What Is an Aerobatic Flight?
An aerobatic flight is a short introductory flight in a certified aerobatic aeroplane during which the pilot flies real figures such as loops, rolls, an Immelmann turn and inverted flight, with load factors reaching around +6G. The participant needs no licence and no flying experience.
The definition, in sixty seconds
Two things have to be true for a flight to count as aerobatic rather than as a scenic flight with a bit of banking. First, the aircraft must be certified in the aerobatic category, which defines the load factors and manoeuvres it is cleared for. Second, the pilot must hold an aerobatic rating. In the European system that is the FCL.800 rating under Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011.
Everything else follows from those two facts. A Cessna 172 certified in the normal or utility category cannot legally fly a full aerobatic sequence with negative G, no matter how the flight is marketed. Ask for the aircraft type, registration and pilot qualifications before booking.
What a figure is
A figure is a structured manoeuvre with a defined flight path and operating limits. For example, a competition loop is judged on its round shape and alignment. The pilot must manage the aircraft’s attitude, speed and available height throughout.
The core repertoire on an introductory flight is the loop, the aileron roll, the Immelmann turn, the split-S, the hammerhead and a stretch of inverted flight. On a longer package the pilot links them into a short sequence, which feels very different from single figures with pauses in between.
Aerobatic flight, aerobatic competition and air display
- Aerobatic flight (what you buy): a commercial introductory flight. The pilot flies, you experience it. The sequence is adapted to you and to the conditions on the day.
- Competition aerobatics: a sport. The pilot flies a defined sequence alone, judged from the ground on precision. Categories run from Sportsman through Intermediate and Advanced to Unlimited.
- Air display: a performance for an audience, flown to a display authorisation with its own minimum altitudes and separation rules.
The figures overlap. The intent, the intensity and the regulatory framework do not.
What the G means
Load factor is expressed in G, multiples of your own weight. A commercial airliner take-off is around +1.2G. A fairground ride is around +2G. Our Adrenaline package reaches up to +6G in positive figures and -4G in negative ones. At +6G your head weighs six times what it does on the ground, so the briefing spends real time on breathing and muscle tensing.
Negative G is the stranger sensation of the two. Instead of being pressed into the seat, you hang in the straps and blood is pushed towards your head. Most people find their first inverted seconds far more disorienting than the pull-up into a loop.
Who can fly
- Minimum age 13; under 18 needs the consent of a parent or legal guardian, signed on site.
- Maximum weight 110 kg and maximum height about 195 cm. Both come from aircraft and parachute limits, not from a judgement about your fitness.
- Reasonable general health. Serious cardiovascular conditions, epilepsy and pregnancy are contraindications; if you are over 70 or have a cardiac history, talk to your doctor before booking.
How the visit runs
- Arrival and paperwork, including the safety statement.
- Briefing: the figures you will fly, how to breathe under load, how the harness and parachute work, and how to tell the pilot you have had enough.
- The flight itself, 10 or 20 minutes in the air depending on the package.
- Debrief, flight certificate, and your video if you bought one.
Allow time for paperwork, equipment fitting, briefing and debriefing as well as the flight. Confirm the meeting time when booking. The duration of a package is not a guarantee of physiological tolerance.
What it costs
On akrobacja.com the entry package is First Flight at 2,222 PLN for up to 10 minutes with up to +4G. The best seller is Adrenaline at 3,111 PLN: 20 minutes, the full sequence, up to +6G. Pilots holding a PPL(A) can book Masterclass at 5,555 PLN net (6,832.65 PLN including VAT) for up to 50 minutes of advanced work. Prices include briefing, fuel, parachute, insurance and debrief.
Frequently asked questions
What is an aerobatic flight?
A short introductory flight in an aircraft certified in the aerobatic category, flown by a pilot holding an aerobatic rating, during which figures such as loops, rolls, Immelmann turns and inverted flight are performed with load factors up to about +6G. The participant needs no licence or experience.
What is the difference between an aerobatic flight and a sightseeing flight?
A sightseeing flight follows a route at roughly level attitude to show you the landscape. An aerobatic flight is flown in a certified aerobatic aeroplane and consists of figures with positive and negative load factors. Different aircraft category, different pilot rating, completely different experience.
Do I need to be fit or trained to fly aerobatics as a participant?
No specific fitness or training is required. General good health is enough. Serious cardiovascular conditions, epilepsy and pregnancy are contraindications, and participants over 70 or with a cardiac history should consult a doctor first.
How many G will I feel?
Up to +4G and -2G on the First Flight package, and up to +6G and -4G on the Adrenaline package. For comparison, an airliner take-off is about +1.2G.
How long does an aerobatic flight last?
Ten minutes in the air on the First Flight package and 20 minutes on Adrenaline, with about 90 minutes on site in total including briefing and debrief.
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.