Group,I wanted to say a quick "HI" to everyone posting here and thank yall for taking the time. I am new to aircraft ownership, new to aerobatics, and filled with questions. Some of those questions have already been answered by what I have read here.
My story...
I recently bought a Pitts S1S after having been out of GA for a decade. I was a 90 hour pilot with no tailwheel time. I had kept myself in the air in different ways over the years but I always wanted something that I could do some serious aerobatics with. Hang gliders, sailplanes and powered paragliders weren't scratching the acro itch!
I knew I would need some serious amounts of training in preparation for the S1S as well as get current on the BFR and tailwheel endorsement. The fine folks at Harvey Rihn in Houston had me up to speed in no time. All it takes is money, lots of it. I flew their Citabria, Decathalon and S2B. I took a spin course and some intro to aerobatics in the 2B. Wow, what an absolute rush when all you had ever flown were 152's and Tomahawks!
Anyway, I got current, got endorsed and got up the nerve to fly my S1S. I now have ten hours and ten flights and I am loving almost every minute of it! (I don't really care for those minutes spent landing!) Needless to say, with my low time I am in no danger of winning the next contest but I sure am having a blast practicing for it!
So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Please be patient with some of the newbie questions I am sure to ask. See yall in the box!
Gus
Hey Gus, welcome to the board, and to the world of aerobatics! You are one of the pilots who have decided to be honest about flying, drop the pretense of personal flying as a frequent mode of practical transportation, and just fly for the fun of it!Congrats on your new-to-you S-1S. I am a pretty new S-1S owner myself (see several previous threads!).
I know the landings may not be your favorite part of each flight, but time spent now in the pattern will pay off in the long run. You don't want to have that nagging worry about the landing in the back of your mind during those loops, right? One piece of advice I got was to fly the heck out of the airplane in the pattern to start off. As you progress, you can gradually expand your envelope of wind and runways. So when you are ready to fly in contests, you won't have to worry (as I do) about getting in to a strange airport.
Sounds like you are well on your way, and have done the right things to prepare. Oh, have you joined IAC and your local chapter? Where are you based?
Tom P.
Tom,Thanks for the input! No, I haven't joined the local chapter yet or IAC either. I have it on a list to do.
I agree with you in reference to flying for fun. I really only have two interests in aviation. Aerobatics and soaring. Pretty much opposite ends of the spectrum but both are a blast.
I am in Houston, TX and there seems to be quite a few active guys/gals in the area.
Gus