Friday, September 27, 2024
The last flight of the competition was the 4-Minute Free on Friday, September 27, in the afternoon. Six pilots competed for the Bob Schnuerle Trophy, presented to the highest-scoring competitor in the 4-Minute Free program at the U.S. Nationals.
Rob Holland reigned supreme in his MXS Aircraft winning the 4-Minute Free program for the 13th time. In other big news, the 2nd place finisher was Yuichi Takagi (AKA REDFOX Airshows) flying his Pitts Special S-2S. Yuichi is the only pilot flying a Pitts in the 4-Minute Free program and in the entire Unlimited category of competitors. The 3rd place finisher was Michael Gallaway in his Extra 300S.
See their individual flights:
Rob Holland: https://nationals-videos-2024.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/IAC24_1302.mp4
Yuichi Takagi: https://nationals-videos-2024.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/IAC24_1305.mp4
Michael Gallaway: https://nationals-videos-2024.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/IAC24_1303.mp4
The Friday night awards banquet was held at the Hilton Garden Inn. After dinner the award presentation began with introductions of local dignitaries from the City of Salina, the Chamber of Commerce and the Salina Airport Authority. National's sponsors were recognized and the nationals volunteer staff.
Contest Director Shad Coulson was emcee of the evening and announced the awards. Congratulations go out to all of the U.S. National Aerobatic Champions:
Power Pilots: Rob Holland (Unlimited), Kyle Collins (Advanced), Steven Johnson (Intermediate), Justin Miller (Sportsman), and Erik Ledet (Primary).
Glider Pilots: Jason Stephens (Unlimited), Ethan Smith (Advanced), Greg Borovykh (Intermediate), Rob Simmons (Sportsman) and Amelia Anderson (Primary).
2024 U.S. National Aerobatic Championships photo album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/rEacnciVsWKLJCJh8
Photos by Lorrie Penner, Editor Sport Aerobatics magazine
https://www.iac.org/2024-us-national-aerobatic-championships-program
