PILOTS WHO TRAIN TO PERFORM AT AIRSHOWS

 

If you’ve ever attended an airshow then you’ve seen how impressive airshow pilot performers can be! They fly through the air at great speeds while performing dazzling acrobatic tricks and incredibly intricate maneuvers, much to the delight of the crowds on the ground. Watching airshow pilots is awe-inspiring and exciting, and you might be wondering how these extremely skilled pilots developed their abilities. 

The Journey to Become an Airshow Pilot 

The journey to become an airshow pilot is not an easy one. In addition to having a true love for flying, those interested in becoming an airshow pilot need to follow several steps:

• Obtain a private pilot certificate. This includes logging a minimum of 40 hours in the air, and comes with several other requirements. 
• Obtain a commercial license. For this license you must log a minimum of 250 flight hours. 
• Go to aerobatic school. Here you’ll learn emergency maneuvers, basic aerobatics, high-performance aerobatics, and complex maneuvers. Aerobatic school comes at a steep price of around $8k and is only for those who are serious about pursuing their passion as an airshow pilot. 
• Pass the Aerobatic Competency Evaluation (ACE). This includes performing a choreographed routine, competing in amateur competitions, applying to fly in small-town airshows, getting sponsorship, and then entering larger airshows. 

The Life of an Airshow Pilot 

As you can imagine, the life of an airshow pilot is exciting, fun, action-packed, and often glamorous. However, performing in airshows only takes up a small percentage of a pilot’s time, and the rest of the time is usually spent traveling to the next airshow location, submitting applications to various airshows across the country, signing contracts, completing insurance paperwork, applying for the necessary permits, and of course, keeping their certifications and aircrafts up to date.

Pilots who want to perform in airshows must join the International Council of Airshows (ICAS), and all members are required to renew their membership every two years. So behind the flashy routines in the sky, a lot of work goes into being an airshow pilot. 

How they create their performance routine 

Airshow pilots are performers at heart, and they love putting on a show. First they select their music, and this is important because music sets the mood for the audience. Perhaps they want something fast and dramatic, or maybe they prefer something a little slower but with periodic faster moments throughout. A typical airshow lasts for a song or two.

Once the music has been chosen it’s time to choreograph the routine, and this is where pilots can let their personality show. Some pilots prefer aggressive and daring routines, dipping close to the ground at impressive speeds, while others opt for smoother, sophisticated routines, performing daring yet classic maneuvers above a breathless audience. No matter what kind of airshow you see, we guarantee you’ll be impressed.

For more information on training to become a pilot, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/airshow-pilot-performers/

PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT

Your aircraft is a valuable investment that deserves to be cared for and protected. When not in use, you likely store your aircraft in a hangar, and  for those who don’t have their own hangars, renting is the best option. Did you know you can request a hangar ahead of time to ensure your aircraft is secure and protected from the elements? 

At Monmouth Jet Center we have short-term hangar rentals available for a range of different types of aircraft, and unlike large commercial airports, there’s no waiting list when you choose to request a hangar with us. 

Request a Hangar 

Planning a trip often involves a long to-do list, so be sure you add “request a hangar” to your list! Requesting a hangar with us is simple and straightforward, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. As soon as you know the dates you’ll be storing your aircraft, please give us a call so we can reserve a hangar for you and have it ready upon your arrival. 

If you’ve ever tried to rent hangar space at a commercial airport then you know availability can be scarce and sometimes you have to add your name to a waiting list. Unless you plan a year in advance there’s no guarantee that a hangar will be available when you need it. At smaller, executive airports like Monmouth Jet Center, we have year-round availability and we’re conveniently located close to the Jersey Shore, and just an hour drive to New York City, and several other popular vacation destinations. 

Keep Your Investment Safe 

Storing your aircraft in a hangar is essential to keeping it in top condition. Hangars protect your aircraft from the elements. In the same way you wouldn’t leave an expensive car parked outside on the street overnight, you shouldn’t leave your aircraft exposed and unprotected. When you rent a hangar from us you can rest assured that your aircraft is safe while you enjoy your trip. 

Short Term Hangars at Monmouth 

Short-term hangar rentals at Monmouth Jet Center are flexible and suited to your needs. Whether you’re traveling for business and only need a hangar for a few days, or you and your family are taking a summer vacation to the Jersey Shore and you’re interested in renting a hangar for a week or two, we have options for you. Although we can usually always accommodate you upon short notice, we recommend you plan ahead if possible, so please give us a call when you know your travel dates so we can reserve a hangar for your aircraft. 

For more information about requesting a hangar, or if you have any questions about the process and how it works, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. We look forward to hearing from you. 

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/requesting-a-hangar/