To the general public, aerobatics are synonymous with stunt flying. This is very untrue however, since aerobatic flying involves precisely defined maneuvres in specially constructed aircraft, limiting risks to the maximum. Aerobatic championships are always flown above a predetermined height, so in case something goes wrong there is always time to react. At airshows on the contrary, pilots fly in relatively close proximity to the ground limiting recovery time in case of misjudgment or technical problems. This does not mean that airshows or aerobatic flying are unduly dangerous, so enjoy the aircraft cavorting through the skies.

As can be seen on this page, most of the aerobatic machines are relatively small but high-powered. Modern construction techniques and composite materials have dramatically increased the aircraft's capabilities in recent years, up to the extent that the pilot becomes the limiting factor.

EAA Super Acro Sport OO-80

The Super Acro Sport was a progressive development of the EAA Acro Sport. It was intended for homebuilders who wanted something more than an ordinary flying machine. It is of course no coincidence that this machine looks very much like a Pitts Special. Why change on a good formula ?

Extra EA.300S D-ESEW

When German aerobatic pilot Walter Extra constructed his Laser kit aircraft, he realised there was a true market for factory-assembled aerobatic machines. His first own product, the EA.230 was based on the Laser but modified to ease series production, albeit on a rather artisanal basis. This aircraft was followed by the higher powered and more streamlined EA.260. There was also interest in a 2-seat training version, so the larger EA.300 came into being. When flown single-seat it could match the previous versions in both performance and aerobatic capabilities. All these aircraft were of mid-wing layout, which had become a standard amongst competition aerobatic aircraft. Yet, a low-wing version, the EA300L, saw the light of day. Finally, this developed into the single seat EA.300S represented by the drawing above. Such is their popularity that Extra aircraft can be found the world over.

This is the low-wing two-seat variant of the original mid-wing EA.260/EA.300. It is capable of the most violent aerobatic maneuvres.

Mudry CAP 10B OO-LAR

Out of Claude Piel's Emeraude, Auguste Mudry developed an aerobatics-capable version called the CAP 10. Its side-by-side configuration and relatively low power make it an ideal training aircraft for the starting aerobatic pilot. In the hands of a capable flyer, however, it can still perform impressive maneuvres. Up to this day, it remains a popular aircraft thanks to its sturdy construction.

Mudry CAP 21 F-GDTD taking off

The CAP 10 and its CAP 20 single seat development, being good aircraft in their own right, offered not enough development possibilities for a true championship winner. Avions Mudry therefore started with a clean sheet of paper and came up with the CAP 21. The good features of the older aircraft were retained, but combined to a higher powered engine and a new wing to make a true high performance aerobatic machine. It remained in production for a short time only, because to cope with the concurrence the CAP 21 had to be developed even further and became the CAP 230.

Sukhoi Su 26 on take-off

Built around a large radial engine, this Russian aerobatic machine is currently one of the best aerobatic mounts available. The picture shows former aerobatic champion Nikolai Timofeev taking off, decidedly the most dull part of its airshow routine. Once in the air, he seems to defy all aerodynamic and gravitational laws, cavorting through the skies in the most impossible attitudes. Apart from the pilot's skill, this also says a lot of the aircraft's strength and power.

Sukhoi Su 29, RA-7802

A twin seat derivative of the Su 26, the Su 29 is as capable as its single-seat brother. Full span ailerons, a large rudder and a powerful engine all add up to one hell of a plane.

Russian aerobatic aircraft are since year powered by radial engines, giving the aircraft a decidedly old-fashioned look. The 1980's Yak 50 is no exception to this. Do not be misled by the looks however, the aircraft are amongst the most capable of the aerobatic bunch !

Basically a twin-seat version of the Yak-50, the 52 sports a rather odd-looking tricycle undercarriage. When retracted, its wheels remain largely exposed minimising the risk of severe damage in the event of a wheels-up landing.

Zlin Z.526 D-EAPH

One of the first post-war aircraft devised specifically for aerobatics, the Zlin series has proven very sturdy. 2-seat variants are in use as aerobatic trainers.

(picture provided by Jan Mattheus)