Kirby Chambliss: US National Aerobatic Champ

Kirby Chambliss is the latest United States National Aerobatic Champion at the US National Aerobatic Championships in Denison (TX). Chambliss was presented with the award at the champion’s banquet at the end of an intense week of competition and rivalry that wrapped up last weekend. Chambliss took the first place with an overall score of 86.69% followed by Michael Racy in 2nd with 84.64% and Zach Hefley 3rd with 83.89%.

Chambliss defeated the other competitors by winning all three flights (known compulsory, freestyle, and unknown).

The annual US National Championship allows the best aerobatic pilots from around the country to fly head-to-head in a series of aerobatic events. The events consist of a series of known, unknown and freestyle events, whereby, the competitors perform for a panel of judges who grade them on pilot ability, difficulty of the maneuver, and presentation. Chambliss flew in the unlimited category, which is the top level for aerobatic competition.

Chambliss is a seasoned veteran in aerobatic competition, having won the same title back in 1998 and 2002. Kirby is now a three time United States National Aerobatic Champion. In the history of aerobatic competition this has only occurred five times. This same feat took place in 1972 (Gene Soucy) 1977 (Leo Loudenslager) 1989 (Clint McHenry) and 1993 (Patty Wagstaff).

Having won the US National Championships three times, Chambliss joins that extremely prestigious group of winners. When asked about this feat Chambliss said, "One of my goals has always been to win the US Nationals but to win it three times was beyond my wildest dreams. I am honored to join the ranks of such great aerobatic pilots."

By this year’s end Chambliss will have performed at seventeen air shows throughout the United States and Europe. Having amazed millions of spectators at these air shows with his detailed and brightly painted Edge 540 airplane, he said, "I plan on pushing myself and my aircraft to the absolute edge to demonstrate what ‘unlimited aerobatic flying’ is all about."

FMI: www.chamblissaerobatics.com