Basic 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.

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

Advanced Aerobatics

After completing the basic aerobatic course or demonstrating proficiency in the basic aerobatic maneuvers, students can proceed to more advanced aerobatics in the Decathlon. The course is designed individually based on student goals but can include inverted flight, inverted turns and spins, slow rolls, vertical flight, vertical rolls and hammerheads.

Tailwheel Transition

The tailwheel transition teaches students the necessary skills to operate conventional gear aircraft safely. The course consists of three point landings, wheel landings, crosswind operations, and bounce and swerve recovery. The course is completed in the Decathlon. After successful completion of the course, a student is given a tailwheel sign-off. The course usually requires three to five hours of flight time.

Private Pilot

Gauntlet's Private Pilot training is one of the few in the country allowing students to get a Private certificate in a tailwheel aircraft. The course covers all of the ground and flight required for the Private including flying straight and level, climbs, descents, turns, flight at high angles of attack, stalls, takeoffs and landings, navigation, flight planning, aerodynamics, and numerous other topics to be a safe and proficient pilot. Gauntlet's program also includes tailwheel operations leading to a tailwheel endorsement prior to solo, spins, and basic aerobatics including aileron rolls, loops, and unusual attitude recovery.

Unusual Attitudes

The unusual attitude course consists of two stages, each requiring two to four flight hours to complete. The first stage includes advanced stall drills, upright spins, nose low and nose high unusual attitude recoveries. The second stage adds inverted spins as well as flight and accelerated spins, as well as universal spin recovery technique.