Yak-52 Aerobatic Flight Option
Back in 2000, I had the invigorating experience of an acrobatic air flight in outside of Valparaiso, Chile. I experienced +6gs and was flying for about 35 minutes in very unusual circumstances. It was one of my sincere thrills of a lifetime. I would highly recommend this kind of experience to anyone, providing your health is okay and meet other requirements.
While visiting Melbourne, visitors have the amazing opportunity to experience an acrobatic flight in a Yak-52. This is a real Russian military aircraft which is in great condition and made available for tourist flights. What would your friends back home say if you photographed Melbourne's skyline upside down while flying inverted at ~430km/h? Some people simply choose to take the flight as a dare or to prove their stomach is stronger thatn they may think.
Anyone interested is asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before a flight. It makes sense to get familiar with safety features of the aircraft. You may not be the pilot, but passengers are required to take this experience with a level of responsibility. Depending on your previous piloting or aircraft experience, you may learn to use the intercom and other systems. All passengers need to be fitted for a safety harness and to learn about emergency procedures.
Your pilot will brief you on what the flight plan. You will have the oppportunity to discuss with the pilot which aerobatics you would like to experience and any particular places of interest you may wish to fly over. Photographic opportunities are available before and after you board the aircraft. You can expect to fly about 45 minutes.
The Yak 52 is stressed to +7/-5 G and capable of speeds of over 400 km/h. With a roll rate in excess of 120 degrees per second and its mind-boggling vertical performance the aircraft completes advanced spins, flips and other manoeuvers. The Yak 52 is equally at home completing gentle turns and dives with the canopy open for a more leisurely flight. This service is made-to-order, based on your own desired experience.
In case you wonder, before the flight, you will be required to sign your life away (so to speak). This relates to liability. If you're willing to take the risk to see Melbourne upside down, you must also realize that you take things into your own hands willingly, and accept not to bring legal procedings if something goes wrong. As such, you'lll be required to sign an ‘Acknowledgement of Conditions' form for flight in a limited category aircraft (CASA requirement). Then your adventure will begin and you'll have the most incredible story to tell!
