2025 Giles Henderson Memorial Challenge Regional Aerobatic Contest Held in Salem, IL

By Carmelo Turdo

The Giles Henderson Memorial Challenge Aerobatic Contest was held August 8-10 at Salem-Leckrone Airport in central Illinois. The event, previously known as the IAC Chapter 61 Salem Regional Aerobatic Contest, continues the tradition of promoting aerobatic flying excellence through healthy competition in a safe environment. The competitors arrived on Friday, and the graded flights were made on Saturday and Sunday morning. The Aero Experience coverage includes some views from Saturday along with the contest results.

(IAC Chapter 61 graphic)

The morning began with a glorious sunrise and the promise of beautiful blue skies for the rest of the day. The hangar door opened just after 7:00 A.M., and the aircraft were rolled out and positioned for the morning launch. The pilot and ground crew briefing went ahead shortly thereafter. Though the event has been running successfully for decades, a thorough briefing was held to help ensure that everyone involved understood the rules and procedures for a fair and safe competition. The competitors are also featured here in their placement order.

Primary First Place: Jeffrey Williams, Christen Eagle II

Primary Second Place: Joshua Cargille, Pitts S-2B

Sportsman First Place: Sean Coltrin, Rebel Edge 2300

Sportsman Second Place: Kelly Nowaczyk, Pitts S-2B

Sportsman Third Place: Lance Campbell, Christen Eagle II

Sportsman Fourth Place: Cameron Grossl, Christen Eagle II

Sportsman Fifth Place: Mark Haven, Christen Eagle II

Sportsman Sixth Place: Christian Ledet, Pitts S-2A

Sportsman Seventh Place: James Powell, Skybolt

Sportsman Eighth Place: Christopher Forero, Pitts S-2B

Sportsman Ninth Place: Andrew Kisela, Pitts S-2A

Sportsman Tenth Place: Joe Overman, Pitts S-2A

Sportsman Eleventh Place: Erik Ledet, Pitts S-1S

Intermediate First Place: Trevor Smith, Extra NG

Intermediate Second Place: Steve Johnson, MX2

Intermediate Third Place: Micah Reynolds, Staudacher S-600

Intermediate Fourth Place: Emerson Beinhauer, Pitts S-2B

Intermediate Fifth Place: Justin Miller, Edge 540

Advanced First Place: Bruce Ballew, Extra 300L

Unlimited First Place: A.J. Wilder, Extra 300SC

Unlimited Second Place: Steve Grohsmeyer, MXS

Unlimited Third Place: Rob Bond, Extra 300L

 

The Aero Experience thanks IAC Chapter 61, Salem-Leckrone Airport and all of the competitors for making this another great Giles Henderson Memorial Challenge!