I am interested in aerobatics but don't know where to start. I know I have high hopes in the aviation community but I thought it would be great to one day perform at air shows. I'm confident that it can be done if I can have a little help and get the right heading on where to start. The problem is, I'm just an average Joe and not exactly bathing in money.
The best way to get into aerobatics is to get as much tailwheel time as early as you can, and just let it be a natural progression. Get some basic (but good) training in a Citabria/Decathlon type. Get advanced spin training (not in a 172). As Henning mentions, a Pitts S-1 is the best bang for the buck aerobatic plane. You will really need your own aerobatic plane to develop good aerobatic skills. You won't figure out what type of aerobatic flying you want to do until you get some experience.
It's fine if you have a goal in the back of your mind of flying airshows. Just understand that since you haven't started yet, that it's putting the cart before the horse a bit in thinking about airshow flying at this point. Be prepared for the fact that airshow flying may not be for you. Have you done aerobatics at all yet? If not, be prepared for the fact that serious aerobatic flying itself may not be for you. You're thinking about your destination before you have the experience needed to give you any perspective on this stuff.
But if you get into aerobatics and really like it, understand that airshow flying is not about having exceptional aerobatic skills. It does not take a high level of skill to obtain a beginner 800' AGL waiver and start flying shows. Almost anyone who can flop through a basic loop, roll, and spin in a consistently safe manner can get a minimal SAC (statement of aerobatic competency). You just need to demonstrate this to an ACE (aerobatic competency evaluator) who will mentor you through this process, and airshow safety, etc.
Becoming a successful airshow pilot is more about marketing yourself to airshow organizers, having a desirable "act", and having the personal skills to make connections and deal with folks well. Having a safe, professional attitude is essential. You'll start out flying small little local airshows. Don't plan on going straight to Oshkosh.
And don't have any illusions that you will make much money flying airshows. You will not make a living, so don't plan on it being a career. Most airshow pilots do it because they want to, and they can afford it, and have the time. Most have (or had) other sources of income. This is not meant to discourage, but it's the way it is.
And keep in mind that competition acro provides a good foundation for airshow flying. It forces you to learn good fundamental skills, flying within a confined space, and just general aerobatic discipline. Don't be in a hurry to go too far too fast. That's a good way to get killed. Just let it be a natural progression. You'll figure it all out. Good luck.
