Aerobatic refresher and aircraft

[Whifferdill]

I'm wanting to do some aerobatic refresher training, haven't flown upside down much for some years, military and light aircraft.
Probably California as I want to go before the end of Feb and don't want to have to fight the Canadian weather to get flying.
Any of the aerobatic people here have any experience with aeros outfits there, seems to be masses of choice ?
At the same time I want to take the opportuntiy to try out some different types to choose one for purchase.
I'm interested primarily in a Pitts, Great Lakes or Extra. Wouldn't mind trying the Decathlon to get my hand in again but don't fancy high wing aeros really.
Any thoughts on those types as well would be appreciated ?
Thanks.

[erics2b]

Sean Tucker's school has a Pitts and an Extra.

http://www.tutimaacademy.com/

[robertsailor1]

If you like Arizona look up Bud Davidson in his Pitts

[looproll]

I went to Attitude Aviation in Livermore CA and it was good. They have an S-2C, Citabria, Super Decathlon and a Great Lakes, to name a few.

http://www.attitudeaviation.com/

[5x5]

If you like Arizona look up Bud Davidson in his Pitts

Slight correction - it's Budd Davisson http://www.airbum.com/

Haven't been there myself but certainly read a lot about and by him and he would be near the top of my list.

[Beefitarian]

I was looking around Budd's site there. He makes us all look like a bunch of sissies, yet it looks like he mentors guys with no experience at all right up to people with aerobatic backgrounds. Plus he's got a guest house with a pool, more types besides the pitts and a bunch of other things going for his school. Tough to beat that one I'm thinking.

[robertsailor1]

Budd has a very diverse background in aviation aside from his writing background. I talked to a fellow that did time with him and he said it was a great experience. Flew his butt off for a few days and then sat around with Budd in the evenings talking about aviation.

[Beefitarian]

Wow, even going to prison with him is fun?

I was reading about his street rod and flint lock rifles.

[P-40]

If you actually want to do acro I would not recommend Budd as that is not his forte. He specializes in Pitts landings / takeoffs (and landing the Pitts one way for that matter, the circling 180). I would also recommend Tutima or Attitude in California as mentioned above. Ben Freelove and Bill Stein are both top notch instructors at Tutima. If in Arizona, I recommend Chandler Air Services over Budd, they have an S-2C and 5 Great Lakes. If you really want to have some fun, head southeast and fly with Steve Wolf in Florida.

[Colonel Sanders]

Steve Wolf is a god

[Osiris]

If you actually want to do acro I would not recommend Budd as that is not his forte.

+1. I've flown with Budd and aerobatics isn't his thing. His niche is teaching people how to land a Pitts. I got the feeling he doesn't even enjoy aerobatics.