Highlights with Airshow Pilot Patty Wagstaff and Who is Wally Funk? (Summer Series II)
In today's episode, we celebrate pioneering women by revisiting Patty Wagstaff and cheering for Wally Funk. The original recording with Patty took place in the Fall of 2020 and pushed out as Episode 5 - a long form interview well worth a revisit. Today we have compiled a highlight episode that speaks to Patty’s work, wit and passion for flying alongside some of the less known aspects of what motivates her and how she focuses. Never a dull moment, always a next move, and nearing 70, Patty will impress, endear and inspire you. You can watch her air show performance at AirVenture Oshkosh 2021.
This week would not be complete without a shout out for Wally Funk. Regardless of when you are listening to this, marking this moment on the When Women Fly podcast is like staking territory and claiming space in our current culture for the phenomena of when women fly. Wally Funk symbolizes women rising into what is deserved and earned. Also, the integration of allies and shifting systems dismantle barriers-to-entry and give seats at the table, literally give seats on the rocket ship, and give a platform for women to be seen and heard.
“Flying is not the hardest part of it at all, it’s the mental aspects - so you learn a lot about yourself in any sport, anything that you do when you push yourself is where you really learn about who you are and what your weaknesses are, what your strengths are, and how to improve those things.”
Topics Include:
Blue Origin and Wally Funk's spaceflight with Jeff Bezos
How to join Patty for a ride in her show plane
Winning U.S. National Aerobatic Championship and defending the title
Motivation to be a "first woman" champion
The mindset of an elite performer and neurodiversity
Finding focus and being attentive while ADD
Stigma around learning and thinking differences
Committing to excellence and persistence
Resources Mentioned:
To Patty Wagstaff the sky represents beauty, freedom and challenge. A six-time member of the US Aerobatic Team, she is the first woman to win the title of US National Aerobatic champion and one of the few people to win it three times. Patty continues to fly airshows worldwide, and when not flying, she leads an active lifestyle and enjoys working out, riding horses, hanging out with her dogs and her parrot, Buddha, or at the beach. She loves good restaurants, music, reading, and cooking too!
Her latest venture is producing a series of educational and instructional videos on aerobatics with Sporty's Pilot Shop in Clermont, Ohio, with its first two releases “Introduction to Aerobatics” and “Basic Aerobatics” newly released.
Patty Wagstaff Airshows, Inc. and Patty Wagstaff Aviation Safety LLC are based in St. Augustine, Florida.
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