Aerobatic Training in central Florida

[jsstevens]

I'm getting the aerobatic bug. I've looked at various sites to find training in central Florida and I've only turned up two practical possibilities:
WingOverAerobatics in Leesburg (KLEE) and TheAirplaneCompany in Sanford (KSFB). AirOrlando at KORL (while listed on the FAA site) changed hands and don't offer aerobatics any more. There is an instructor out of Ocala (KOCF) but you have to have your own plane. There is also WarBirds out of Kissimmee (KSIM) but T-6, while cool, is freaking expensive.

Anybody got any experience with any of these or know of any I missed?
I'm leaning toward WingOver because they have a Pitts and a Ziln and recommend instruction in both (5 hours each in their 10 hour acro course). The Extra used by The AirplaneCompany doesn't appeal to me somehow.

John

 

[whifferdill]

You cannot go wrong with Steve Wolf's operation at KLEE. He's one of the most skilled acro instructors anywhere. I think his wife still instructs there too. I hear she's very good as well.

 

[jsstevens]

You cannot go wrong with Steve Wolf's operation at KLEE. He's one of the most skilled acro instructors anywhere. I think his wife still instructs there too. I hear she's very good as well.

Thanks Whifferdill. One other question: I have no tailwheel time. Should I get that first?

John

 

[whifferdill]

Thanks Whifferdill. One other question: I have no tailwheel time. Should I get that first?

Not at all- the landing gear arrangement doesn't matter much as you're doing acro. I assume you're looking for acro training rather than pattern work. Their Zlin is a trike, so I'd imagine that airplane would be yours the entire time. But if you wanted to get a full checkout in the Pitts for some reason (like if you were actually going to buy a Pitts), then it would help quite a bit to get some tailwheel time in a trainer type before Pitts training.

 

[jsstevens]

Not at all- the landing gear arrangement doesn't matter much as you're doing acro. I assume you're looking for acro training rather than pattern work. Their Zlin is a trike, so I'd imagine that airplane would be yours the entire time. But if you wanted to get a full checkout in the Pitts for some reason (like if you were actually going to buy a Pitts), then it would help quite a bit to get some tailwheel time in a trainer type before Pitts training.

Their recommended path is 5 hours in the Zlin and 5 hours in the Pitts. So, I guess I should look into some tailwheel training. (Not that I object, I'd rather get some at some point.)

John

 

[whifferdill]

Their recommended path is 5 hours in the Zlin and 5 hours in the Pitts. So, I guess I should look into some tailwheel training.

Not sure what your goals are. Have a chat with Steve before you do anything.

 

[jsstevens]

Not sure what your goals are. Have a chat with Steve before you do anything.

Sound advice. I'm not entirely sure what my goals are either.

John