Fly upside down in this Bellanca Decathlon aerobatic trainer! Take one American Champion Aircraft Industries designed light aircraft capable of aerobatics, add one highly experienced instructor, mix in one enthusiastic aviation fan (that's you!) and you get a thrilling experience including inverted flight, stall turns and looping the loop, all from this friendly airfield in Staffordshire.
The Bellanca Decathlon has a reputation as a fantastic aerobatic training plane and are fairly rare in the skies over here, but TV presenter James May has one and being capable of sustaining aerobatic stresses of +6g and -5g it's guaranteed fun in the air. Fully adapted for aerial manoeuvres, this Bellanca Decathlon has semi-symmetric airfoil, fuel injection rather than carburettor, 1.5 gallon header fuel tank and inverted oil system, all for maximising inverted flight.
You will sit alongside the instructor in this two seater strut-braced, high-wing plane with joystick controls and although it may look like a normal light aircraft, once airborne in the Decathlon, you'll be blown away by the aerial agility of this plane as you zoom across the skies at top speed of 155mph, pulling some serious aerobatic manoeuvres. All in all, a superb value choice for someone who wants to experience aerobatics. IntotheBlue also offers a great selection of more traditional flying lessons available at aero clubs and schools around the UK as well as a great selection of aerobatic flights in all types of popular stunt aircraft.
The experience begins with a welcome and pre-flight briefing. The flight will last 20 minutes and includes take off and landing. During this time the pilot will demonstrate a number of aerobatic manoeuvres and usually allows participants the opportunity to take control for a brief while.
Tandem seating configuration. Max speed level 155mph. Engine Power 150hp, g limits +6g and –5g.
This experience runs Monday to Saturday throughout the year.
This flying school is located at Tatenhill Airfield in Burton-upon-Trent. The airfield is convenient for midland customers serving Burton, Derby, Lichfield, Stoke, Stafford and Birmingham.
There is a maximum weight limit of 14 stone and maximum height of 6'6''. There is a minimum age of 14. It is recommended that you avoid having a heavy meal or any alcoholic drink prior to your flight.
Spectators are very welcome to attend and enjoy tea and coffee in the clubhouse. Cameras are welcome to capture the participants exhilarating aviation experience from the viewing areas overlooking the runway.