With a career spanning over four decades, Wagstaff has not only made her mark as one of the premier aerobatic pilots in the world but also dedicated herself to the critical mission of aviation safety and the education of budding aviators. 

Wagstaff’s journey into aviation began in the late 1970s. She earned her private certificate in 1980, and it wasn’t long before her skill and passion for precise flying led her to aerobatics.

Known for her flair and daring spirit, she has captured the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and peers alike. Her breathtaking performances at airshows and her role as a key figure in the aerobatic community have earned her numerous accolades, including multiple titles as the U.S. national aerobatic champion—she was the first woman to win the title in 1991. 

However, Wagstaff’s influence extends well beyond the spectacle of aerobatic routines.

• READ MORE: C3.AI Top Executive Possesses High Aviation Quotient

Recognizing the importance of safety in aviation, she has become a staunch advocate for best practices and risk management. Her commitment to safety is not just theoretical but deeply personal, reflected in her meticulous approach to both her own flying and the broader aviation community. 

Education is a cornerstone of Wagstaff’s mission. She has taken on the vital role of mentor and educator, striving to pass on her expertise to the next generation of pilots through her school, Patty Wagstaff Aviation Safety, based in St. Augustine, Florida.

She and a team of carefully selected flight instructors work with both aspiring aviators and experienced pilots to foster a deeper understanding of aviation principles. The school’s approach to teaching is characterized by an ability to distill complex concepts into accessible lessons.

In addition to her professional achievements, Wagstaff’s writing serves as a beacon of wisdom for the aviation community. She has previously served as a contributor to Plane & Pilot magazine, sharing narratives that are crafted with a genuine desire to uplift and educate. Her ability to connect with readers on both a technical and personal level has made her contributions particularly impactful.

We delve into Wagstaff’s perspective on aviation safety and her vision for the future of pilot education in this Q&A interview: 

FLYING Magazine (FM): You are well-known as an aerobatic champion and performer, but what a lot of people don’t know about you is that you’ve dedicated yourself to educating other aviators. Was there a particular moment or event that inspired you to found an educational program?

Patty Wagstaff (PW): Airshow pilots often wear many hats. They run their own businesses, some own FBOs, flight schools, or work as airline pilots. It’s rare to find pilots who exclusively fly airshows, even if they fly a full season of 18 to 20 shows a year.

I’ve been a CFII (certified flight and instrument instructor) since the mid-1980s. As I got more into competition aerobatics and airshow flying, I didn’t have the chance to do much teaching until, in 2001, I started training the pilots of the Kenya Wildlife Service Airwing. I found it fun and incredibly rewarding, and the program continues today.

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All along, people kept asking when I was going to open an aerobatic school, so it was in the back of my mind. Then one day in 2014, the planets aligned—I had an eager student, the right airplane, and office space became available. I had a broad vision, but, as I like to say, I had the forest in sight but not the trees. I had a lot of help, even from the ideas my students had, and it has developed organically into the busy airmanship, aerobatic, and upset training school it is today.

I’m really proud of Patty Wagstaff Aviation Safety. We’ve attracted students from around the globe, offering a variety of courses, and we have exceptional instructors. I might be the conductor, but everyone in the band is passionate and committed to helping pilots become more skillful and confident, and ultimately enjoy flying more.

FM: Can you talk a little about the challenges facing aviation today as the number of students increases dramatically each year?

PW: The skies in Florida are very busy with flight training these days. You really have to keep your head on a swivel and be extra vigilant for traffic. The other day, I flew to Daytona Beach in an Extra and was No. 10 on final for landing. This truly seems to be a most optimistic time with abundant opportunities for aspiring flight students to make aviation a career.

We do, however, face challenges in flight training. It’s understandable that a private pilot course can only cover so much, but many student pilots today are missing out on some fundamental skills that were traditionally taught, such as pilotage, spins, upset training, and more. For example, we often fly with newly minted private pilots who lack rudder skills and who have never done a deep stall, but these basic airmanship skills are crucial to becoming a good aviator and for handling emergencies.

Recently we started the Patty Wagstaff Aviation Foundation. Our goal is to provide students with much-needed upset training. We will soon launch our website for those interested in supporting pilots who face financial challenges in getting this critical training.

FM: You have a fantastic career full of achievements. What would you say is the most important lesson that aviation has taught you?

PW: Thank you. I’ve been really fortunate in so many ways.

Aviation is always such a metaphor for life—it’s a constant challenge and a lifelong learning process, and it keeps you humble. Just when you think you’ve mastered it or have it figured out—bam!—it has a way of reminding you that, no, you’re not that good.

You’ll never have it completely nailed, and that is precisely what I love about it.

Aviation is also a very small community. If you are in the business of aviation, you will run into the same people over your entire career, and because of that I think it keeps people honest and forthright.

FM: What has been the most rewarding part of educating other aviators?

PW: Watching them learn what the rudder is for! That’s part of it, but we take our jobs very seriously in that we are teaching habits that could very well save their life someday.

We are totally committed to imparting the right information to improve a pilot’s overall airmanship—and that is very rewarding. The other part of it is watching the fun light come on. Other than making pilots more skilled and competent, my ultimate goal is to help people enjoy flying more.

FM: What is something you wish more people understood about flying?

PW: I wish there wasn’t such a fear factor about aviation, especially general aviation (GA). I’d like to assuage their fears by letting them know that accidents caused by mechanical failure are rare.

That a well-trained pilot who uses good judgment and consistent procedures is a safe one. 

That aviation is the best way to get around, and much safer than driving on a highway. 

That a four- or five-hour trip by car can take only one hour in a small airplane 

That aviation is available to everyone, not just wealthy people.

This feature first appeared in the September Issue 950 of the FLYING print edition.

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The two unaffected categories are those of Aviation Mechanic (ACS-1) and Remote Pilot (ACS-10B).

Updated categories include: 

• Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating for Airplane: ACS-11A
• Aircraft Dispatcher PTS: 8081-10E
• Commercial Pilot, Airplane: ACS-7B
• Commercial Pilot, Rotorcraft Helicopter: ACS-16
• Flight Instructor, Airplane: ACS-25
• Flight Instructor, Instrument Airplane and Helicopter PTS: 8081-9E
• Flight Instructor, Rotorcraft Helicopter: ACS-29
• Instrument Rating, Airplane: ACS-8C
• Instrument Rating, Helicopter: ACS-14
• Private Pilot, Airplane: ACS-6C
• Private Pilot, Rotorcraft Category Helicopter: ACS-15

The individual documents are linked above to the FAA site for ease of reference. There are updates for the ATP type rating for powered lift, and the powered lift instrument, private, commercial, and instructor ratings. There is also an updated ACS Companion Guide for Pilots. 

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on Plane & Pilot.

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Tecnam’s P-Mentor trainer—already a bestselling training platform across Europe—is coming to the U.S. market, the manufacturer announced Wednesday at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

And judging by the enthusiasm of flight school buyers in the U.S., the aircraft is set to disrupt a market dominated by an aging fleet of primary trainers, often half a century old or more. 

The P-Mentor is a two-seat aircraft designed to be a primary training platform, equipped with Garmin avionics and boasting almost unheard-of fuel economy at 3.7 gallons per hour. This low consumption translates to low operating costs for owners and renters, and means lower CO2 emissions.

“People ask, why P-Mentor—what’s behind that name?” said Dave Copeland, director of sales in the U.S. for Tecnam. “P,” he said, is for the Pascali family “[that stands] behind every one of the 7,500 aircraft that have been delivered over the past 75 years. In addition, the ‘P’ stands for passion, of which each Tecnam is taken from dream to reality. And, of course, the ‘P’ also stands for pilots who will grace the controls.”

As for the second part of its name, Copeland said, “the P-Mentor was derived by the Pascali family from the heritage of naming solutions that relates to the four pillars of mentoring.” These include the matching of a strong partnership, training, coaching, and support. 

“The P-Mentor was carefully designed to offer the ultimate platform for training,” Copeland said. “It’s been over half a century since the aviation world has delivered an aircraft that is capable and approved to fly like the P-Mentor. It’s very hard to compare the P-Mentor to any other aircraft in the world…No other aircraft in over 60 years has been certified to the standards that the P-Mentor has been approved [for]. Yes—60 years. 

“Tecnam looks at general aviation as a today thing—not as a legacy thing,” Copeland added. “At Tecnam, we feel students, pilots, and our environment deserve more than an aircraft designed back in the ’40s, the ’50s, and the ’60s. They deserve a current aircraft that allows them to learn in a comfortable cabin that offers the latest in ergonomic amenities along with an avionics suite that offers friendly flyer touch-screen avionics, a three-axis autopilot dynamic…and the list goes on.”

Tecnam P-Mentor Specs:

• Engine: Rotax 912iSc3
• Power: 100 hp
• Fuel Consumption: 3.7 gph
• Fuel Capacity: 34 gal.
• Max Takeoff Weight: 1,587 lb.
• Empty Weight, Standard: 948 lb.
• Useful Load: 640 lb.
• Max Cruise Speed: 120 kts.
• Stall Speed (flaps down power off): 44 kts. 
• Ceiling: 13,000 ft.
• Rate of Climb: 750 fpm
• Range: 730 nm

The P-Mentor’s fuel consumption results in up to nine operating hours between refuelings, a boon for flight schools and GA owners alike, according to Copeland. This also means a lower environmental impact per flight hour. 

“The P-Mentor…offers the lowest CO2 footprint of any aircraft of its type in the world,” said Copeland. “The P-Mentor is a simple and sustainable platform and a new solution to guide students through maybe their first flight through their advanced ratings in one single platform. The P-Mentor’s constant-speed propeller, paired with a tapered wing, specifically designed with a laminar airflow, and a one-piece leading edge allow P-Mentor to pass the CS-23 amendment requirements for low-speed stall characteristics without the requirement of a ballistic recovery system.” 

Copeland added that a BRS is optional along with a simulated gear handle for advanced proficiencies. 

As part of Wednesday’s ceremony, Tecnam invited representatives from the flight schools that have committed to P-Mentor purchases for their fleet to speak about why they opted for this training platform over other options in the market. These included Kansas City-area-based Kilo Charlie Aviation, Vermont Flight Academy, and Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. 

In a surprise, Walter Da Costa, chief sales officer for Tecnam, stepped up to the podium with a special announcement. 

“I would like to inform today that we just right now confirmed a new member of the Tecnam family…at the show,” said Da Costa, inviting founder and CEO Ed Stefan of Des Moines, Iowa-based EpicSky Flight Academy to the podium to sign an agreement to a purchase 15 P-Mentors for its fleet. Tecnam will begin delivering the P-Mentors at a rate of two to three per month beginning in June 2024, said Da Costa. 

“When someone comes in our door…[and] don’t sign up, [we] feel like we did them a disservice,” said Stefan. “We feel like we hurt them. We feel like we didn’t adequately explain to them that this is a golden age of aviation. The opportunities are limitless.”

Stefan went on to rave about how the P-Mentor will benefit the flight school.

“We have a purpose-built plane that sips the fuel, so it’s less money for our students,” he said. “We have the latest and greatest technological advancements—everything a growing boy or girl could possibly think to ask for. We have a cockpit experience, which is second to none. I mean, Italian leather—how could you go wrong?”

Building on a theme of family that permeated the press conference, Stefan added, “Walter and I met—when did we meet, Walter?”

“Yesterday,” answered Da Costa.

“Yesterday,” confirmed Stefan, addressing the crowd again. “Did you hear that? It was yesterday. And here we are. But the story is so compelling. If anyone listening to this has not looked at Tecnam as a training platform, I have to ask: What are you thinking? What are you doing? Why are you letting your students fly, not just on dad’s airplane but on dad’s dad’s airplane? Why are you letting your students fly in technology that was built in the ’40s and ’50s? Come on guys, this is 2023. And now we have a manufacturing organization that understands that it’s 2023.”

Copeland closed by citing  Tecnam’s pride in its engineering, design, certifications, production line, employment expansions, product improvements, new model introductions, sustainable platforms, customers, and more.

“Our top-down commitment to general aviation has led us to these hallowed grounds here at Oshkosh, where aviators fill the air and future pilots seek what’s next,” he said. “We trust that you see why Tecnam is proof that the future of general aviation is alive and well and that we’ve dedicated the future of flight, so we can all soar higher.”

The Tecnam P-Mentor is featured on the cover of the July 2023, Issue 939 of FLYING.

Editor’s note: an earlier version of this story incorrectly listed EpicSky Flight Academy as “EpicSky Aviation,” and has since been corrected.

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Introduced in 2006, the Tecnam P2006T Twin has become a recognized option for flight training globally, serving prestigious institutions and private owners alike. Notably, the aircraft facilitates multiengine piston training at a noticeably lower cost compared to older twin-engine counterparts.

Bartolini Air managing director Bartlomiej Walas, expressed the historical significance. 

“If you are a passenger of Ryanair or another major European airline, it’s quite likely that your pilot made his or her first multiengine IFR flight in a shiny Tecnam P2006T at Bartolini Air,” said Walas.

• READ MORE: Tecnam Celebrates 75 Years of Passion for Aircraft Design

Since the acquisition of the first P2006T in its fleet, Bartolini Air now operates 15 Tecnam aircraft, with an additional five scheduled to join in early 2024. The company said this expansion aims to meet the rising demand for comprehensive training programs, providing more than 12,000 flight training hours annually and producing pilots for leading global airlines.

Walter Da Costa, chief sales officer at Tecnam, attributed the success of the P2006T Twin to the company’s commitment to offering unparalleled value, low operating costs, innovative design, and distinctive Italian styling. Da Costa pointed out that the Rotax engines contribute to the aircraft’s environmental viability, delivering remarkable fuel savings and significantly lower noise emissions.

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The four finalists include:

• MagniX for magni650 Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU)
• NASA, University of Arizona, and Lockheed Martin for the OSIRIS-REx Team
• Reliable Robotics for Advanced Autonomous Flight Systems
• U.S. Air Force for the X-62A ACE Team

Amy Spowart, president and CEO of the NAA, emphasized the organization’s commitment to recognizing outstanding contributions to aviation and aerospace.

“The Collier Trophy, bestowed since 1911, is the story of aviation innovation and advancement,” Spowart said.

• READ MORE: Webb Space Telescope Team Earns Collier Trophy

The final round of the Collier Trophy selection process is set for March 21 in Washington, D.C. Each finalist will present their nomination, accompanied by visual aids and presentation slides, followed by a Q&A session with the selection committee.

Spowart expressed anticipation to see who will be honored as the 2023 Collier Trophy recipient.

For additional details and a comprehensive list of Collier Trophy honorees, visit the NAA website.

The post Meet the 4 Finalists for the 2023 Collier Trophy appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Czepiela combines commercial piloting with aerobatics competitions and air races. He started competing in aerobatics in 2010, eventually joining the Polish aerobatics team, Żelazny. He branched into air racing in 2014, winning the Red Bull Challenger Cup in 2018. Czepiela owns a Red Bull-themed CubCrafters Carbon Cub EX STOL aircraft for backcountry flying.

Czepiela will participate in the Valdez STOL competition, flying his specially modified airplane. 

Joe Prax, president of Valdez Fly-in, expressed excitement about Czepiela’s participation.

“His involvement adds a new dimension of excitement to an already iconic event,” Prax said.

CubCrafters, a leader in innovative aircraft design that manufactures experimental, light sport aircraft (LSA), and Part 23-certified aircraft, is the title sponsor for the event. Its Carbon Cub family of aircraft, including the model piloted by Czepiela, exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation and performance in personal adventure aviation.

• READ MORE: Annual Valdez STOL Event Brings New Competitors, Former Winners

“We welcome CubCrafters as the title sponsor for this year’s event,” said Prax. “CubCrafters has been a sponsor and supporter since the inception of the Valdez Fly-in. CubCrafter aircraft have been a feature of the fly-in for years.”

The Valdez Fly-in & Air Show is recognized as the grandfather of STOL competitions and continues to be the premier event of its kind in the Western U.S.. This year’s festivities will also include beach landings, balloon pop, flour bombing, aerobatics shows, and pilot roundtables.

The post Valdez STOL Competition & Fly-In Air Show Marks 20 Years of Excellence appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The daily airshows, scheduled from 1-5 p.m. EDT, promise to deliver thrills courtesy of renowned performers such as Patty Wagstaff, Rob Holland, and Michael Goulian. Additionally, the night airshow and pyrobatic fireworks will illuminate the skies on Wednesday and Saturday, kicking off at 7 p.m.

• READ MORE: A Fond Memory: Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo 2023

For aviation enthusiasts, the Commemorative Air Force is set to offer vintage aircraft rides, including the iconic B-29 Fifi, and various other warbirds. Interested individuals can secure their ride bookings through the Sun ’n Fun website. Spectators can look forward to captivating performances by the U.S. Air Force F-35A Demo Team, Air Force Thunderbirds, Patriot Parachute Demo Team, and Warbirds Arrival Show on April 9, with additional warbird events sprinkled throughout the week. The official website provides a detailed event schedule.

On the ground, attendees can partake in workshops, explore opportunities at an aviation career fair, and provide young aviation enthusiasts with inspiration at a dedicated kids corner. Aviators flying into the show can benefit from available discounts, while those seeking an elevated experience can opt for preferred seating, available on the event’s website. The Sun ’n Fun event promises an immersive experience for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.

The post Sun ’n Fun 2024: Soar Into the Skies with Unforgettable Airshow Spectacles appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The DA42-VI signifies a commitment to eco-friendly aviation training, burning up to 50 percent less jet-A than traditional avgas counterparts. Its introduction aligns with Lufthansa Aviation Training’s dedication to resource efficiency, modernity, and safety in pilot education.

• READ MORE: Diamond DA42 Twin Makes First SAF Flight

Raymund Obst, head of pilot school European Flight Academy, emphasized the role of these new aircraft in shaping future pilots.

“We are preparing future pilots for their cockpit careers in a resource-efficient, state-of-the-art, and safe manner,” Obst said.

Jane Wang, sales director at Diamond Aircraft Austria, highlighted the global popularity of the DA42-VI among leading flight schools, emphasizing its economic advantages and exceptional low-noise performance. The three DA42-VI trainers will be stationed in Grenchen, Switzerland.

Equipped with advanced features such as efficient jet fuel Austro engines, Garmin G1000 NXi, and optional electrically driven air conditioning, the DA42-VI represents a versatile choice for multiengine training. Its all-composite design reflects Diamond Aircraft’s commitment to providing modern and technologically advanced solutions for flight training.

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There are many opportunities for applicants interested in experience in non-flight, aviation-related disciplines, from history research to communications and media. 

Some key details:

• Duration: 10 weeks, early June to early August
• Work format: Full-time, with on-site or hybrid options in the D.C. area
• Stipend: $7,000
• Application deadline: February 29

To qualify for an internship, applicants must be high school graduates enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a degree program at an accredited college or university. Strong academic records are expected, and international applications are welcome.

• READ MORE: Museum Spotlight: Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

Some of the aviation-related internship projects include:

• Archival research: Military aviation
• Center for Earth and Planetary Studies: Distribution of geologic structures on Europa
• Center for Earth and Planetary Studies: Titan’s tectonic history
• Communications: Communications and social media
• Communications: Digital content and accessibility
• Education: Astronomy
• Education: S.H.E. Can STEAM Aviation Camp
• Education: Soar Together family programs
• Graphic design: Publications and marketing

For detailed project descriptions and application information, visit the museum’s website.

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The Tecnam P92 MkII will be a pivotal asset during competitions, showcasing its prowess in message drops, navigation, power-off landings, and various challenging events. Known for its success in Region IX flight competitions, the Eagles Flight Team aims to elevate its performance with this cutting-edge addition.

Ken Byrnes, Embry-Riddle’s assistant dean and flight chair, emphasized the significance of selecting the Tecnam P92 MkII.

• READ MORE: Tecnam P92 MkII Enters New Era 

“Our selection of the Tecnam P92 at Embry-Riddle reflects a step change in the continuation of providing safe, reliable, and cost-efficient platforms for our Eagle’s Flight Team to remain competitive in the future,” Byrnes said.

David Copeland, director of sales at Tecnam U.S., also expressed enthusiasm about the Eagles Flight Team adopting Tecnam’s aircraft.

“The P92 is a stable, solid, and cost-effective platform that has proven to be the go-to aircraft for flight school programs around the world,” Copeland said. “We are excited to see the Eagles Flight Team piloting Tecnams into the future.”

The P92 MkII boasts enhanced short-field performance, superior climb characteristics, and increased efficiency, thanks to its composite fuselage. With an expanded cabin volume offering improved comfort and advanced Garmin G3X touch avionics, including synthetic view and ground proximity warning, the Eagles Flight Team gains a technological edge in its collegiate aviation pursuits.Tecnam stands at the forefront of eco-friendly aviation initiatives—and the P92 MkII is no exception. Recognized as part of the world’s most environmentally friendly training fleet, Tecnam’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the aviation industry’s emissions goals. Flight schools using Tecnam’s single- and twin-engine fleet can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 60 percent, setting a new standard in eco-friendly flight training.

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