DOWN DOWN DOWN /// Advanced Aerobatics - Yak-55M

DOWN DOWN DOWN /// Advanced AEROBATICS - Yak 55M from john wells on Vimeo.

Down, Down, Down by John Wells. I got the pleasure to edit some of Roydens practice footage from the Summer of 2012, love the angle, and can't wait to see the plane littered with Go Pros summer of 2013.....It is going to be good. Stay tuned.

Royden Heays practicing his Advanced aerobatic sequence in his Russian Yakovlev Yak 55M. The Yak 55M was designed in the USSR to win the Unlimited World Aerobatic Contest and did so in 1984. The Yak is powered by the Vedeneyev 9 cylinder geared 360 HP engine. While the engine maxes out at 2900 RPM, the prop runs at a relatively slow 1900 RPM and that combination generates its characteristic airbourne sound so admired by Westerners. This aeroplane has the reputation of being the best tumbling aeroplane ever. "Tumbles" are the Western term for the Eastern Block "Lomcevak", a manoeuvre where the aeroplane literally does a somersault. The Yak climbs at an astounding 3,150 feet per minute and is loved by pilots for its vice-less handling characteristics. Royden flies the Yak competitively in the Pacific North West. He is a member of the Aerobatics Club of British Columbia which is actively seeking to expand its membership.

For more information - http://www.bc-aerobatics.com