Lone Star Aerobatic Championships
A Fight for the Lone Star Belt Buckles
By Cadence Bomgardner, IAC 442214
May 9–11, 2025 | Graham, Texas
Hosted by IAC Chapter 24
The 2025 Lone Star Aerobatic Championships marked the official start of the contest season in Texas, drawing pilots from across the country to the welcoming town of Graham. Hosted by IAC Chapter 24, the contest is a community event complete with food trucks and spectators.
Situated just outside the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, Graham Municipal Airport (KRPH) once again proved to be a fantastic venue. The aerobatic box, located just east of the airport, was positioned for easy viewing from the ramp. Spectators, local families, and aviation enthusiasts gathered to watch the action.
Airport Manager Jon Delamarter was instrumental in helping Chapter 24 prepare for the event, working closely with organizers and city officials. Contest Director Jeff Cain led the charge, balancing the responsibilities of directing and competing. Under his leadership, the contest was both safe and efficient.
A core group of volunteers brought the contest to life. We had volunteer judges, assistants, recorders, medical support, registration/scoring personnel, and boundary judges.The boundary judges received posters signed by all participating pilots—a well-earned token of appreciation for their time in the Texas heat and surprise spring shower. A special thank you to all of the volunteers that dedicated their time for the contest: Bill Denton, Pat Clark, Stephanie Vidrine, Tom Rhodes, Kory Kalabus, Korey Stafford, Dylan Houston, Vanessa Smith, Keith Gyger, Chrissy and Doug Jenkins, and Lorey Cain.
This year’s contest drew 24 pilots from all over the country. Chapter 24 was proud to host competitors from IAC Chapters 1, 3, 5, 15, 49, 61, and 107. Pilots came from as far as California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, and Oklahoma, with the majority hailing from Texas.
The lineup featured:
● Primary: Lukas Jorgensen and John Wise
● Sportsman: Scott Beadle, Jaret Burgess, Jeff Cain, Joe Chennault, Richard Correrdera, Rene Dugas, John Hale, Bo Kalabus, Bill Ledger, and Chris Rudd
● Intermediate: John Farrington, Andrea McGilvray, Justin Miller, Todd Nelson, John Ostemeyer, Curt Richmond, Casey Siebel, and Trevor Smith
● Advanced: Craig Fitzgerald and Jay Hanson
● Unlimited: Mike Galloway and AJ Wilder
● Four-Minute Free: Mike Galloway, AJ Wilder, and David Martin
Thursday served as the practice and registration day, with all competitors getting ready for a full contest. Friday morning began early, with preflights and preparations before the pilot briefing at 8:30 AM. Flying kicked off around 9:00 AM with Primary, Sportsman, and Unlimited categories
leading off the day- Intermediate and Advanced pilots flew in the afternoon. Thanks to smooth operations, both the Known and Free programs were completed by the end of the day on Friday.
After a brief rain shower cooled off the ramp, a Friday night dinner was hosted at the airport. Saturday began with the Unknown sequences and concluded by early afternoon. A highlight for spectators and other competitors was the Four-Minute Freestyle. Mike Galloway, AJ Wilder, and David Martin thrilled the crowd with incredible flights complete with music and smoke. It was an exciting way to bring the contest to a close.
The contest wrapped up with a catered banquet Saturday evening. Awards were presented for the known, free, and unknown flights. The second and third place overall winners received trophies and category champions earned the coveted Lone Star Belt Buckle.
The contest is a staple in the southern region for good reason. The community engagement and advertising brings local spectators and pilots from around the DFW metroplex to the contest. If you want to compete for the Lone Star Belt Buckle, the contest is on for 2026. See you next year!
All images provided by Cadence Bomgardner.
