I’m going to California this weekend for some formation aerobatic training!

Well, it’s been a great year flying IAC competitions.  The hard work and practice is paying off.  I came in 5th place in the nation in Intermediate this year.  I know I could have done better, but I’m really excited about the way the year ended.  I did have two first place finishes in regional competitions – the Ben Lowell Aerial Confrontation at the United States Air Force Academy, and the Lone Star Aerobatic Contest in Sherman, Texas.  I’d have to say that the best part are the people you meet.  Aerobatic pilots are a great bunch of people.

So, after a great year of flying competitions, next year I will be mostly flying airshows with the Stars of Tomorrow formation aerobatic team, mentored and coached by Sean D. Tucker, Bill Stein, and Mike Goulian!  My training has already begun.  Last week I went to Salinas, CA to fly with Ben Freelove in formation with Sean.  Formation flying and aerobatics will be my most challenging and rewarding aviation accomplishment so far.  The formation team will include Thomas Franscioni from California, and Kevin Coleman from Louisiana.

I’ll keep you updated with the training, and post our airshow schedule as soon as I know it.  By the way, our last airshow of the year will be EAA Airventure, Oshkosh, the largest airshow in the world!