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About the Pilot:
Matt has been flying since 1994, mostly
recreational. Since then he has logged over 1000
hrs flight time in the Decathlon that he
flies, and has competed in several IAC aerobatic
competitions.
Matt's Unrestricted aerobatic card is allows him
to fly right down to the deck during a routine.
2009 was his third airshow season.
About the
Show:
Matt starts the show with the signature
smoke-ring spiral to get the
attention of the crowd. He continues pushing and pulling through maneuvers
that one wouldn't think a little high-wing could do. Then he finishes with
an inverted pass right down the runway with thick white plumes of smoke
puffing from the engine!
*Airplane photos
captured
by Robert Bismuth of
Seattle
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About the
Plane:
The airplane that Matt flies is a Bellanca Decathlon. The Decathlon is
very similar to a Citabria, but it has beefed up structure and a
semi-symmetric airfoil. It's got a
Lycoming AEIO-320 engine with inverted oil and fuel systems, allowing
sustained inverted flight. With its
slower speed, show-center excitement is maintained, and with the large wing and bright colors, the airplane is easily seen by the crowd.
And the kids love the starburst paint scheme on the wings and
tail. With the extra seat, media rides are a natural.
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