Mon, May 25, 2009
Matt Chapman is one of those guys who is just where he wants to
be -- and is living the life most aviators can only dream of.
Recognized internationally as an aerobatic pilot who thrills
millions of airshow fans each summer, he began flying aerobatics in
1984 and quickly worked his way up to the highest level of
competition aerobatics – the Unlimited category. Chapman's
resume includes having won one of only five slots on the U.S.
Unlimited Men’s Aerobatic Team in 1996 and 1998.
At the 1998 World Aerobatic Championships, Matt was the
highest-ranking American pilot, finishing third in the world with a
bronze medal. He led the Men’s Team to a silver medal.
Along with this impressive finish came the coveted Hilliard Trophy,
awarded to the highest finishing US pilot at the WAC. Matt also won
the prestigious International Aerobatic Club Championships in 1994
and the Fond du Lac Cup in 1995.
Matt's current passion, though, is airshow performing -- flying
both as a solo performer in his CAP 580 and as part of a formation
act with fellow performer Mike Mancuso. He's been seen all over the
world, including on ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports Network, Real TV, The
Learning Channel’s “Amazing America” and
SpeedVision... but believe it or not, after all that, he has a day
job to boot -- flying for a major airline.
And when that isn't enough, Matt is also known for his passion
for Radio-Controlled model aircraft... which are rarely seen (under
his control) flying right side-up for very long.
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