Latest News

by Shad Coulson, IAC 440759

As I write this, we just getting ready to start AirVenture 2025 and are a little more than two months away from the first day of competition at the 2025 U.S. Aerobatic Nationals.  It is hard to believe a year has already gone by so quickly.  As the summer comes to an end, the volunteers who have been working tirelessly for many months are excited to welcome you back to Salina, Kansas.

If you are planning to attend the contest, either as a volunteer or competitor, please register ASAP.  Your registration plays a vital role in several of our planning…

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, June 28th, 2025, aerobatics enthusiasts around the world will celebrate International Aerobatics Day with gatherings, fly-ins, practice days, aerobatic demonstrations, static displays, intro flights, and more. The IAC Chapters around the country have been hard at work planning their local events which can be seen on the IAC's official International Aerobatics Day 2025 page. Here you can find event details by chapter number for those chapters who have submitted events. If…

By Taylor Mershon, IAC 442603, and Phillip Gragg, IAC 431292

On Thursday, June 5th, 2025 the Board of Directors appointed Phillip Gragg as the Vice President of the IAC. The seat was left vacant when the previous Vice President, Rob Holland, passed away in April 2025.

About the appointment, Phillip said, "We were all impacted by Rob’s loss, and it is a privilege to have the support of the Board as we continue to work for the betterment of our organization, and continue to focus on education, safety and sharing the sheer thrill and joy of aerobatics—something Rob…

By Barrett Hines, IAC 432116; edited by Taylor Mershon, IAC 442603

The deadline for IAC rules change proposals is July 1, as noted in Section 1 of the IAC Contest Rules. 

Start by going to the form submission option on the website.   (A member login is required.)  Next, fill out the form, and when it is complete, click "Submit".

If there are issues with submission of the website form but the form…

On May 15, 2025 the online member ballot opened for the 2025 IAC board of directors election. Members may access the ballot here (login required). Candidates up for election along with their bios and photos can be viewed here.

Voting will close on July 20, 2025. The election results will be initially announced at the annual IAC member…

Following the heartbreaking loss of Rob Holland that left everyone who knew him and the entire aerobatic community reeling, an obituary website has been posted for the beloved pilot, teammate, instructor, and friend. The site can be accessed HERE.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: 
Rob Holland Memorial – Support for the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships.

photo…

Sport Aerobatics is currently accepting community notes and photo submissions for Rob Holland’s public remembrance feature in the July/August issue of the magazine.

To honor Rob Holland, who was the IAC Vice President, 13-time consecutive U.S. Nationals Aerobatic Champion, and one of the greatest airshow pilots of our time, the biggest Sport Aerobatics issue of the year will be featuring a cover article celebrating Rob’s life that ended tragically in a fatal aircraft crash on April 24, 2025. The main feature will be followed by a public remembrance feature where friends, fans, IAC…

It is with shock and very heavy hearts that the IAC expresses its deepest condolences to the friends, family, and aerobatic community who loved airshow pilot Rob Holland, who passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Holland was flying his MXS-RH aircraft at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia when an unknown issue occurred and the aircraft crashed. FAA and NTSB investigations are ongoing, and the cause of the accident has not been determined.

Rob Holland is a legendary aerobatic pilot who…

If you or an IAC member you know is interested in running for an officer or director position, here are the items you'll need to do so:

1. Candidate Petition Form with 10 current IAC member's signatures. You may download the attachment below. Note that each member can sign a petition form and e-mail it. All names do not have to be placed on one form. Written e-mails as endorsements will NOT be accepted; it must be on the petition form.

2. Current photo e-mailed as a jpeg

3. Resume/Bio…

By Taylor Mershon, IAC 442603, and DJ Molny, IAC 25097

DJ Molny, the Judges Program Chair of the IAC, has announced that the Judges Revalidation and Currency ("R&C") exam is now available to be taken here. All information pertaining to this exam including study will be found on the page linked above.