Hiya everyone,

This is my first time posting on this forum. My name is Mike, and I am currently working on my private license (almost done...whooohoo). I'm really interested in airshow flying and would like to break into it. The only problem is...how does an average joe like me afford to do it? I hold a job as a law enforcement officer here in FL, and unfortunalty, my job just doesn't allow me to afford an airplane designed for the rigorous routines of an airshow performance (i'm not complaining about my job by any means, because it is very rewarding).I am not sure how sponsors work in the sport, but I know enough that they probably want you to be really good before they commit finances to your cause. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for me. I do plan to start aerobatic training in St. Augustine after I get the instrument rating out of the way. Can anyone explain how sponsors work in reference to airshow pilots? I'm just curious, and hate asking all these questions, but I gotta find out, because airshow flying is my dream, and nothing is keeping me from it. Patty, I would just like to say that you have been nothing less than an inspiration to me. Thanks for all you do for the sport and the field of aviation in general. Best wishes all...

Mike

• RE: ...Seeking New Major Corporate Sponsor,Ben_Chiu, 19:56z, 10-29-03
• RE: breaking into aerobatics...and SPONSORS??????,Patty_Wagstaff, 16:06z, 11-02-03
  • RE: breaking into aerobatics...and SPONSORS??????,akro230, 15:05z, 11-05-03
    • RE: breaking into aerobatics...and ...,Ben_Chiu, 18:47z, 11-06-03

Greetings Mike:

Welcome to the Aerobatics and Air Shows forum.

It seems your question about sponsors for Patty is very timely. I just saw this on her web site:

Aerobatic Pilot Patty Wagstaff Seeking New Major Corporate Sponsor
=========================
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL, Sept. XX, 2003 -- U.S. National Aerobatic Champion Patty Wagstaff announced today that her 12-year relationship with Goodrich Corporation will end after the 2003 season. She is currently pursuing corporate candidates to serve as her major sponsor.

According to Marshall Larsen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Goodrich Corporation, "We have considered Patty part of the Goodrich family since the early 90's and are proud of the outstanding job she has done representing our company in air shows and aerobatic competitions all over the world. Patty has been a great ambassador not only for our organization but for the industry as well. We are indebted to her for promoting Goodrich's involvement in aviation over the course of the last 12-years as we transformed the company into the global aerospace systems supplier it is today. We will always count Patty as a friend and colleague and we wish her continued success. Her impressive list of professional accomplishments combined with her passion for flight is a winning combination for any corporate sponsor seeking a true professional to represent them in the air show arena."

According to Patty, " I am saddened to see my long-term relationship with Goodrich come to an end. I am, however, excited about new opportunities and welcome corporations to allow me to prove to them how I can serve as an asset to their current marketing mix."

Recently honored by Women in Aviation, International as one of the 100 most influential women in the aviation and aerospace industries, Patty Wagstaff flies an Extra 300S. A resident of St. Augustine, Florida, she is a three-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion and the first woman to win this title. She retired from aerobatic competition in 1996, and now divides her time between air show and movie stunt flying. She is also a six-time recipient of the Betty Skelton, "First Lady of Aerobatics" award. For more information please visit http://www.autopilotmagazine.com (2003-10-09)

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL, Sept. XX, 2003 -- U.S. National Aerobatic Champion Patty Wagstaff announced today that

Ben

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Hi Mike

It's great that you're working on your private and are going to take Aerobatic lessons so soon. It will increase your conifdence and make you a better pilot!

Re: sponsorship - Ben is right, I haven't completely cracked the code myself! I have been with Goodrich for about l2 years but am looking for a new sponsor, after we mutually decided not to renew this year. I think it's going to be a good decision in the long run, and I'm looking outside of aviation for the right sponsor.

It's very hard to find sponsorship - you have to be lucky, creative and have something to offer. At your level, a beginner, I would say it's next to impossible. Sponsors need to know what they are going to get for their money and sponsorship dollars are very tight these days with the current state of the economy.

So, take some lessons, enjoy it and perhaps you can just keep working your way into affording a fun aerobatic airplane like a Pitts S-1S or a Super Decathalon. I would then suggest you do some competition aerobatics. Join IAC (www.iac.org). You'll find people at competitions always willing to help critique you and make you a better pilot.

Good luck.
Patty

Hello everyone,

I appreciate all the great advice and encouragment. I figure it's going to take years of practice and patience to get where I want to be. Can anyone recommend a good aerobatic instructer in either St. Augustine, Daytona Beach or Bunnell? Preferably St. Augustine (love that place). Patty, special thanks to you for being a constant inspiration. I'm looking forward to seeing you fly at Wings and Waves in Daytona. It's going to be weird not seeing BF Goodrich on your Extra..but I can't wait to see who your next sponsor will be. I work part time at Advance Auto Parts(second largest auto parts store in the country) part time while my wife finishes school. I heard they are looking to expand on their advertising campain. They sponsor all kinds of motor sports. The way I see it, airshows are the 4th largest spectator event in the country..and that makes for some good advertising in my opinion. Also Patty, I just wanted to tell you that I work my main job at the Sheriff's Office in my county as a deputy. I work in the school system as a resource officer. They allow me to teach classes out here, and most of my classes have to do with aviation of some sort. The best response I've had through my kids has been showing them your performances..and the female kids go CRAZY to know that they could possibly do something like that one day. I think that's pretty cool, or as my kids put it..tight. Thanks for all the help..till next time.

Mike

Greetings Mike:

> The way I
> see it, airshows are the 4th largest spectator event in the country..

According to ICAS:

"Based on the information ICAS has gathered through our Event Organizer Survey, we estimate that between 15 million and 18 million spectators attend air shows throughout North America each year."

I've been told that air shows are the #1 outdoor spectator event in the world, but I never checked what other events such as NASCAR, pro football, etc. draw.

> and
> that makes for some good advertising in my opinion.

Regardless of the ranking, agreed.

Ben

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