ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – It will be against the law to say Ladies’s Historical past Month with out mentioning one of many best feminine aerobatic pilots in historical past, who additionally simply so occurs to reside in Northeast Florida.
Patty Wagstaff, 73, is described by many in aviation as a residing legend. She’s additionally thought of by many to be one of many best feminine aviators of all time.
Wagstaff has spent many years flying in airshows worldwide and profitable aerobatic competitions.
“I’m most comfortable within the cockpit. That’s the place I wish to be on a regular basis. When you get off the bottom, life is so easy. All of the mundane, day-to-day- stuff goes away and also you’re simply centered on this stunning little airplane,” mentioned Wagstaff as she confirmed off her customized Additional 300 airplane she makes use of in aerial performances.
More Women’s History Month coverage
Wagstaff realized to fly within the 1970’s, however she yearned for extra.
“I knew I needed to do aerobatics. I didn’t know the place it was going to steer, so I began with just a little coaching airplane and did a present. Then I went into some competitions and I stored doing it,” Wagstaff mentioned.
Her arduous work and tenacity paid off as a result of, through the 80s and 90s, she earned a spot on the U.S. Nationwide Aerobatic Staff, competing within the U.S. and abroad. She received quite a few gold silver and bronze medals.
In 1991, she grew to become the primary lady to win the U.S. Nationwide Aerobatic Championship. Two years later, the aircraft she used to win the US championship was displayed on the Smithsonian Nationwide Air and House Museum.
Because the years glided by, she received extra competitions and aviation awards. Wagstaff went on to be inducted into the Nationwide Aviation Corridor of Fame and the Worldwide Air and House Corridor of Fame. In keeping with PilotMall.com, Wagstaff is considered one of 22 feminine pilots who left a mark on aviation historical past worldwide. Her title is up there with feminine aviation pioneer Amelia Ernhart.
“I wish to be challenged in life. I wish to discover all of the issues which are open to me, and I wish to create alternatives,” Wagstaff mentioned.
One of many alternatives she created was opening a flight school in St. Augustine the place she and instructors underneath her train superior flying. She makes use of her many years of expertise in aerobatics to show licensed pilots learn how to recuperate from mid-air issues that may be probably deadly.
“It’s known as upset coaching and that’s what we do. We train folks learn how to get out of hassle and we would like them to be actually assured and depart feeling extra assured and luxuriate in flying extra,” Wagstaff mentioned.
She additionally has a status for uplifting younger folks and even youngsters who attend air exhibits the place her expertise are placed on show.
“I hear that on a regular basis from girls and boys. ‘I noticed you in an air present after I was a child.’ A few of them do say they have been impressed by seeing a lady fly as a result of there will not be many people in air exhibits. If I can encourage different ladies to fly, I believe that’s nice,” Wagstaff mentioned.
Being a spectator on the bottom watching Wagstaff’s aircraft carry out the Break up S, the Hammerhead, rolls, and loops whereas in flight is one factor, however seeing a GoPro video of her contained in the cockpit controlling the aircraft is one thing else. She makes it look easy.
“It’s a variety of work. It’s a must to follow. It’s a must to be within the cockpit on a regular basis; not that I’m complaining as a result of I prefer it, but it surely’s not one thing you simply bounce in and go. It’s a must to keep present and maintain your bodily situation up. It’s the entire package deal.”
A package deal that has resulted in years of success and a status for being one of many best aerobatic and stunt pilots of all time.
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.
