Tell me something I don’t know, right? Patty Wagstaff is a role model in so many ways, for women, for pilots, for anyone who wants to pursue big goals. Here’s an excerpt from the story in General Aviation News:
Wagstaff’s accomplishments broke barriers and opened doors for other women to follow, club officials noted. In 1991 she became the first woman to win the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships and she would go on to win the Nationals three times, for three consecutive years. In addition to these U.S. Championships, she has earned a position on the U.S. Aerobatic Team at the World Aerobatic Championships six times, and six times won the Betty Skelton “First Lady of Aerobatics” Award.
…Wagstaff volunteers with the Kenya Wildlife Service, giving recurrent and aerobatic training to law enforcement officers patrolling for poachers of elephant tusks and rhinoceros horns.
What a lady! It is truly a high honor to have Patty’s endorsement on my book, when I’ve looked up to her for so long. I’ve been able to see her perform once at the Reno Air Races, where she made my jaw drop with her amazing octagon. It was unforgettable. Yet she remains a friendly, down-to-earth person with all her fame. If you have the chance to see her fly, I’d encourage you not to hesitate—and bring some young people along with you, too! It might be the spark that starts the career of a future pilot. At the very least, they’ll become an instant Patty Wagstaff fan.
Visit the Official Patty Wagstaff website to learn more and see her show schedule.