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The 1996 U.S. Aerobatic Team was selected at the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships in September. They will represent the United States at the World Aerobatic Championships in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, August 18 - 30, 1996. Photo: Jim Koepnick/EAA

Denison, TX - The pilots of the 1996 U.S. Aerobatic Team were chosen at the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships the last week of September. The five top scoring men and five top-scoring women in the U.S. Nationals were invited by the U.S. Aerobatic Foundation to represent the United States at the XVIII World Aerobatic Championships (WAC) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, August 18 - 30, 1996.

Because the 1996 WAC will be in the United States (they are typically held in Europe) there was an exceptionally large turnout of 35 Unlimited pilots seeking a team pilot position. Unlimited category pilots usually fly four programs for the purpose of team selection: Known Compulsory, Freestyle, Unknown Compulsory I and Unknown Compulsory II. This year, however, cloudy and windy weather conditions allowed for only three flights to be flown: Known, Free, and Unknown I. A cut was made prior to the Unknown I in order to allow each competitor to fly who had a chance of making the team, yet allow time to complete the program before dusk on the final day of the contest. The top 21 contestants flew the Unknown I Friday afternoon.

Mike Goulian of Arlington, Massachusetts, earned the title of U.S. National Aerobatic Champion for 1995. Mike, who was a member of the 1994 U.S. Aerobatic Team, flew three strong programs in his new German 300 hp Extra 300S for the competition. At 27 he is one of the youngest pilots ever to win the national title.

Robert Armstrong, like Mike Goulian, was on the 1994 U.S. Team. Robert is from Athens, Georgia, and competed in his 200 hp Abernathy Streaker.

Phil Knight, 1994 U.S. National Champion and veteran of two previous WACs, earned his position on the team flying his 300 hp Extra 300S. Phil lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is a Director on the U.S. Aerobatic Foundation Board.

Matt Chapman is the only rookie on this year's team. Matt flies the French-built 330 hp CAP 231 EX. One of only six ever built, it's the only one in the United States. Matt lives in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

John Lillberg of Boynton Beach, Florida, returns to the U.S. Team, having been a pilot member in 1992, and the male alternate on the 1994 Team. John also flies an Extra 300S.

Linda Meyers Morrissey was the highest placing woman in the U.S. Nationals at fifth place overall. She is the team's most seasoned veteran, having participated on every team since 1982. Linda flies a 300 hp CAP 231 and is living in Lee's Summit, Missouri.

Diane Hakala from Phoenix, Arizona, won a slot on the team with her new 300 hp Staudacher S300D. Diane was a member of the 1994 Team until a forced landing during a practice session resulted in a fractured ankle and prevented her participation in Hungary.

Patty Wagstaff from Tucson, Arizona, is back on the team again. Three-time U.S. National Champion and member of the past five U.S. Teams, Patty also brings extensive world level competition experience to the team. She flies an Extra 300S with a 328 hp BPA engine.

Debby Rihn-Harvey also has been on the past five U.S. Teams. An airline pilot and fixed base operator from LaPorte, Texas, Debby flies a 260+ hp Texas Hurricane.

Ellen Dean was a pilot on the 1988 U.S. Team when the American women's team won the FAI Challenge Cup in Red Deer, Alberta, and again on the 1990 Team. She also served as the female alternate on the 1994 U.S. Team. Ellen flies the new 300 hp Extra 300L. She resides in St. Augustine, Florida.

The U.S. Aerobatic Foundation held a board meeting during the week of the U.S. Nationals at which they selected the non-flying personnel for the 1996 Team. Alan Geringer was selected as Judge and Howard Stock as Assistant Judge. Rick Miller will be Chief Mechanic and Geary Monckton also will serve as a Mechanic. Paul West will serve as Line Person, and Lew Shattuck was selected to fulfill the Video Technician's duties. John Morrissey's and Boris Baird's appointments were announced earlier this summer as the Team Trainer and Team Manager, respectively.

Major corporate funding for the U.S. Aerobatic Team is provided by Shell Oil Company, makers of Aeroshell aviation lubricants.

The U.S. Aerobatic Foundation is charged with the administrative and fund raising functions for the U.S. Aerobatic Team. Unlike competitive teams from other countries, the U.S. Team is entirely privately funded by individual and corporate aviation enthusiasts, and by the team members themselves. Individual contributions in Support of the U.S. Aerobatic Team may be directed to: U.S. Aerobatic Team, P.O. Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086.

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