Aerobatics in My Super Decathlon (Video1)

From back in the day.....here's what you'll see: Take-off. Aerobatics Sequence (lined up over a road for a ground reference): Loop, Immelman, Cuban 8 (note the bump at the end where I fly through the point I started out, you'll see this bump a few times), Reverse Cuban 8, Hammerhead with a 1/2 Roll on the down line, Hammerhead, Humpty Bump Backwards, Humpty Bump Forward, Barrel Roll, 1/2 Cuban, Aileron Roll, 2 Point Aileron Roll, 4 Point Aileron Roll, Snap Roll (w/o adding power) and Inverted Flight. Return to the airport and do a Wheel Landing. Entry speeds were 140-135 mph except for the snaproll which was 90 mph. 3 to 3 1/2 g's positive to 1 1/2 g's negative, pretty light stuff. Hope you enjoy the video.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Aerobatics
• Loop
• Roll
• Decathlon
• Plane
• Airplane
• Stunts
• Inverted
• Flight
• 8KCAB
• Biplane
• Barnstorming
• IAC
• EAA

[nvlavtr]

Just a suggestion as a flight instructor...Keep your hand on the throttle!

[snaproll94e]

Your comment got me thinking....why? Safety, energy management or ? I agree it adds a margin of safety with your hand on the throttle. Looking back, when I did acro in planes with fixed props my hand WAS on the throttle. The Decathlon was mine, I had 100s of hrs in it, it had a CS prop & I was flying well within it's flight envelope. I knew what the plane was going to do & how to manage it's energy. Any chance you'd consider I learned more by keeping my hand off the throttle? Think about it!

[MckyMoos]

I know this is a stupid stupid question: but why not get a contraption on the ground that spins you around and flips upside down etc.?

[snaproll94e]

You don't leave me much choice other than to agree with you.  Go somewhere and take a 15 minute aerobatic ride and then come back and let me know what you think. Also, after the ride, think about how much more of a challenge it would have been to learn to fly and make the plane do all of those manoeuvers.

[nvlavtr]

PRACTICAL - Full power is not required in every maneuver. If you train yourself to have to reach for the throttle each time you need to change power, your response will be slow and you'll create a habit pattern that you'll eventually have to "un-learn."

There's always more than one way to do something so your way isn't necessarily wrong but in my experience, I see no positive aspect to holding the brace.

Good luck!

[nvlavtr]

Safety would be my primary reason to recommend having someone's hand on the throttle but I believe it's useful from a practical standpoint as well. Interesting question about learning more with your hand off the throttle but realistically, can't you accomplish the same thing with your hand on the throttle.

SAFETY - If you have a prop break or an engine malfunction or fire that requires an immediate response, having your hand on the throttle could save your life.

[cruiserandmax]

tighten your seatbelt more and you wont feel the need to hold the frame with your left hand as much.. You'll also find it easier to apply hard quick roll inputs with two hands!!

[skydawg98]

Nice job! But I normally ware a parachute for aerobatics!!!! I'm still learning new moves with my Super D. I still haven't tryed an inverted spin yet. Do you have wood or metal spars? Dawg

[DoctorIncredible]

sweet! more videos please!