Have a PPL but no aerobatic experience? Try Aerobatics! 

Get Into Aeros is an initiative that aims to secure the future of competition aerobatics by encouraging young pilots at the start of their aerobatic careers to get involved at an accessible rate, made possible by generous support from Philip Meeson and the Honourable Company of Air Pilots. We hope that some of you may one day join our national teams and we could even find a future champion or two, not to mention long-term members for our Association.

The event will give LAPL/PPL holders an insight into the sport and the chance to try it for themselves, in a two-day event that will be held at Popham Airfield on 17/18th May 2025 and costs £250. No previous aerobatic experience is required!

So, what will actually happen at this event?

The Flying

Inarguably the most exciting part of the event: participants will undertake two flights with an experienced instructor; on each flight, you will complete a training flight away from the airfield, leaning about spin and unusual attitude recovery, before learning how to fly a number of basic aerobatic manoeuvres. In the second flight, you will refine your skills and your instructor will 'judge' some manoeuvres and after you get back on the ground, you will be able to compare your scores with the other participants flying with your instructor. Your instructor will take in-cockpit video of your flights and give these to you after the event. 

Briefings & Presentations

To kick off the weekend, a detailed briefing will be given on the structure of the event, what aerobatics is, an overview of aerobatic aircraft and how to prepare for an aerobatic flight. You will also talk through the manoeuvres you will learn with your instructor and be 'judged' on in your second flight. Throughout the event, additional presentations will be given by British Aerobatics members - including previous Get Into Aeros participants - how to get involved in the sport, take your next steps on your aerobatic journey and an overview of how an aerobatic competition works. It is also a great opportunity to chat to our members and find out more about aerobatics in general.

Demonstration Flights

You will have the chance to watch British Aerobatics pilots - from Club to Unlimited level - practice competition sequences in the box, with commentary explaining what the judges are looking for in their flying. This will give you an idea of the increasing complexity of the different levels, but also show that it’s not all the very complicated stuff you may have seen by our top pilots. 

Camping & Food

Free camping will be available on the airfield, should you wish to do so. The airfield café will be serving food throughout the event and there will be a BBQ social on the Saturday evening (weather-permitting!), although this is not included in the price. 

Nearby Accommodation

Please check out nearby accommodation on the Popham Airfield website.

A Quick History 

The inaugural event was held in May 2016 and, following on from its success has been held every year since (except 2020 for understandable reasons). The report from the most recent event can be found here. 

Participants from previous events have not only continued their aerobatic training with confidence, but have gone on to compete, work their way up through the different levels of competition and even take home a few medals!

How to Apply

If you have a current UK-issued LAPL/PPL(A) with valid SEP rating and medical, and are interested in  aerobatics, please fill out the application form below by the closing date: 12th April 2025 (5pm). The Get Into Aeros organising team will review applications and notify applicants by 19th April 2025 if you have been successful or not. We would love to be able to offer places to all applicants, however airfield, aircraft and instructor limitations mean we only have 16 places available for this year.

Get Into Aeros 2025 - Application Form

No aerobatic experience is required – just enthusiasm for the sport and a UK-issued PPL/medical! If you already have an Aerobatic Rating, please keep an eye out for applications opening for our Get Into Aeros - Contests event at Leicester 9/10th August or alternatively reach our to any of our Preferred Training Partners or Training Centres. If you have any further questions about the event or application process, please email getintoaeros@aerobatics.org.uk

Good luck, and we hope to see you in May!

Weather Disclaimer

It goes without saying that anything flying related is at the mercy of the weather and if the weather is looking unfavourable for flying, we will postpone the event and advise participants by 12pm, Thursday 15th May. On postponement, we would look to reschedule the event to a suitable weekend later in the Spring/Summer following discussions with our host airfield. Of course, in the unlikely event of us being unable to put on the event on another weekend, or you are unable to attend the rescheduled event, your £250 will be refunded.