 |
Answer :
I always loved the idea of aerobatics, even before I had been to an airshow or an aerobatic competition. I was one of those kids who loved driving go karts, gymnastics, standing on my head, the idea of driving (couldn't wait to get my license!), horses - basically anything that had to do with speed and fun. After I started flying I just couldn't wait to take aerobatic lessons. I finally met an instructor named Darlene Dubay who had a 150 horsepower Decathalon. I bought an aerobatic course and fell in love with it! Of course, it also taught me to become a much better pilot and gave me more confidence in my flying.
After that I bought a Super Decathalon and started practicing. I still didn't know where my flying would take me. I was doing some flight instruction, but didn't want to be a commercial or airline pilot. My husband said, why don't you fly one airshow and one contest and see how it goes (by then I'd been to one contest and one airshow as a spectator)? To take it one step at a time was great advice.
I flew my first airshow in a small town called Gulkana, Alaska and later that summer flew from Anchorage, Alaska to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to compete in my first competition, the IAC Championships.
I have stayed in the airshow business for so long because it has always remained a challenge and stayed fun. There is always more to learn, more airplanes to fly, ways to perfect your routine and your flying. I love the people and many of the airshow pilots have become like family to me. And, it's a great way to get paid to fly!
I hope this answers your questions!
Patty Wagstaff
|
1001 Aviation Photos | Ask the Expert | This Day in Aviation | Airplane of the Month
Privacy Policy 
