Decorated Champion Offers Unique Perspective on Aerobatic Community

On December 6th through December 9th, the Paris Las Vegas Hotel hosted over 1,500 air show professionals and enthusiasts to the 2009 International Council of Air Shows Convention. Started in 1967, the annual ICAS Convention provides professionals a community forum in which to network with industry leaders, plan upcoming air shows, and offer continued support to fellow performers and representatives.

One of the many professionals in attendance was the 2006 and 2008 U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, Debby Rihn-Harvey.

Rihn-Harvey represents the pinnacle of aerobatic expertise. As the longest standing member of the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatics Team, Rihn-Harvey is a decorated Gold Medalist, representing the U.S. thirteen times at the World Aerobatic Championships.

In addition, after winning the Mike Murphy Trophy in 2008, Rihn-Harvey became the highest-ranking aerobatic competitor in the United States. Her accomplishments have earned her inductions into both the IAC Hall of Fame and the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame.

As both an air show performer and Aerobatic Competency Evaluator (ACE), Rihn-Harvey remains actively involved in the ICAS community. Aero-TV took the opportunity to ask Rihn-Harvey about the similarities and unique distinctions between flying on the air show circuit and flying on the competitive aerobatic circuit.

 In addition, Rihn-Harvey discusses the benefits of aerobatic competition for both the general aviation pilot and the aerobatic pilot alike.

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