Stunt Flyers Play in ‘Boxes’ for Aerobatics

High above orange groves near Santa Paula, stunt planes regularly dip, dive and roll in one of two “boxes” or airspaces set aside for aerobatics in Ventura County.

Designated by the Federal Aviation Administration at the request of pilots, the boxes are like giant playpens for stunt pilots, said David Flick, an aviation safety inspector for the FAA.

But commercial aircraft and private planes of all types may enter the airspaces, which are away from congested airports and clearly marked as stunt boxes on aviation charts, Flick said. Stunt pilots have to remain aware at all times of other planes, he said.

“It’s a big responsibility,” said Rich Stowell, a professional stunt instructor based at Santa Paula Airport.

Stowell, 32, of Ventura, was hanging upside-down recently in a single-engine plane in the 7-mile-long by 2-mile-wide box above South Mountain Road. His parachute strapped to his back, he was demonstrating a roll.

“Watch the left wing,” he advised a passenger. “Halfway through, you’ll feel a little light in your seat.”

The move perfectly executed, Stowell took a breather to explain that he is afraid of heights and does not enjoy roller coasters. Then he demonstrated a “hammerhead,” flipping the plane over sideways, heading straight down to the ground 2,000 feet below and pulling up at the last minute.