Aerobatics4You

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a display last?

A: The industry norm for a solo display is probably somewhere around 7 to 8 minutes. That doesn't sound long but experience shows that no matter how spectacular the flying, after a while the audience has probably seen enough and need a break: you can have too much of a good thing. When we display with two or three aircraft there is a variation in style, formation which is generally more flowing and graceful contrasted with the punchy, wild tumbling style of the solos and we'll therefore fly for up to 13 minutes or so.

Q: Can you provide a commentator?

A: Usually yes if you want one.

Q: What are the costs involved in booking a display from you?

A: There are three component costs. The first is the CAA fee. Second would be the cost of positioning, getting to you if your display is some distance away. Third is the fee for the display itself. If we can't display, say because of bad weather, then there's no fee to us. We may have to reach an agreement before hand about the positioning cost if we've get part way and return because of weather: we would keep this amount to a minimum. Give one of us a call and we'll get straight back with a quote.

Q: How can we afford a display on a tight budget?

A: Easy, get someone or an organisation to sponsor the display item in return for some exposure from the commentator. We can even attach self adhesive advertising logos to the aircraft for the day for example. This is the way a lot of the larger display organisers operate and it works.

Also, at Aerobatics4you.com we'll do our very best to provide a flying display to meet your budget requirements.

If you're getting married or celebrating a special occasion you could opt for a solo unlimited display from one of the high performance Extras, the 260 or 300.
On the other hand you might be in the mood for some classical aerobatics with a solo display from the Vans RV4.

If you're at the planning stage for the next village carnival and want something that little bit special then how about a duo? Some formation and synchronized aerobatics from the two Extras and a solo performance from each aircraft in turn. You'll like the cross overs!!

Of course you could just indulge yourselves a little bit couldn't you and have all three aircraft! Why not? It's probably cheaper than you think: give us a call or send us an e mail with your ideas and we'll see what we can do for you.

Q: Do you need any special permission for a display, and if so how do you get it?

A: Most of the time yes you do, but not always. It all depends on whether your display is open to the public or whether it's a private event. A large flying display or a display at your local village fete is obviously an event open to the general public and would require us to obtain a permission from the Civil A.viation Authority (CAA). If your display is private, a wedding for instance, we need an exemption but it's only required if you want the aircraft to fly below 500 feet. In air law speak we're talking about an exemption from the 500 foot rule. If you don't then there's no fee at all to the CAA.

Q: What are the costs involved with these permissions or exemptions?

A: Permission for an event open to the public is £167 to the CAA. An exemption from the 500 ft rule is £100. The fee is non returnable and we do not see a penny of it: honest! The CAA charges are administrative.

Q: How much notice do you need?

A: As far as the CAA are concerned during the busy summer months, 42 days is the ideal from the point of view of letting other airspace users know about the display. Very short notice, say a week, is not impossible but is best avoided.

Q: How and when do we pay?

A: We usually pay up to the CAA to get the ball rolling so that you can pay the entire fee after the event by cheque or just pay for the CAA fee beforehand, it's up to you: we'll know where you live so don't worry about that!

Q: What about location? Could you display over the town or city centre?

A: No is the short answer. We're not allowed to perform aerobatics over built up areas or buildings with people or livestock in them. Ideally you're looking at wide open areas: it's common sense really but people do ask.

Q: How do you decide whether a site is suitable for a display?

A: Free of charge we do a site survey either in person by road or from the air. We also submit a drawing with the application to the CAA on a 1:50 000 Ordnance Survey map showing the display area, car parking and spectator areas. We also like to know if there are any hazards in the area, pylons, masts etc. It's a good idea to find out whether there are any noise sensitive areas close by so as to minimise the chance of a complaint.

Q: Who has overall responsibility for the display from a health and safety point of view?

A: Responsibility lies with us and in particular the nominated "display director." In the case of a solo display that devolves on the pilot and this named individual appears on the application to the CAA. We also shoulder the insurance burden too.

Q: What about the local police, do they have to get involved?

A: Again that's down to us to contact the three emergeny services before your display to let them know who, where and when. As far as you're concerned there wont be any need for you to get involved; we do this as part of the CAA application. You can see by now that it's not just a case of turning up and flying; safety and attention to detail come with the territory.