Adding to the excitement of the already thrilling US National Aerobatic Championships, the 2026 competition was a selection year for the US Advanced Team. The Advanced team will represent the U.S.A. in the 2027 World Aerobatic Championship. The pilot candidate selection for the US Advanced aerobatic team only happens once every two years, alternating with the selection for the US Unlimited aerobatic team every other year. Now with a robust lineup of talented pilots and a strong support network built out of people with passion and the determination to propel this team to victory, the IAC is excited to present you with your team, TEAM USA.
The IAC is pleased to introduce the leadership & primary support crew who will work hard to propel our boys to victory on the 2027 world stage.
You can find all the info about the team & crew and keep up to date by visiting the team webpage, which can be accessed by clicking HERE.
ONE TEAM. ONE GOAL.
The International Aerobatic Club is pleased to announce A.J. Wilder as coach of the U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team for the upcoming World Advanced Aerobatic Championships campaign. Mary Beth Rudd will serve as team manager.
Wilder brings international competition experience and a strong commitment to helping American pilots perform at their highest level. Having represented the United States in international aerobatic competition, he understands the preparation, discipline, and consistency required to compete against the world’s best.
His approach to coaching is focused on preparation, precision, accountability, and building a team that is ready to perform when it matters most.
Working alongside Rudd, Wilder intends to build a focused, unified program that emphasizes structured training, honest feedback, strong team communication, and preparation for the demands of world-level competition.
The objective is straightforward: give Team USA every opportunity to compete for a world championship while representing the United States and the IAC with pride.
To support our mission, Team USA has assembled a strategically-selected group of people to form the team’s new Support Crew. Composed of several accomplished professionals in training technology, media, medicine, and maintenance, Team USA is excited to introduce the IAC membership to the men and women who will be spearheading the U.S.A.’s pursuit of gold at the world championships.
One team. One goal.
The work starts now.
AJ Wilder — Team Coach
Team Coach AJ Wilder brings 25+ years of aviation experience and the background of being a multi-time member of both the U.S. Advanced and Unlimited Aerobatic Teams. Flying his Extra 330SC “Rumble Bee” at contests across the U.S. and Europe, he knows wind correction, gate entries, and world-stage pressure firsthand. As a registered architect and President of Wolcott Architecture, he breaks complex 3D figures into precise, actionable feedback. He also co-founded the Figure 1 Foundation, which funds flight scholarships and advanced training for young aviators.
Mary Beth Rudd — Team Manager
Team Manager Mary Beth Rudd is the logistical engine behind Team USA. A recipient of the Frank Price Cup for Greatest Overall Contribution, one of the IAC’s highest non-flying honors, she has served in key roles including Registrar for the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships. She’s an expert in credentials, scheduling, and contest regulations. On the flight line, she’s an experienced videographer and data analyst who has spent years filming practice sequences alongside top coaches, helping elite pilots critique and polish their figures.
Dr. Paulo Iscold — Chief of Technology
Chief of Technology Dr. Paulo Iscold gives Team USA a data-driven edge. A Cal Poly professor of Aerospace Engineering, he designed the record-setting CEA-311 “Anequim,” which broke five world speed records, and spent years building aerodynamics and telemetry systems for Red Bull Air Race pilots. A Curtis Pitts Cup recipient for aircraft design and innovation, he’s bringing his ACROWRX telemetry platform to the team. It rebuilds every flight in 3D so coaches and pilots can spot radius errors and attitude deviations invisible from the ground.
Taylor Mershon — Director of Media
Director of Media Taylor Mershon is the creative voice of Team USA. As Editor of Sport Aerobatics, the IAC’s official magazine, she has transformed how the club tells its members’ stories through bold graphic design and compelling features. With a background in professional design work for EAA and a lifelong love of flight that started with glider rides alongside her grandfather, Taylor leads team branding, social media, team publications, and content creation, and she supports the fundraising campaigns that keep our pilots in the air.
To read the complete bios of the team's leadership & primary support crew, see the US Advanced team webpage by clicking here. Stay tuned for news & updates coming soon, including a comprehensive introduction to the pilots we are proud to call TEAM USA.
