From its humble beginnings in 1974 as a fly-in for sport aviation enthusiasts, the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo has grown into one of the largest and most successful aviation events on earth. It is Florida’s largest annual convention of any kind, and each year more than 200,000 visitors flock to what has become known as “Aviation’s Season Opener” or “Spring Break for Pilots.”

Looking for a place to park your aerobatic aircraft? Stop by SNF Aerobatic HQ for camaraderie with other aerobatic enthusiasts, forums, and surprise guests! Visit them on Facebook ›

By Doug Sowder, IAC 14590, IAC Elections Chair

Hello, IAC members, it is time to nominate our 2022 slate of officers and directors. Nominating petitions are due by April 15. Voting will be done electronically on the IAC website, beginning June 29. Voting ends on July 26. New officers and directors will be installed at the close of the IAC Annual Membership Meeting at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh on July 29, 2022. More details ›

During an aerobatic flight of an Edge 540, as the pilot applied a full left aileron control input, the center hinge attachment for the right aileron failed. This allowed the right aileron to bend up in the center and fail before detaching from the aircraft; only a small inboard section of the aileron remained attached. The pilot had sufficient control remaining to make a safe landing.

Read more in the January 20, 2022, United Kingdom Air Accidents Investigation Branch Report ›

By Jason Stephens, IAC 27434

Les Horvath, former U.S. National Glider Aerobatic Champion and founder of the Sailplane Aerobatics Association, died on November 9, 2021.

Les brought hundreds of glider pilots into the world of glider aerobatics through decades of teaching at Estrella Sailport, performing in numerous air shows and as author of Sailplane Aerobatics, a textbook still in wide use today. A supremely talented pilot with an infectious smile and unmistakable accent, Les was known around the world as one of the true masters of the sport. Read more ›

Planning for the 2022 U.S. National Aerobatic Championships is proceeding ahead and really hardly stops after the championships are completed each fall. Lessons are learned, new rules are implemented, policy is revised, and officials chosen. Nationals will be held on Sunday, October 2, through Friday, October 7, with our awards banquet and ceremonies on the last night. Please mark your calendars.
Read more ›

By Mike Heuer, IAC 4

The IAC Executive Committee met via a Zoom meeting on January 18, and approved Bob Meyer to be the chair of the jury for the 2022 U.S. National Aerobatic Championships. Bob has considerable experience in jury work and has headed the Nationals jury on several occasions over the last few years. An active IAC member since 1975, Bob competed from shortly after he joined up until 2005. He now serves as a judge and jury member at regional competitions as well, and hails from Tehachapi, California. Learn more ›

By Zinnia Kilkenny, IAC 437244

“Aviation is still a relatively new field to me,” said Haley Jo Brinson. “My interest, however, began before I could remember. As my mother would recall, I’ve always shown a particular interest in planes.

On one of my first trips to Florida (I believe I was 5 years old), it became overwhelmingly clear to my mother that I loved flying. While planes scared or upset other children, my mother recalls how I found them fascinating.”
Read more ›

The board of directors is requesting member comment on changes to our policy and procedures (P&P) manual regarding the team selection process at U.S. Nationals and an optional method to fill vacancies with a pilot who may not be able to attend Nationals. Section 504 of the IAC P&P requires a 60-day member comment period.

The 60-day member comment ends on March 15, 2022. See all changes to P&P 504.

Please direct any comments to Bob Freeman, IAC director.

The 2022 IAC Contest Rule Book had been uploaded to the IAC website. The Rules Committee lead by Barrett Hines, Rules Chair, has compiled the changes that were approved at the IAC Fall board meeting and updated the rule book. It is ready for download. Read more ›

By Doug Jenkins, IAC 436255

The Hill Country Hammerfest was the final contest of 2021 in Texas. This contest finalized the standings for the annual Texas Championship Series. There were two categories that had pilots qualify by competing in all three Texas contests.

After averaging the scores from The Early Bird, the Lone Star Aerobatic Championships, and The Hill Country Hammerfest, the final results for the 2021 Texas Championship Series are:

Intermediate:
1st - Doug Jenkins
2nd - Jay Hanson
3rd - Todd Nelson

Advanced:
1st - Klayton Kirkland
2nd - Julia Wood
3rd - Dave Prather Read more ›