Don't know if anyone had posted this when it actually happened. This was in the Naples Daily News today.
Recreation: Haycraft captures national aeorbatics title
By Daily News staff
October 15, 2004
Joe Haycraft spent his 20s flying fighter planes over North Korea.
He spent his professional life flying big old jumbo jets for US Airways.
Five years ago, the part-time Naples resident felt it was time to have a little fun in a plane.
You know. Flips and dives. Rolls and turns.
And no peanuts.
A chance meeting with some members of the 23rd chapter of the International Aerobatic Club at Immokalee Regional Airport led to Haycraft becoming involved in precision aerobatic — don't call it "stunt" — flying.
Five years later, Haycraft is a national champion.
Haycraft, 74, beat a field of 16 other pilots to win the Sportsman's Division of the U.S. National Aerobatic Championship in Denison, Texas in late September.
"This was my first national championship," said Haycraft, who splits his time between Naples and Owensboro, Ken. "This is a pretty big deal."
It should be.
Haycraft piloted his Pitts S1S plane at speeds up to 205 mph through a series of maneuvers that would, to not put too fine a point on it, make your hair stand on end.
"You operate in a cubic kilometer of air, an aerobatic box and do anywhere from 10-15 maneuvers," Haycraft said. "It's kind of choreographed like an ice skater or a dance group."
Only a dance group doesn't willfully dive straight at the ground as the plane nears top speed.
"You basically make all your maneuvers flying on the edge of the envelope," Haycraft said.
Haycraft and the other members of IAC Chapter 23 are in Sebring this week competing in the 50th Sebring Aerobatic Contest.
Recreation: Haycraft captures national aeorbatics title
By Daily News staff
October 15, 2004
Joe Haycraft spent his 20s flying fighter planes over North Korea.
He spent his professional life flying big old jumbo jets for US Airways.
Five years ago, the part-time Naples resident felt it was time to have a little fun in a plane.
You know. Flips and dives. Rolls and turns.
And no peanuts.
A chance meeting with some members of the 23rd chapter of the International Aerobatic Club at Immokalee Regional Airport led to Haycraft becoming involved in precision aerobatic — don't call it "stunt" — flying.
Five years later, Haycraft is a national champion.
Haycraft, 74, beat a field of 16 other pilots to win the Sportsman's Division of the U.S. National Aerobatic Championship in Denison, Texas in late September.
"This was my first national championship," said Haycraft, who splits his time between Naples and Owensboro, Ken. "This is a pretty big deal."
It should be.
Haycraft piloted his Pitts S1S plane at speeds up to 205 mph through a series of maneuvers that would, to not put too fine a point on it, make your hair stand on end.
"You operate in a cubic kilometer of air, an aerobatic box and do anywhere from 10-15 maneuvers," Haycraft said. "It's kind of choreographed like an ice skater or a dance group."
Only a dance group doesn't willfully dive straight at the ground as the plane nears top speed.
"You basically make all your maneuvers flying on the edge of the envelope," Haycraft said.
Haycraft and the other members of IAC Chapter 23 are in Sebring this week competing in the 50th Sebring Aerobatic Contest.
