For pilots (holders of at least PPL, LAA or LAPL) there is an opportunity to take the introductory ride or flight training including spins. They say that Tiger Moths are easy to fly but uneasy to fly well. In other words Moth biplanes bring joy to everyone: Tiger is broad-minded to beginners and their piloting errors would forgive indulgently while the same errors by experienced flyers are shamefully evident.
Absolutely essential in the life of a pilot is his (her) ability to recognize and safely recover a spin he (she) may enter unintentionally when awkwardly manoeuvring at critically low speed. Tiger Moth is the ideal tool for spin training that has, generally speaking, never been outperformed by ongoing progress in aviation. To enter and recover a spin in the Moth is simple and the rotation is very slow. In combination with the open cockpit this helps pilot’s orientation and the „feel for the air”.
Aerobatics
The manoeuvres learnt include: rolls (aileron and barrel) loops, stall turns, spins and recoveries. Diving engine restarts are a stimulating section. Slow rolls, cubans and clovers may be added to this list but require a deeper understanding in order to be able to achieve these manoeuvres in a Tiger Moth.
Formation Flying
Formation flying is another marvellous undertaking that stretches the capabilities of a pilot. It is hugely satisfying to be able to lead and take part in a formation of lightly loaded biplanes. Great team work.
Biennial Flights
Every second year a licensed pilot should fly with an Instructor for an hour. This hour may be the start of a new outlook on life for a pilot if it is flown in a Tiger rather than the normal Cessna,PA 28 etc.etc.. An hour in one of our Tiger Moths counts towards a conversion course.
Tiger Moth Conversion Course
This course is open to a license holder who wishes to be able to fly and handle a lightly loaded biplane from grass runways and crosswinds. It will stretch and improve any pilot's technique, skill level, appreciation and ability. Fundamentally it will improve a pilot immeasurably.
Upset Training
Commercial pilots seated in cockpits with multiple screens and disconnected from their controls with a computer may in time lose the sharpness of their handling skills. Flying a Tiger Moth will restore these skill sets and allow them to handle departures. Stall and spin recoveries are of primary importance.
Aircraft Rental
A Tiger Moth may be available to "qualified" pilots.
To qualify a pilot must:
- Have at least 100 hours P1 experience-preferably taildragger.
- Carry out at least 5 hours dual Tiger Moth Flying with the Chief Flying Instructor. (Except where they have gained their license on a Tiger).
- Have been cleared by the FI to fly solo.
- Where a pilot intends to carry passengers he/she must demonstrate 2/3 landings carrying a passenger in front of the FI.
- Where the time elapsed since the previous TM flight exceeds 28 days the pilot must carry out their first flight with an instructor.
No away landings are allowed in a rental Tiger.