Aerobatic Flight Safety and Operations Checklist
This aerobatic flight safety and operations checklist ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR 91.303 (Aerobatic Flight Restrictions), FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-61 (Aerobatic Competency Program), FAA parachute requirements under 91.307, and International Aerobatic Club (IAC) safety standards. Designed for aerobatic pilots conducting competition or practice flights.
- Industry: Aviation
- Frequency: Per Event
- Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
- Role: Aerobatic Pilot
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: FAA 14 CFR 91.303 Aerobatic Flight Restrictions, FAA AC 91-61 Aerobatic Competency Program, FAA 14 CFR 91.307 Parachute Requirements, IAC International Aerobatic Club Safety Standards, FAA AIM Chapter 8 Medical Facts for Pilots
Pilot Proficiency
Aerobatic pilot currency.
- Pilot current in aerobatic training with instructor?
- Recent aerobatic experience within last 30 days?
- Pilot current on G-tolerance and AGSM (Anti-G Straining Maneuver)?
- All planned maneuvers practiced with instructor before solo?
- Emergency procedures (spin recovery, structural failure) reviewed?
Aircraft Aerobatic Certification
Aircraft aerobatic certification.
- Aircraft certificated in Aerobatic category per TCDS?
- Aircraft G-limits reviewed in POH?
- Maintenance log reviewed for aerobatic-specific inspections?
- Fuel level appropriate for aerobatics (not full tanks)?
- Oil level correct for inverted flight (if aircraft equipped)?
Legal Requirements
FAA aerobatic legal requirements.
- Aerobatics planned above 1,500 AGL minimum?
- Aerobatic area free of Class B, C, D, E airspace (without auth)?
- Aerobatic area not over federal airways?
- Parachute on board for each occupant if maneuvers exceed 60 bank/30 pitch?
- Operating in VMC with required cloud clearance?
Aerobatic Area Setup
Aerobatic box and area safety.
- Area survey completed for obstacles, wires, and terrain?
- Aerobatic area over sparsely populated area?
- Area clear of other aircraft before beginning?
- CTAF or Area frequency being monitored?
- Emergency egress points identified?
Personal Readiness
Pilot physical and mental readiness.
- Pilot rested and not fatigued?
- No medications that affect G tolerance or alertness taken?
- Pilot properly hydrated?
- No alcohol within 8 hours (FAA 91.17 - 8 hours bottle to throttle)?
- Staying within personal aerobatic proficiency limits?
Records
Aerobatic flight documentation.
- Aerobatic time to be logged separately in pilot logbook?
- Aircraft maintenance log updated with aerobatic time?
- Competition flight card completed (if IAC competition)?
- Any structural abnormalities or systems anomalies reported to maintenance?
- Aerobatic Flight Notes
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Why Use This Aerobatic Flight Safety and Operations Checklist?
This aerobatic flight safety and operations checklist helps aviation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for aerobatic pilot professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.
Ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR 91.303 Aerobatic Flight Restrictions, FAA AC 91-61 Aerobatic Competency Program, FAA 14 CFR 91.307 Parachute Requirements, IAC International Aerobatic Club Safety Standards, FAA AIM Chapter 8 Medical Facts for Pilots. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Aerobatic Flight Safety and Operations Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Pilot Proficiency, Aircraft Aerobatic Certification, Legal Requirements, Aerobatic Area Setup, Personal Readiness, Records. It is designed for aviation operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Who should use this Aerobatic Flight Safety and Operations Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Aerobatic Pilot professionals in the aviation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.