Two-Time World Aerobatic Champion Passed on November 23

Betty Stewart, a pioneer in competitive aerobatics and a cornerstone of the International Aerobatic Club for nearly five decades, passed away at the age of 78 on November 23. Tributes quickly poured in from pilots who credit her with shaping both their flying and the sport itself.

Stewart’s competitive record is legendary. She represented the United States at the 1976, 1980, and 1982 World Aerobatic Championships, ultimately becoming the first person to win the world title in two consecutive events. The 1980 performance earned her three individual gold medals and the Women’s World Aerobatic Champion title, repeated in 1982 with another three golds and a team silver for good measure.

“The IAC is deeply saddened to hear the news of aerobatics Hall of Famer Betty Stewart having passed away recently,” the organization said in a social media post. “Her accomplishments in aerobatics competitions speak volumes to how skilled of a pilot she was, but her contributions to many current IAC members and the aerobatics community as a whole are difficult to measure and put into words.”

Her influence extended well beyond competition rosters. Mike Heuer, IAC No. 4 and longtime competitor, recalled flying alongside Stewart at “one of the most difficult world championships our teams have ever competed in and that’s a story of itself.” Members across the community have echoed his tribute, with Bob “Bwana” Buckley adding that she “elevated [him] to the pinnacle of aerobatics” by nudging him into the IAC decades ago.

After stepping back from world-stage flying, Stewart spent years lending a hand behind the scenes. She served as a judge, coach, and critiquer for pilots in both powered aircraft and gliders.

Her formal recognition came in 2004 when she became the 30th member of the International Aerobatic Hall of Fame at the EAA Museum in Oshkosh.

FMI: www.iac.org