Matt Chapman Retires From Air Shows After 37 Years

Matt Chapman flew his last air show November 9, 2019 at the NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, closing the book on a 37 year air show career.

Matt was first inspired to fly aerobatics at 16 years old, and he began flying aerobatics in 1984. He first flew aerobatics in a Pitts that he built himself, before moving up to a Laser and then a CAP 231EX. Matt quickly worked up to the highest level of competition aerobatics, the Unlimited category, and won the prestigious International Aerobatic Club Championships in 1994 and the Fond du Lac Cup in 1995. In 1998, Matt was the highest ranking American at the World Aerobatic Championships, finishing third overall. Matt held one of only five slots on the U.S. Unlimited Men’s Aerobatic Team in 1996 and 1998.

In 2006, Matt began his relationship with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and has maintained it ever since. In 2015, Matt unveiled a new Extra 330LX at Oshkosh, and has been seen flying the blue and yellow Extra around the country ever since. Recently, Matt has performed at air shows not only by himself, but as part of the 4CE formation aerobatic team.

When Matt isn’t flying at air shows, he is a captain for a major US airline, and he will continue his day job even after his air show retirement. Matt was able to spend his last air show weekend not only flying his Extra, but also hitching a ride with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels!

Help us congratulate Matt on a great air show career by leaving a comment below!