Acro Sport I

The Acro Sport I is a single‑seat aerobatic biplane designed and marketed by Acro Sport, a company founded in the late 1970s by Paul Poberezny’s longtime collaborator, Paul D. Gontier, to provide homebuilders with a capable competition‑grade aircraft. First introduced at the 1979 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture show, the design drew on the classic 1930s aerobatic biplanes while incorporating modern materials and engineering. Constructed primarily from wood and steel tube, the airframe is covered with aircraft‑grade fabric, giving a light yet strong structure that can sustain +6g and –5g loads. The aircraft is typically powered by a 180‑ to 200‑horsepower Lycoming O‑360 or equivalent engine, delivering crisp roll rates and rapid vertical performance. Its short wingspan of 20 feet, large ailerons on both upper and lower wings, and a centrally located, rigid fuselage contribute to precise handling in loops, rolls, and inverted maneuvers. The Acro Sport I quickly earned a reputation among amateur pilots for its straightforward construction kit, affordable cost, and ability to compete successfully in regional aerobatic contests. Its legacy endures as a benchmark for the home‑built aerobatic market, inspiring later designs such as the Acro Sport II and other sport biplanes.

Acro Sport

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Design & Classification