Sean D. Tucker WebChat
July 21, 2005

	Welcome to the EAA Young Eagles Webchat!
07/21/2005 18:55:42 CT	EAA Chat Moderator says Good evening and welcome, our chat begins in a few minutes, but feel free to type in your questions now.
07/21/2005 18:58:03 CT	EAA Chat Moderator says Welcome and start asking your questions now.
07/21/2005 18:59:33 CT	EAA Chat Moderator says Welcome everyone to tonight's Young Eagles Webchat. Should be a great evening with a great guest! Sean D. Tucker is our guest and Sean is getting ready for an air show in Muskegon Michigan at the Muskegon Air Fair. Welcome Sean, how’s the weather in Michigan?
07/21/2005 19:00:17 CT	Sean D. Tucker says A little poopy, but we're working around the thunderstorms.
07/21/2005 19:01:16 CT	EAA Chat Moderator says For those of you just joining us, we are chatting with Sean D. Tucker. Feel free to ask your questions.
07/21/2005 19:02:37 CT	Original message from Adam: hey Sean! I saw you back in '98 at the Selfridge air show. You truly changed my life. I just graduated from the Sault College Aviation program here in Canada and start my instructor rating tomorrow. My ultimate goal is to one day fly air shows and put Canada on the competition aerobatic scene. Thank you for being such a great role model. I was wondering if you have any advice on how I should approach getting in to aerobatics. Also, is that a new wing that you are flying behind? Sorry to hear about Jimmy and Bobby. I saw Jimmy fly his first air show in the jet-powered Waco and I could not stop laughing. Great guy and pilot!
07/21/2005 19:02:37 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Hi Adam, It sounds like you are well on your way to making your dreams come true. It is really an interesting phenomenon when you create your own success - people want to empower you to even greater successes. Come to my flight school and we'll teach you how to dance in the sky. Don't give up on your dream.
07/21/2005 19:02:59 CT	Sean D. Tucker says The new wings on my biplane are the best things I eve did for her - they are awesome.
07/21/2005 19:03:24 CT	Sean D. Tucker says The rest of this year I'm dedicating my flights to both Jimmy and Bobby. Fly free!
07/21/2005 19:04:31 CT	Original message from Fly Buddy Brian: Hi Mr. Tucker! This is Brian from Warrenton, VA. My Dad always brings me to see you practice at W66 before the Andrews AFB air show. I sure missed seeing you this year. When are you coming back?
07/21/2005 19:04:31 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Hi Brian, Are the you the one who gave me all the license plates? I love W66 - it's a real special place with special people. Hopefully we'll be flying Andrews AFB in 2006.
07/21/2005 19:05:51 CT	Original message from rjsflyer: Sean, What do you fly as your personal aircraft?
07/21/2005 19:05:51 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: I love to take my PA-34 Seneca III skiing in the wintertime. I feel like "Sky King" with two motors out in front of me even though it doesn't go that fast. During the season the Seneca is at work doing crew support.
07/21/2005 19:08:32 CT	Original message from Kreacher: Your son is part of the Stars of Tomorrow, of which you are one of the mentors. How do you feel about that, and as a parent, aren't you just a little frightened for his safety?
07/21/2005 19:08:32 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Hi Kreacher, Absolutely!! Eric soloed in gliders when he was 12. Soloed a Pitts when he was 16, won his first aerobatic sportsman contest when he was 17. Sure I worry, but I want to support his dream as well. The Stars of Tomorrow are so very well trained, well disciplined; I do not worry at all about their profile. I am very proud as to how far they have come in the last three months and I guarantee you will be blown away with the magic they have in the sky.
07/21/2005 19:09:32 CT	Original message from Harry B: Hi Sean, This is uncle Harry. When are you coming back to Florida?
07/21/2005 19:09:32 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Hi Uncle Harry, I haven't seen you enough this year. Tell Rich I said hi. We'll be back in Ft Lauderdale in May 2006 - give your wife a kiss for me.
07/21/2005 19:11:09 CT	Original message from IPHU Member: Who is your aviation hero?
07/21/2005 19:11:09 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Charlie Hillard, Leo Loudenslager, Bob Hoover, Jimmy Franklin, Tom Poberezny are the aviators that inspired me to become a sky dancer and mentored my progress.
07/21/2005 19:12:17 CT	Original message from Adam: Are they S2C wings?
07/21/2005 19:12:17 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Steve Wolf built and designed the wings with Curtis Pitts consulting. That was the last wing Curtis worked on - I will miss that fine man.
07/21/2005 19:12:54 CT	EAA Chat Moderator says We are chatting with Sean D. Tucker tonight. Thanks for joining us. Lots of great questions so far and more to come. Feel free to ask your question now.
07/21/2005 19:14:03 CT	Original message from Adam: What happened to CASPA, I miss it!
07/21/2005 19:14:03 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Hi Adam, CASPA was intense. All the pilots became better aviators because of it. But like everything else, just like what makes an airplane fly - it came down to money and the promoters couldn't keep it going.
07/21/2005 19:14:23 CT	Sean D. Tucker says I loved it.
07/21/2005 19:14:49 CT	Original message from Fly Buddy Brian: Will you be doing any shows for the troops overseas?
07/21/2005 19:14:49 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: If I was invited I would be there in a heartbeat.
07/21/2005 19:16:24 CT	Original message from Kreacher: Have you had mechanical problems while performing, especially when doing some of the more difficult maneuvers? Also, you pull a lot of Gs in your show. How do you train for that?
07/21/2005 19:16:24 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: I have never had to cancel an air show in the last 16 seasons because of a mechanical problem. Brian Norris and Clyde Greene really take excellent care her. Tom Dygert, who has worked with me since 1973, handles all the QA aspects of the maintenance program.
07/21/2005 19:17:12 CT	Sean D. Tucker says When we started the Oracle sponsorship, I asked that the program be called "Team Oracle" since although I am the one flying the airplane, it truly takes a team effort to make this work.
07/21/2005 19:18:52 CT	Sean D. Tucker says Occasionally we will have maintenance issues the pop up, but the crew is always right on top of it to get it squared away.
07/21/2005 19:19:26 CT	Original message from GTiVoom: What kind of car do you drive? Is it fun like the Challenger II?
07/21/2005 19:19:26 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: I love performance. I drive a BMW M3 convertible with 336HP.
07/21/2005 19:19:58 CT	Sean D. Tucker says Although the BMW is a blast to drive - nothing even compares to the Challenger II.
07/21/2005 19:20:37 CT	Original message from flyingflood: are u ready 4 oshkosh!!!!!!
07/21/2005 19:20:37 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Am I ready to come to Mecca?? And surround myself with 750,000 people who love the sky? Yeah baby!!
07/21/2005 19:21:42 CT	Original message from Spadeadam: Thank you for taking the time to talk tonight. Would you ever consider taking part in the Red Bull races, and flying under the bridge in Hungary?
07/21/2005 19:21:42 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: It sure looks like fun. But being sponsored you have to project the correct image for your company.
07/21/2005 19:23:05 CT	Original message from a36pilot: Mr. Tucker, than you for joining us. I was wondering how you got involved in air show flying and what advice you have for aspiring air show pilots
07/21/2005 19:23:05 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Air show flying is an extension of yourself. Do not abuse the privilege and cherish every moment you have to dance in the sky and never give up on your dream.
07/21/2005 19:24:58 CT	Original message from koppk: Hi Sean, With AirVenture coming up this next week, I was wondering what you and/or the other air show performers do when your not flying or doing appearances?
07/21/2005 19:24:58 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Fun! Airplanes are not supposed to do that. My fellow aviators say it and said "that's so cool - you should put it in your air show routine." My good aviator friends said..."you are performing it too low - and you are not leaving yourself an out." Always listen to your good aviator friends.
07/21/2005 19:25:13 CT	EAA Chat Moderator says I see we have several new people joining us; if you have a question for Sean, feel free to ask!
07/21/2005 19:25:53 CT	Original message from Zack: Hi Sean, could you describe how it felt the first time you attempted your hovering maneuver?
07/21/2005 19:25:53 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Oooops. This question belongs with the answer above.
07/21/2005 19:28:57 CT	Sean D. Tucker says AirVenture is the busiest week in the year for me and also the most satisfying. It is very hectic; it is very distracting so I need to make sure I can always focus when I enter the aerobatic arena. To do that I need to unwind a bit by going to the gym, and running and laughing with family and friends.
07/21/2005 19:29:34 CT	Original message from travis: where else will you be performing this year after Oshkosh
07/21/2005 19:29:34 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Our schedule is posted at http://www.oracle.com/teamoracle
07/21/2005 19:30:45 CT	Original message from Watson: Who designed your web site? It is very cool!
07/21/2005 19:30:45 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Nat Robinson heads up Oracle's Broadband team. He and his team really did a great job making a dynamic and entertaining site.
07/21/2005 19:31:10 CT	EAA Chat Moderator says We are webchatting with Air Show Star Sean D. Tucker tonight. We have about 30 minutes left for this session. Please send in your questions for Sean.
07/21/2005 19:32:39 CT	Original message from loren: How long do you plan on performing in air shows?
07/21/2005 19:32:39 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Skydancing is the greatest job on earth and as long as my health and passion equal each other - you will see me flying.
07/21/2005 19:33:33 CT	Original message from ron: sean how long do you practice for an air show
07/21/2005 19:33:33 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: When I am in really good health, I practice a maximum of four times per day and those flights last approximately 25 - 30 minutes.
07/21/2005 19:34:29 CT	Original message from Kreacher: Do you have pets? Any hobbies?
07/21/2005 19:34:29 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Snow skiing, cave diving, golfing are my hobbies. And I have an ugly old 17-year-old mutt named Spencer - who has bad breath, passes gas and sleeps next to my bed every night.
07/21/2005 19:34:47 CT	Original message from IPHU Member: What days are you flying at Oshkosh
07/21/2005 19:34:47 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
07/21/2005 19:35:37 CT	Original message from Watson: Who is flying with you in Michigan this weekend?
07/21/2005 19:35:37 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Stars of Tomorrow... The INCREDIBLE Stars of Tomorrow! Golden Knights, F-16 East, Blue Angels, Gene Soucy, Heritage Flight.
07/21/2005 19:36:37 CT	Original message from Kreacher: If you could fly anywhere, where would you go? What type of plane would you fly?
07/21/2005 19:36:37 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: I love the Lancair Columbia and I can't wait to fly the Eclipse jet! They are just what a guy needs to make sure he can get there on time and have fun doing it!
07/21/2005 19:38:48 CT	Original message from Fly Buddy Brian: Have you always flown aerobatics in a Pitts, or did you start in another type of airplane?
07/21/2005 19:38:48 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: I started my aerobatic training in 1973 in a 115HP Citabria 7ECA. I graduated to the biplane in 1975 and I am looking forward to adding an Extra 300L to my flight school.
07/21/2005 19:41:26 CT	Original message from Watson: You have a great show and I always enjoy seeing you fly, but who do you like to watch at air shows?
07/21/2005 19:41:26 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: I loved to watch Jimmy Franklin in the Jet Waco. I love to watch Mike Goulian. I love to watch the Snowbirds, Blues, and Thunderbirds. And I love to watch the new guys who are trying so hard to magic in the sky and do it safely. One of my favorites is Ed Hamill in the Air Force Reserve Dream Machine. You watch him - he's quickly becoming the best of the best!
07/21/2005 19:42:52 CT	Original message from Kreacher: Do you ever get frustrated enough that you want to quit? If so, what would you do instead?
07/21/2005 19:42:52 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: For the last 30 years I've dedicated my life to flying. Even though sometimes the going gets very rough - whether financially or physically - I know in my heart that I am supposed to be in the sky. My heart will tell me when it's time to walk on the ground.
07/21/2005 19:43:23 CT	Original message from Fly Buddy Brian: How old will I have to be and how much experience do I need to attend your aerobatics school?
07/21/2005 19:43:23 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: You have to reach the rudder pedals and have a smile on your face when you do.
07/21/2005 19:43:45 CT	Original message from spin1440: What did you learn to fly in?
07/21/2005 19:43:45 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: The fabulous Cessna 150 in 1969.
07/21/2005 19:44:37 CT	EAA Chat Moderator says Thanks for joining the Webchat this evening. Still about 15 minutes left in this session. Plenty of time to ask your questions!
07/21/2005 19:45:25 CT	Original message from snapper: Have you ever hurt yourself doing an aerobatic maneuver?
07/21/2005 19:45:25 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Eight years ago I broke C-5 and C-6 vertebrae performing a high negative G tumbling maneuver. It took a year and a half to heal. I thought my dream was finished. I had some great medical guidance and I completely healed.
07/21/2005 19:45:46 CT	Original message from Chris: Sean, are there plans for a different mount any time soon?
07/21/2005 19:45:46 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Muscle biplanes forever baby!
07/21/2005 19:47:10 CT	Original message from Thomas: I saw somewhere that used to have a "fear of flying." How then did you choose aviation as a career?
07/21/2005 19:47:10 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: I had some very bad instructors when I was learning to fly. They taught me to fear flight instead of respect flight. Fortunately, I did not give up on my dream and I had some wonderful instructors teach me how to respect and love flight.
07/21/2005 19:48:29 CT	Original message from Kreacher: What's your favorite maneuver to perform?
07/21/2005 19:48:29 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: My favorite maneuver is the whole air show performance. One maneuver ties into the other to create a dance that provokes emotion in the audience. You need them all to share your passion, love of flight and put the audience in your cockpit.
07/21/2005 19:50:20 CT	Original message from Fly Buddy Brian: What's the best way to fight airsickness in aerobatics?
07/21/2005 19:50:20 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Even I get a little airsick when I start training for the air show season. I think the secret is to fly just a little bit and do it 3 to 4 times a day and your body gets used to it. Let's face it, aerobatic flying is an athletic event and your body needs to become in tune with the G forces.
07/21/2005 19:51:46 CT	Original message from ILoveBarrelRolls: What would you say is the most important personality trait for you to have to do what you do?
07/21/2005 19:51:46 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: I feel respect for what aviation means to people. I think that is the most important trait. You cannot abuse the privilege.
07/21/2005 19:52:03 CT	Original message from doug: Don't you talk over the radio in some of your performances? Is that really you or is it pre-recorded?
07/21/2005 19:52:03 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: We are live baby.
07/21/2005 19:52:46 CT	Original message from rb: Sean - what is your favorite part of your job?
07/21/2005 19:52:46 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: My favorite part of the job is striving to be the best I can be - surrounding myself with people who love the sky. It makes me feel very special.
07/21/2005 19:53:55 CT	Original message from al: How many flying hours do you have in total?
07/21/2005 19:53:55 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Over 20,000 flying hours - about half of which are in a helicopter crop duster.
07/21/2005 19:54:18 CT	EAA Chat Moderator says We are just about out of time for tonight's Webchat. Time for just a few more questions.
07/21/2005 19:55:45 CT	Sean D. Tucker says I am looking forward to seeing you all at EAA. When you see me, say you were in the chat and we'll high five!
07/21/2005 19:56:21 CT	Original message from rb: What flying advise have you given your son?
07/21/2005 19:56:21 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: Live your dream. Respect the sky. Listen to your peers.
07/21/2005 19:57:01 CT	Original message from Watson: Hope you have a good show this weekend. See you in Oshkosh!
07/21/2005 19:57:01 CT	Reply from Sean D. Tucker: God bless America. Everyone take care.
07/21/2005 19:57:35 CT	EAA Chat Moderator says Thanks to everyone who participated in tonight’s Webchat. If you will be at the Muskegon Air Fair this weekend or at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh next week, look up in the sky for the fabulous Sean D. Tucker and Team Oracle! We’ll post the transcript of the chat in a few minutes.
	Check out Sean’s web site, too www.poweraerobatics.com
	Thanks again to Sean D. Tucker for taking time from his busy schedule to join us tonight. Have a great night and we’ll see you on the Flight Line

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