Three-time national aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff has probably done more to make aerobatics a household word than any other pilot in history. Breaking the gender barrier, she joined one of only a handful of pilots that have won the national title more than once, proving that in aviation, the best pilots are determined by skill and practice, not by gender. As the daughter of an airline pilot growing up in Asia, Europe and the US, Patty was a free-spirited child, discovering her love of travel and boarding schools in Switzerland and California.
After leaving high school, Patty’s young adulthood became a whirlwind of travel from the US to Australia to Europe and Asia supported by jobs as diverse as modeling and diving.
It wasn’t until moving to Alaska to be closer to her family that Patty discovered her true passion: flying. With characteristic determination, she quickly earned her private license, a perfect outlet for her restless energy. The intensity of aerobatic competition provided focus and challenge, and the beauty of aerobatics’ three-dimensional maneuvers satisfied her creative and artistic passion.
Through relentless practice and mental preparation, this tough competitor quickly made a name for herself, travelling to competitions throughout the US, keeping a grueling schedule and routine.
As a respected member of the aviation community, she serves on boards and advisory panels for museums, regulatory bodies and sport aviation organizations. She has written an autobiography “Fire and Air”, and is a frequent contributor to aviation publications as well as a sought-after speaker. Patty’s stamina, passion and hard work have truly created a champion.
For more information, visit Patty's website
