Patty Wagstaff was first introduced to flying by her father, a captain with Japan Airlines. One of her fondest memories is a long ago flight with him, as she took the controls of his DC-6 for the first time. As a child, Patty was particularly intrigued with aerobatics. She would often ask her father, “What’s it like to do a loop?” This early interest ultimately defined her flying future, and lucky was the world, anxious to experience her passion and zest for excellence. Unsure of her career path, Patty pursued a business degree. Finally learning to fly after moving to Alaska, her first flying lesson was in a Cessna 185 on floats. To Patty flying just felt right, a chance to combine her adventuresome spirit and eagerness to try new things. Patty says, “Flying opened a door into a whole new world, it made incredible sense.” She earned her private pilot’s license in 1980 and soon qualified in seaplanes. Just two years after obtaining her pilot’s license, Patty began aerobatics training in a Bellanca Decathlon. Patty’s dedication and passion to practice, and to perfect her acrobatic technique, propelled her flying career. By 1984, she had a reputation for high energy demonstrations, pushing the aircraft and herself to the edge of the flying envelope. Driven to perfect her performances, Patty’s dreams came true when she joined the U.S. Aerobatic Team in 1985, flying her Pitts Special. From 1985 to 1996, Patty won gold, silver, and bronze medals, competing in worldwide competitions; quickly becoming a household name in aviation circles. In 1991 she became the first woman to win the U.S. National Aerobatic Championship, which she won again in 1992 and 1993. She has been selected as one of America's “Living Legends of Flight.” Patty has since retired from aerobatic competition, leaving while at the top of her game. In 1996, she was the top scoring U.S. pilot at the World Aerobatic Championships. Today, Patty continues to fly her Extra 300s at air shows around the country, the Patty Wagstaff Air Shows, and is one of the world’s top aerobatic instructors. Her students include many competitors from around the world. Additionally, Patty works in television and film industry stunts. Her credits include the films Drop Zone, Forever Young, Fortune Hunter, and Up Close & Personal, as well as many highly rated television shows.