Who Can Fly Aerobatics
No pilot licence or previous flying experience is required for an introductory flight. You must meet the participation requirements, fit the equipment and discuss any health concerns before booking.
The three hard limits
| Limit | Value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 13 years | Under 18 requires a parent or legal guardian to sign consent on site |
| Maximum weight | 110 kg | Aircraft mass and balance limits, and the emergency parachute rating |
| Maximum height | about 195 cm | Canopy clearance and harness geometry in the rear seat |
These are the limits of our offer, not a medical assessment or a universal rule for every Extra aircraft. Equipment fit, mass, balance and the aircraft documentation must also be checked.
Age in practice
Thirteen is the minimum, and teenagers are often the best participants we fly, because they arrive without the accumulated apprehension adults bring. A parent or legal guardian has to be present to sign the consent, so plan for that when booking. There is no upper age limit as such, but see the medical section below.
Medical contraindications
The following rule out a flight:
- Serious cardiovascular disease, including uncontrolled hypertension and a recent cardiac event.
- Epilepsy or any condition involving loss of consciousness.
- Pregnancy.
The following need a conversation, not necessarily a refusal:
- Age over 70, or any cardiac history: consult your doctor before booking.
- Recent surgery, particularly abdominal or eye surgery.
- Back or neck problems, including a disc history. Sustained +G compresses the spine and this matters.
- Inner-ear conditions, recent middle-ear infection or blocked sinuses. Flying with a head cold is unpleasant on descent regardless of aerobatics.
- Detached retina history or high eye pressure.
Discuss these matters before buying. The pilot cannot provide medical clearance, and a modified sequence does not automatically make a health condition compatible with aerobatics.
Individual suitability
Fitness alone does not establish suitability for aerobatics. Follow the participation requirements, discuss health concerns with your doctor and report symptoms to the pilot during the flight.
Anxiety and fear of flying
Reactions vary. Tell the pilot about anxiety before boarding, and do not take part under pressure from a gift or a group. The briefing explains the programme and communication but does not remove all uncertainty or risk.
For pilots
If you hold a licence, different rules apply to what you can do rather than to whether you can fly. A PPL(A) holder can book the Masterclass package and handle the controls. Flying aerobatics as pilot in command requires the aerobatic rating, which is a separate course with its own prerequisites: PPL(A) or higher, 40 hours as pilot in command, and a valid medical certificate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for an aerobatic flight?
Thirteen years. Participants under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to sign consent on site.
Is there a weight limit for aerobatic flights?
Yes, 110 kg. The figure comes from certified aircraft mass and balance limits and from the rating of the emergency parachute, so it cannot be waived.
Is there a height limit?
About 195 cm, set by canopy clearance and harness geometry in the rear seat.
Which medical conditions prevent an aerobatic flight?
Serious cardiovascular disease, epilepsy or any condition involving loss of consciousness, and pregnancy. Participants over 70 or with a cardiac history should consult a doctor first, and recent surgery, back or neck problems and inner-ear conditions should be discussed at the briefing.
Do I need to be physically fit?
Fitness alone does not establish suitability for aerobatics. Check the participation requirements and discuss health conditions and medicines with your doctor before booking. The pilot cannot provide medical clearance.
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.