Weight and Aerobatic Flying
Our standard participant limit is approximately 110 kg. Near or above that figure, ask before buying. Mass, balance, equipment fit and the aircraft flight manual require individual checking; reducing fuel is not a promise that the flight will be possible.
Where the number comes from
Mass and balance. Every aircraft has a permitted weight range and a permitted centre of gravity range, both set out in the flight manual. In a tandem aeroplane the rear seat sits behind the centre of gravity, so a heavier participant moves it aft. An aft centre of gravity changes the handling in exactly the regime aerobatics operates in: spin recovery, high angles of attack, pitch response under load.
The parachute. Emergency parachutes carry a maximum rated weight. Above it, the descent rate on the reserve is higher than the canopy was designed and tested for. This limit belongs to the parachute manufacturer and no operator can extend it.
Load factors. Structural limits are expressed as a load factor multiplied by mass. At +6G, every kilogram in the rear seat is six kilograms of force on the airframe. A heavier occupant reduces the margin, so permitted G is itself a function of mass in the flight manual.
Why it cannot be negotiated
Because all three limits are documented by somebody who is not us: the aircraft manufacturer, the parachute manufacturer and the certification authority. An operator who offers to stretch a published limit is telling you something useful about how they treat the limits you cannot see.
What weight does to the flight itself
Within the permitted range, a heavier crew combination climbs more slowly and loses energy faster in vertical figures. In practice the pilot adjusts the sequence: entry speeds change, vertical lines get shorter, and some figures are flown lower in the energy budget. The pilot plans the sequence for the actual aircraft configuration and conditions.
Height, separately
The other limit is about 195 cm, and it has nothing to do with weight. It is canopy clearance and harness geometry: you have to fit in the seat with the canopy closed, with the harness sitting correctly on your shoulders and hips, and with your head clear of the structure under load. Long legs are usually fine. A long torso is the limiting dimension.
If you are close to the limit
Tell us when you book rather than on the day. If you are within a couple of kilograms we will check the actual numbers for the planned configuration and give you a straight answer. Turning up at the airfield and finding out there is a serious problem is the outcome everybody wants to avoid, especially after a 100 km drive.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weight limit for an aerobatic flight?
Approximately 110 kg is our standard offer limit, not a universal rule for every Extra. Ask before buying near or above that limit; actual mass, balance, equipment and flight-manual limitations must be checked.
Why can the weight limit not be waived?
Because it is documented by the aircraft manufacturer, the parachute manufacturer and the certification authority rather than by the operator. Nobody at the airfield has the authority to extend it.
Does the participant weight affect how the flight is flown?
Within the permitted range, yes. A heavier crew combination loses energy faster in vertical figures, so entry speeds and line lengths are adjusted. Participants do not notice, because the sequence is built around the conditions.
Is there a height limit as well?
About 195 cm, set by canopy clearance and harness geometry rather than by weight. Torso length is usually the limiting dimension rather than leg length.
What if I am close to the limit?
Say so when booking rather than on the day, and we will check the numbers for the planned configuration and give a straight answer.
Fly it yourself
Aerobatic flights in the Extra 300L SP-EKS from Radom-Piastów (EPRP), 100 km from Warsaw. From 2,222 PLN, no licence or experience required. Gift vouchers are issued as a PDF after payment confirmation and stay valid for 12 months.