Sat, Oct 04, 2003
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."
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