Stearman Transition

The Stearman transition prepares pilots of all experience levels to act as PIC of the PT-17 Stearman or any of its many variants (N2-S, PT-13, etc.). The course covers normal and emergency procedures, stalls, spin entries, three point landings, wheel landings, crosswind operations, overhead approaches, unusual attitude recoveries and basic aerobatics.

The length of the course varies depending on pilot experience but generally ranges from five to fifteen hours. Students beginning the course should have a tailwheel endorsement. If they do not, one will be completed in the Decathlon prior to beginning training in the Stearman. Contact one of our staff members to discuss your background and we will be able to provide a more precise estimate.

Stearman Aerobatics

The course begins with spins then proceeds to aileron rolls, loops, the 1/2 Cuban 8, the Immelmann, Split-S, and full Cuban 8. Once the maneuvers are mastered, a tailwheel transition is completed consisting of three point landings, wheel landings, crosswind operations, and bounce and swerve recovery. A student with no prior tailwheel experience can expect to complete the course in ten to fifteen flight hours in the Decathlon or fifteen to twenty hours in the T-6 or Stearman.

The Gauntlet Warbirds basic aerobatic course can be completed in the Decathlon, T-6 or Stearman. Students without prior spin experience will fly the Decathlon for spin training prior to beginning aerobatic training in the T-6. .