February 28th, 2012 | 2 Comments
Judy Phelps is based at KSZP, Santa Paula Airport, Santa Paula, California.
Judy Phelps flying her Pitts S-2B
I am the co-owner of CP Aviation, a flight school located in Santa Paula California. I am a CFII and specialize in Tailwheel and Emergency Maneuver Training.
After flying my first airshow! What a thrill that was. CMA Airshow 2011
My career in aviation began while working at the local airport restaurant where I met my husband Clay Phelps who owned the flight school next door. This was the beginning of an amazing journey and a life changing experience.
I made it home! After my first Aerobatic Contest in 2005.
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In 1999 I earned my Private Pilot Certificate and in 2003 I became a Flight Instructor.
I own a variety of taildraggers starting with my favorite a Pitts S2B. In August of 2011 I flew my first airshow, something I thought I would never do. I also fly Decathlon’s, Citabria’s and a Cessna 180.
In the Pitts
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Cessna 180 in the Idaho backcountry
It’s official, I am now a part of Ladies Love Taildraggers!
Judy Phelps, Master CFI-A, CFII
Vice President
CP Aviation, Inc
www.cpaviation.com
“2011 National CFI of the Year”
September 13th, 2011 | 6 Comments
Jean O’Cuilinn is based at E38, Alpine-Casparis Municipal Airport, Alpine, Texas.
Jean's Super Decathlon
When I had about 30 hrs or so as a student pilot I went to take some aerobatics at Debbie Rihn-Harvey’s place in La Porte, TX in 2004. We flew a Super Decathlon and from that point on I decided that one day I wanted to get one of my own. In the meantime I bought a Cessna 152 and finished my ratings up through CFI (just this past January) and still have that plane and am using it to now train my students. Just soloed my first student last Thursday evening! I took more acro lessons off and on in a Pitts and Super Decathlon and eventually flew w/ a CFI out near El Paso in the plane that you see posted here – 102GD.
He needed to sell it and my husband encouraged me to go for it so we bought it! I’m now in the process of learning to fly her and LAND her (without screeching inside each time) and am having a great time. Frankly, I’m still working on wheel landings in Rosy (the SD). I’m just jeeky about it – afraid of a prop strike mostly. But, it’s getting better. I’m fine in the middle of the air 
! A friend of mine told me about this web site and when I checked it out last night I thought I’d better register and join in the fun.
My planes both have names. The C152 is Julie and the 8KCAB is Rosy- short for LaRosa which stands for “loops and rolls on Sunday afternoon”. I like acro but I don’t think I’ll ever compete. Might go help with a competition as a volunteer some day though. My friend Jeff is the Pres. for the chapter in Austin and they host the Llano Hammerfest each year.
Jean & friend Jeff with his Sukhoi 29 getting ready to go do some acro. He asked: so, what do you want to do today....... my reply: stuff I can't do in the Super Decathalon - so we did torque rolls, tail slides and even a lomcevak which was something to see.
The picture was taken when he came out to Alpine and I got to go fly with him in the Sukhoi. Just added that in because I don’t have a picture of me w/ Rosy and well, the Suk is a tailwheel aircraft and I flew it- sure haven’t landed it though. HA.
I’m seriously considering flying Rosy up to McCall Idaho next summer to take the Mountain Canyon Flying seminar. Doubt I’ll use her for the backcountry strips – I’ll probably fly the Super Cub and that will mean that I’ve gotten to fly another tailwheel plane.”
Jean O’Cuilinn
Susan Upchurch is based at (KSGJ) St. Augustine Airport, St Augustine, Florida.
I started flying in 1965 and by 1968 was lucky enough to fly taildraggers (Champ, Cub, PA12, Bird Dog, etc.) and gliders. I currently own a Super Decathlon and an R-22 helicopter. Through the years, I’ve been a flight instructor, corporate, and charter pilot flying all types of airplanes.
By far, the taildragger is the most fun. Doing aerobatics makes it even more fun. I love to do tailwheel endorsements because it’s great to see pilots learn what the rudder pedals are for and become better pilots. Their eyes light up when they finally learn crosswind and wheel landings.
I’ve just learned about your organization, and I’m looking forward to being involved and meeting as many of you taildragger pilots as possible.
Susan Upchurch
February 21st, 2011 | 1 Comment
Nancy McCurry is based at Quakertown, Pennsylvania.
Nancy & friend in her Super Decathalon
25 years ago I soloed in a 1946 Aeronca Champ, N2247E, also known as “Champy”. Champy’s still flying and so am I, most recently in a Super Decathalon.
This is a picture of me and my friends, we’re all pilots! (but I’m the only taildragger pilot)
I am so grateful to my instructors for their skill and patience in teaching me to be a competent pilot, it’s really a gift I love to share with others.
Nancy McCurry
Jan Oreck is based at (MS88) Oreck Airport, Poplarville, Mississippi and (KNEW) Lakefront Airport, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Jan Oreck
So happy to see other lady taildraggers!! My husband wanted me to learn how to fly in a “real airplane” so he bought me a Super Decathlon. Am I a lucky girl or what!!! We are based in the New Orleans area with hangars at Lakefront (KNEW) and our farm (MS88) which is near Poplarville, MS. I currently serve as Chair Chick for the New Orleans chapter of the 99′s. We have a very active chapter, getting together for regular chapter meetings and our annual Top Gun slumber party in November.
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While learning how to fly I was advised that I needed to name my airplane. As is turns out, the tower provided me with the perfect name…ATC kept referring to me as a de Havilland which was of course close but not correct. Since she is a Decathlon, her name is Olivia…Olivia Decathlon.
February 11th, 2011 | 5 Comments
Becky Way is based at Sundance Airpark (KHSD), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Becky & her beautiful Decathalon
Hi everyone,
I fly a 1977 Decathlon that I have had for the last 13 yrs and love it. I fly it mostly to breakfast every Saturday I can, and then on short or not so short trips to places around Oklahoma City.
Wow!!
I am also a professional artist and use the the Decathlon for trips to painting locations.
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There are several other female pilots at our airport but only one other female taildragger pilot and she flies a Pitts S2B.
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February 9th, 2011 | 4 Comments
Jeanne MacPherson is based at (KHLN) Helena Regional Airport, Helena, Montana.
I am recently retired from Chief of the Safety and Education Bureau, Aeronautics Division, Montana Department of Transportation. I coordinated air search operations, promoted aviation education, and taught mountain flying for more than 15 years. I am now flight instructing in Montana with my company “Mountain Airdance LLC”.
Jeanne and her Super Decathalon
Prior to working for the State of Montana, I was a freight pilot and flight instructor. I am a commercial pilot and CFII with SEL, MEL, and SES ratings. I am member of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) as well as the FAA FAASTeam, and have been trained in the Emergency Maneuver Training Program developed by Master CFI-Aerobatic Rich Stowell.
Glacier Flight
I was greatly honored in 2003 with The EAA Freedom of Flight Award (the Experimental Aircraft Association’s highest achievement award) for having flown more than 3,400 Young Eagles.
Jeanne MacPherson and Student
I now fly a Super Decathlon and soon my husband and I will own a Cessna 180.
This is a very nice site. Thank you!
Mountain Airdance llc Website: http://www.mountainairdancellc.com/
Faith is based at (2J9) Quincy Municipal Airport, Quincy, Florida.
I’ve been addicted to flying since my teens, but it wasn’t until my early 20s that I saved enough money to finally earn my license. I bought an old Skyhawk and while I always enjoyed it, I was sure that I was missing something – I just couldn’t put my finger on what.
Faith and her Super Decathalon
It wasn’t until I took a spin training course that it finally dawned on me! I quickly followed the spin training with a tailwheel endorsement in a Luscombe 8A, followed by 10 hours of basic aerobatic training in a Pitts. After a few years of moving around the country, I’ve recently settled down enough to fly regularly again. I’m now the proud owner of a Super Decathlon and am beginning aerobatic training in earnest.
