Your pre-flight meal
The simple rule: eat lightly, two to three hours before your slot. A completely empty stomach is not a good idea — it lowers your tolerance for exertion and dizziness comes on sooner. A heavy meal just beforehand does not help either, because active digestion mixes badly with aerobatics.
- Do: something light and dry — bread, cereal, yoghurt, fruit, a small snack.
- In moderation: coffee; one is fine, three is not.
- Avoid: very fatty or spicy food and fizzy drinks.
- Never: alcohol, including the evening before the flight.
Drink water as normal — dehydration makes dizziness worse.
Motion sickness: what actually helps
Motion sickness happens when your inner ear and your eyes send the brain information that does not match. In aerobatic flight, the most common trigger is letting your gaze wander around the cockpit during a manoeuvre. A few simple things make a real difference:
- Look into the distance. The horizon or a fixed point outside the aircraft, not the instrument panel.
- Breathe slowly and deeply. Short, rapid breathing makes the discomfort worse.
- Keep your head straight. Keep your head supported and in line with your body during the manoeuvres.
- Tell the pilot. Do not wait for it to pass on its own. The pilot can reduce the intensity or fly straight and level for a few minutes.
When it is best to ask your doctor first
Aerobatic flight is a genuine physical demand: G-forces load the spine, briefly change blood circulation and require muscular effort. We are not in a position to carry out a medical assessment, and we do not. So if any of the following applies to you, our advice is to speak first with the doctor who knows your history:
- Heart conditions or uncontrolled blood pressure.
- Spine, neck or back problems, including disc herniation.
- Pregnancy.
- Epilepsy or other neurological conditions.
- Inner-ear conditions, vertigo or balance problems.
- Recent surgery or an ongoing recovery period.
- Long-term medication that affects alertness, blood pressure or balance.
If none of the above applies and you are in good health, you need no special preparation and no previous flying experience.
Aerobatic trainer vs. competition aerobatic aircraft
Not all aircraft approved for aerobatics are the same. Put simply, there are two families. Competition aerobatic aircraft are built for maximum performance: high roll rates, a higher performance category and, as a rule, seating in tandem — the passenger sits behind the pilot. Aerobatic trainers are built for people to learn aerobatics on: predictable handling, dual controls and, often, side-by-side seating.
At Vulturașul we fly a Robin R2160 (Alpha Sport), from the second family: designed specifically as an aerobatic trainer, certified in the utility and aerobatic categories, with limits of +6/−3G, with side-by-side seating and dual controls.
The manoeuvres, explained in plain language
Loop
The aircraft climbs vertically, goes onto its back at the top and comes back down, closing a full circle in the vertical plane. The strongest G-forces come at the bottom of the loop; at the top you get a few lighter moments, with the sky below you and the sea above.
Roll
The aircraft turns around its own longitudinal axis, like a barrel, while keeping its direction of flight. The horizon rotates all the way around you in a few seconds. It is the manoeuvre the body copes with most easily, and usually the first one people ask to do again.
Spin
A controlled descending rotation: the aircraft comes down while turning around a vertical axis. It looks dramatic, but it is a manoeuvre with a clear entry and recovery procedure, flown at an altitude that leaves ample margin. It is part of the Full Aerobatic flight.
Inverted flight
A few seconds with the aircraft on its back, you hanging in the harness and the ground above your head. This is where the 5-point harness proves its worth, holding you firmly in the seat. Also part of the Full Aerobatic package.
What 4–6G feels like
1G is your normal weight, here on the ground. At 4G your body presses into the seat four times harder: a raised arm becomes heavy, your cheeks are pulled down and moving your head takes conscious effort. At 6G the sensation is stronger, but it lasts a few seconds — not the whole flight. The manoeuvres alternate with stretches of calm flying.
At the briefing the pilot explains how to breathe during a manoeuvre: you tense your abdominal muscles and breathe in short bursts, which helps maintain blood pressure and clear vision. It is simpler than it sounds and most people get it on the first try. The Introduction to Aerobatics works at 3–4G, and Full Aerobatic at 4–6G.
One thing that reassures everyone: the aerobatics stop at any point, at the passenger's request. There is no such thing as "you have to see the manoeuvre through".
Flight conditions and what to bring
The passenger weight limit is 100 kg maximum, a requirement of aircraft balance and performance rather than an arbitrary rule. The minimum age is 10 years, and under-18s need the consent of a parent or guardian. No previous flying experience is required.
- Photo ID (and parental consent for under-18s).
- Comfortable, loose clothing and closed shoes.
- A thin extra layer — it is cooler at altitude than on the beach.
- Water.
- Empty pockets: anything unsecured moves around the cockpit during manoeuvres.
The practical details — how the date is set, weather reconfirmation and how long the visit to the airfield takes — are on the how to book an aerobatic flight.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my phone or camera in the aircraft?
Only if it is securely mounted and the pilot agrees. A phone held loosely in your hand becomes a projectile at 4G and can jam the controls. Ask at the briefing what filming options are available.
I wear glasses. Is that a problem?
Generally not, but do mention it to the pilot at the briefing. Sunglasses and caps usually stay on the ground.
What happens if I feel unwell during the flight?
You tell the pilot and the aerobatics stop. The flight continues straight and level, or returns to land. There are disposable bags in the cockpit for exactly this — nobody is surprised.
Do I need to be physically fit?
No training is needed. A good night's sleep, being hydrated and a light meal matter far more than fitness itself.
Can I fly if I am afraid of heights?
Many passengers who are afraid of heights do fine, because the sensation in an aircraft is different from standing on a building — there is no vertical reference point. Start with a Smooth Flight if you want to ease into it.
Do you fly in winter?
The season runs from spring to autumn, when the weather allows aerobatics to be flown safely. As the gift card is valid for 24 months, a winter purchase can comfortably be used the following season.
What next
You know what to expect. Now for the good part.
Choose the package that suits you and we will agree the date together.
See the flight packages