Inaugural National Aerobatics Day a Success

June 26, 2021

The fourth Saturday in June turned out to be an excellent day for the first National Aerobatics Day celebration. When IAC president Jim Bourke made the announcement that a day dedicated to celebrating aerobatics was going to instituted he didn't have an idea about how many aerobatic enthusiasts would show up. 

The plan for the day was loose, "National Aerobatics Day is the perfect day to host an aerobatic camp, a BBQ, a practice session, or to share videos of aerobatic activity online,” Bourke said. “With over 40 chapters nationwide and two international chapters, IAC members will be organizing these types of activities and others to engage the public and general aviation pilots in aerobatics.”

The IAC chapters rose to the occasion with eleven chapters planning special practice days, barbeques and open houses. There were also two chapters to hold aerobatic contests over that same weekend. One in Ephrata, Washington - the Apple Cup and one in Seward, Nebraska - the Midwest Aerobatic Championship.

One of the most successful celebrations was held at the Peach State Aerodrome in Georgia, organized by IAC chapter 3 (the Bear Creek Bunch). "Wow, what an overwhelming sign of support and growth for aerobatics in the South. All of the IAC 3 members want to thank everyone that came out to enjoy the first ever "National Aerobatics Day", said IAC 3 member Leigh Hubner. "We met a lot of pilots who haven't yet started their aerobatic journey and we hope to see you all at a contest soon! Middle Georgia University made an impact at our Rome, GA contest this year and backed that up yesterday sending plenty of planes and pilots. 
IAC 3 opened their planes for kids and big kids alike and it was a pleasure to do so. A huge thank you to the team at Peach State Aerodrome and Barnstormer's Grill. They hosted this event and you know it was a success when the manager said, " What have you guys done? We've run out of parking for the planes!" Thank you for keeping everyone safe and managing so many aircraft and hungry mouths!" (over 30 airplanes attended).

Photos by Leigh Hubner
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Check out all the photos from these chapters: National Aerobatics Day PHOTO ALBUM
  • IAC 3 - Meet and Greet, Williamson, Georgia (GA2) 

  • IAC 11 - Community BBQ, Warrenton, Virginia (KHWY) 

  • IAC 26 - Practice Day, Lancaster, California (KWJF) 

  • IAC 27 - Practice Day, Jackson, TN (KMKL) 

  • IAC 34 - Practice Day, Bellefontaine, Ohio (KEDJ) 

  • IAC 35 - Practice Day and BBQ, Concord New Hampshire (KCON) 

  • IAC 52 - Practice Day, Bayville, New Jersey (KMJX)

  • IAC 58 - Practice Days and Open House, Tunkhannock, PA (76N) 

  • IAC 67 - Apple Cup Aerobatic Competition, Ephrata, WA (KEPH) 

  • IAC 80 - Midwest Aerobatic Championships, Seward, NE (KSWT)

  • IAC 88 - Presentation and Static Display, Ray, Michigan (D98:) 

  • IAC 119 - Open House and Burger Burn. Augusta, Kansas (3AU) 

  • IAC 133 - Practice Day, Chesapeake, Virginia (KPVG):

  • Team Light Aviation, BBQ at the Big Blue Hangar, Rio Vista Municipal Airport (O88)

  • AMA - RC Scale Aerobatics model aviation activities