gift vouchers are issued as a PDF after payment confirmation and stay valid for 12 months.