One can barely describe the feeling that comes with an aerobatic flight.
One word to describe it is amazing!
The GCN was offered the opportunity to take a flight with Arnie Meneghelli on Wednesday.
From the minute we left the ground in the Extra 300, to the minute we landed, it was one adrenaline-packed second after another.
After a brief flight at about 457.2 meters, to open air-space, Arnie explained the aerobatic manoeuvres he would be performing.
Having never been in a small aircraft before I must admit I began to get nervous, but thanks to his step-by-step instructions and calm voice I felt at ease and was able to enjoy each flip and turn to its full extent.
Arnie explained that during the flight I would feel some pressure in my ears, and experience six “Gs” (gravitational force on the human body)
The first manoeuvre performed was a loop, Arnie explained that he would perform a sharp and short dive to gain momentum, and then we would climb straight up and perform the loop.
I was advised to clench my stomach muscles during the manoeuvres, as this helps to prevent the blood draining from your head.
We performed both a barrel roll and straight roll, this is when the plane rolled 360 degrees.
Arnie was very considerate throughout the flight checking how I was feeling and if I was prepared for the next manoeuvre.
I could hardly believe that the flight was over as we headed back to Rand airport.
The thrill that comes with an aerobatic flight is addictive and one can understand Arnie’s love for it.
Arnie, a father of two sons Marco and Paulo, and daughter Gina Pearton, is probably best known for his role as right wingman of the Eqstra Flying Lions Aerobatic Team.
He developed a passion for flying at a young age when he would ride his bike to Rand Airport each weekend and watch the planes.
This passion turned Arnie into a huge aviation enthusiast and an aircraft collector; he has an impressive collection of unique vintage and state-of-the-art aerobatic aircrafts.
He has been flying for 35 years and has clocked an impressive 5 700 hours of flight time.
Arnie flies with both the Gabriel Wings and Eqstra Flying Lions formation teams and became seriously involved in the air show industry and aerobatics from the age of 50.
He began his aerobatic career in a Harvard and has flown numerous other types of planes, including the Cessna, Pitts, Zlin, Extra, King Airs and Baron amongst others – all of which are “phenomenal performers and require their own set of skills,” he said.
Having started his aerobatic career so late it has taken a great deal of hard work, dedication, passion and commitment on Arnie’s part to reach the level of skill he has.
“I don’t know anybody else who has accomplished what he has in such a short period of time,” said team mate Ellis Levin.
The Flying Lions Aerobatic Team was formed when Arnie and close friend, and team mate, Scully Levin, decided through their shared enthusiasm for aerobatic flying to start the team, which has been flying together for 15 years.
Arnie acquired the four Harvards the team uses from the South African Air Force (SAAF).
The planes had been decommissioned as trainers.
When asked about his team Arnie said, “We have been flying together for 15 years and know and trust each other.
“The trust we have is incredibly important.
“If you don’t trust your team mates how can you hope to fly together?”
Arnie is not only an incredible pilot but also a successful businessman.
His business ventures started with Academy Brushware, a company dealing in brooms, paint-brushes, etc.
He started the business with his father many years ago, and has since sold the business.
He currently owns Academy Bed and Breakfast, located at Rand Airport, which offers 12 rooms that all overlook the busy airfield.
He also offers aerobatic flights to the public; this offers not only a business opportunity but also a chance for him to share his passion with people.
