2026 Giles Henderson Memorial Challenge Regional Aerobatic Contest Held in Salem, IL

By Carmelo Turdo

The Giles Henderson Memorial Challenge Aerobatic Contest was held August 7-9 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. By 7:00 A.M., 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 featured here in their placement order.

Primary First Place: Cameron Grossl, Piper J-3 Cub

Primary Second Place: Jeffrey Williams, Christen Eagle II

Primary Third Place: Bill Valbracht, Vans RV-7A

Sportsman First Place: Bruce Shipp, Christen Eagle 

Sportsman Second place: Ben Cantrell, Christen Eagle II

Sportsman Third Place: Yinhan Wang, Pitts S-2B

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

Sportsman Fifth Place: Todd Ashcraft, One Design DR-107

Intermediate First Place: Sean Coltrin, Rebel-Edge 2300

Advanced First Place: Trevor Smith, Extra NG

Advanced Second Place: Craig Fitzgerald, Extra 300L

Advanced Third Place: Bruce Ballew, Extra 300LT

Advanced Fourth Place: Justin Miller, Edge 540

Unlimited First Place: AJ Wilder, Extra 300SC

Unlimited Second Place: Rob Bond, Extra 300L

The Aero Experience thanks IAC Chapter 61, Salem-Leckrone Airport and all of the competitors for making this another safe and enjoyable competition.