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AIRVENTURE TODAY
Inaugural Redbird Flying Challenge Cup crowns first three winners By Antonio Davis
T
he Redbird Flight Simulations Flying Challenge Cup was successfully completed Wednesday, July 30, at the Main Stage on Boeing Plaza. The three competitors claiming victory were student pilot Kevin Sandoval of Charleston, South Carolina, aviation enthusiast Matt Smith of Sand Lake, Michigan, and pilot Patrick Webb of Erie, Colorado. Hal Bryan, EAA’s online communication manager and one of the hosts of the challenge, said he expected a tough competition. “These 12 finalists came from all over the country, some from even the rest of the world, and they all have been practicing,” Bryan said. “The scores for the most part were very, very close.” To win their individual categories, Sandoval scored 9,645 points, Smith
scored 9,452 points, and Webb totaled the most points of the virtual air show competition with a score of 9,660. As the winners, each of them earned a Redbird’s Flying Challenge Cup trophy, a Lightspeed Zulu PFX headset, and a flight with the AeroShell Aerobatic Team. However, the 12 finalists all received a Garmin D2 watch and a plaque for making it to the Main Stage. Webb said he enjoyed being at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 for the competition. “There were a lot of tough competitors,” Webb said. “I am excited to fly with AeroShell.” Redbird plans to return to the Main Stage for next year’s AirVenture, and competition is scheduled to begin in April.
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER MILLER
Jeff Van West of Redbird shows student pilot Kevin Sandoval his score after he completed his flight challenge.
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