Soon after aircraft were invented, pilots realised that they could be used as part of a flying circus to entertain people or impress others in what was termed aerobatics. Manoeuvres that had no practical purpose were flown for artistic reasons or to draw gasps from onlookers. In due course some of these manoeuvres were found to allow aircraft to gain tactical advantage during aerial combat or "dog-fights" between two or more fighter aircraft. The word presumably derives from the term used by human gymnasts - acrobatics - to describe exercises designed to impress or build muscle strength.

Most aerobatic manoeuvres involve rotation of the aircraft about its fuselage - rolling - or the following of geometric patterns in the sky (most famously the loop). Formation aerobatics are usually flown by teams of up to sixteen aircraft, although economic considerations mean that most teams habitually fly between four and ten aircraft. Some are state funded to reflect pride in the armed forces whilst others are commercially sponsored. Coloured smoke trails may be emitted to emphasise the patterns flown and/or the colours of a national flag. Usually each team will use aircraft similar to one another finished in a special and dramatic colour scheme, thus emphasising their entertainment function.

Famous teams include the Black Arrows, Blue Angels, Diables Rouges , Frecce Tricolori, Halcones , Patrouille de France, Patrouille Suisse , Red Arrows, Red Pelicans , Rothmans , Silver Falcons , Roulettes, Royal Jordanian Falcons , the USAF Thunderbirds, Snowbirds and the Yellowjacks.

The practice of formation flying might have been inspired by the migration of flocks of birds, swans or geese. Certainly most aerobatic teams include a V-formation in their routines. Teams fly V-formations out of practicality - they can't fly directly behind another aircraft, or they'd get caught in the wake vortices or engine exhaust. Aircraft will always fly slightly below the aircraft in front, if they have to follow exactly in line.

Aerobatic aircraft usually fall into two categories - specialist aerobatic, and aerobatic capable. Specialist designs such as the Pitts Special, the Extra 300/200, and the Sukhoi Su-29 aim for ultimate aerobatic performance, at the expense of general purpose use such as touring, or ease of non aerobatic handling such as landing. At a more basic level, aerobatic capable aircraft can be dual purpose - equipped to carrying passengers and luggage, easy to land, as well as being capable of basic aerobatic figures.

Aerobatics is taught to military fighter pilots as a means of developing precise flying skills and for tactical use in combat.

Aerobatics is also practiced at an amateur level. Some pilots fly solely for recreation, whilst a smaller number choose to compete in aerobatic competitions. Competitions start at 'Beginner' class, with 'Unlimited' being the top competition level. Unlimited pilots will often perform more complex figures and sustain higher g levels than their military counterparts.

Unfortunately some aerobatic manoeuvres end in accidents and these can result in fatalities amongst flight crew and onlookers. Aerobatics at low altitudes are the most dangerous.

You are most likely to witness aerobatics at a public airshow.

See also:

List of Aircraft | Aircraft Manufacturers | Aircraft Engines | Aircraft Engine Manufacturers Airlines | Air Forces | Aircraft Weapons | Missiles | Timeline of aviation