Aerobatics Champ a Model of Perfection in the Air

Deborah Jean Rihn-Harvey (right) was born May 8, 1951 in Omaha (NE), and her aviation interests came naturally as she became a third-generation flyer. Rihn’s father taught her how to fly and she earned her Private Pilot Certificate in 1968. After earning her commercial pilot certificate with instrument, multi-engine and flight instructor ratings, she moved to Texas in 1974 and chose aviation as her career.

In 1979, Harvey & Rihn Aviation was established in LaPorte (TX) as a Fixed Base Operation with an emphasis on aerobatics and flight instruction. She continued her professional growth by becoming an FAA Designated Flight Examiner in 1980 and an aerobatic competency evaluator in 1984. Debby Rihn’s love of aviation is obvious in all that she does toward the promotion of flight education and safety. She devotes time and energy to encourage, support and counsel women and youth to pursue aviation.

Rihn began flying commercially with United Airlines in 1979 and later with Southwest Airlines in 1989. (She was the eleventh female pilot to wear a Southwest Airlines uniform.) Rihn became a Southwest Airlines Captain in 1994 and has logged in excess of 23,000 hours of flight time.

In 1975 she was introduced to the world of aerobatics, igniting a passion that continues to this day. In 1983 Rihn entered the upper echelon of aerobatic competition by qualifying for the USA Unlimited Aerobatic Team. With 20 years continuous involvement, she is now the team’s longest standing member.

Rihn’s individual accomplishments rank her as one of the world’s leading aerobatic pilots. She was the Women’s National Unlimited Champion in 1985 and then again for five consecutive years from 1998 to 2002. Debby has won both individual and team medals internationally, where she was World Competition Gold Medallist ranked third overall.

Rihn’s abilities and accomplishments extend beyond precision competition aerobatics. She has a well-deserved reputation as one of the top air show performers in the United States and serves as a role model for all pilots eager to hone their aviation skills. Her ability speaks for itself, providing continuous testimony to the power of the human spirit.

The Texas Aviation Hall of Fame honors Texans who have made outstanding contributions to the development, growth, or preservation of aviation.

Male Texans honored this year, too:

Additional Class of 2003 inductees are: Gordon Bethune, CEO of Continental Airlines; Archie Donahue (next to Corsair), WWII Marine Corps fighter pilot who completed 215 combat missions and shot down 14 enemy aircraft [he was twice an 'ace in a day' --ed.]; Dr. Leo Windecker, designer of the first certified all-composite aircraft (below) and innovator of stealth technology; and John W. Young, the first person to fly six times in space, working aboard missions from Gemini III in 1965, to the first Spacelab flight in 1983. With the addition of these individuals, the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame honors 44 outstanding men and women who have made significant contributions to aviation.

Fly-in: November 9.

Following the Induction Ceremony, the Lone Star Flight Museum will host an end-of-season fly day on Sunday, November 9. This informal flying event will feature vintage aircraft from the Lone Star Flight Museum collection and other aircraft from the area as we salute our veterans. Gates open at 9:00AM with flying to begin at noon and continue until 3:00 PM. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to tour the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and view exhibits honoring the five new inductees.  (Admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for children, with children 4 and under admitted free. No special passes or coupons will be accepted.)

FMI: www.lsfm.org