Dr. William McLean, research optometrist at the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory at Fort Rucker, Ala., enjoys figure flying in his 160 horsepower aerobatic airplane.
McLean may be a research optometrist by trade, but he is also a skilled aerobatics pilot who participates in aerobatic competitions throughout the southeast. He recently competed in the International Aerobatic Club's Blue Ridge Hammerfest, Morganton, N.C., and won first place in the sportsman category.
IAC is the world's largest aerobatic club that promotes and enhances the safety and enjoyment of sport aerobatics.
McLean began flying in 1957 and entered the military service in 1964 as a second lieutenant in the Air Force.
"I've always wanted to own an aerobatic airplane and compete in an IAC contest," said McLean. "So in 2004, I bought a Van RV-4, and have since put over 1,000 hours on it, more than 500 of which are aerobatic hours."
The IAC's aerobatic competitors are graded by a team of judges who, based on the aerobatic figures the pilot flies, look for precision of the lines and angles, symmetry of figures, and, in the sportsman category, other factors such as remaining within the aerobatic 'box,' which is 1,000 square meters and between 1,500 and 3,500 feet altitude.
During Blue Ridge Hammerfest, competitors with powered aircraft participated in four categories known as primary, sportsman, intermediate, and advanced. Within the categories, two competitors participated in the primary category, nine competitors participated in the sportsman category, three participated in the intermediate category, and four competitors participated in the advanced category. Each category of competitors flew a different set of sequences with varying degrees of difficulty.
This was McLean's 10th competition and his second, first place win. In 2010, he won the best first-time sportsman at Keystone, Fla., second place in 2011 at Keystone, Fla., first place at Sebring Fla. in 2013, third place at Keystone, Fla., and received four grass roots awards for achieving the highest score for an aircraft with 180 horsepower or less.
So when you look to the skies, and the weather is clear, don't be surprised if you see McLean soaring through the air in looping, rolling, and vertical figures.
Social Sharing