Giles Henderson Memorial Challenge Regional Aerobatic Contest Held in Salem, IL Part 2: Sunday

By Carmelo Turdo

The Giles Henderson Memorial Challenge Aerobatic Contest was held last weekend at Salem-Leckrone Airport in central Illinois. The event, previously known as the IAC Chapter 61 Salem Regional Aerobatic Contest, continued in the 46-year tradition of promoting aerobatic flying excellence through healthy competition in a safe environment. Twelve pilots flew eleven aircraft during the two-day event, which was fraught by fog and rain delays. On Sunday, the fog and low clouds lifted and there were clear skies in the afternoon. Here in Part 2, we take you through the day's activities from the early morning fog through the contest flights. Check Part 1 in this series for the Saturday flights.

The day began with an early morning briefing, and more fog, but this time the skies turned blue around noon so the pilots and ground crews lost no time getting set up for launch. 

The judges gathered in position as the planes fired up for the Intermediate and Sportsman contest flights, and the results are posted below.

Jerry Esquenazi, Extra EA-300S, First Place Intermediate

Justin Hickson, Pitts S-2B, Second Place Intermediate 

Bryan Hayden, Pitts S-2A, First Place Sportsman

Gunnar Jeannette, Pitts S-2B, Second Place Sportsman

Liz Birch, Super Decathlon, Third Place Sportsman

David Butler, Super Decathlon, Fourth Place Sportsman

The Aero Experience commends IAC Chapter 61 for its distinguished record providing aerobatic contests in the heart of the Midwest and Salem-Leckrone Airport for hosting the event. Check out Part 1 of this series for Saturday coverage.