To all of Cynthia’s friends and flying buddies, I am sad to tell you that Cynthia died yesterday from a recently discovered internal organ cancer. To her family and friends, she will be missed and will be remembered. To those that didn’t know Cynthia, she was very active in the IAC along with her husband, Dave Underwood. For years they flew a Super Decathalon later transitioning to an Extra 200. Cynthia was a competitor, judge and a lovely lady.
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Previous post: August 7, 2010
Cynthia Lyons is based at Aurora Municipal Airport (KARR) near Chicago, Illinois and flies an Extra 200.
Cynthia Lyons at the Kokomo, Indiana IAC Chapter 124′s aerobatic contest August 7, 2010
Cynthia Lyons has been an active aerobatic pilot for many years. She started competing in the IAC with an American Champion Super Decathalon, which she and her husband owned for many seasons, before upgrading to this very rare Extra 200 several years ago. Cynthia currently competes at the Intermediate level.
Cynthia is a member of the granddaddy of all chapters, IAC Chapter 1.
Cynthia competing at the 9th Annual Kathy Jaffe Challenge in N9PB
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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
Marilyn Pearson is based at (KHFD) Hartford-Brainard Airport, Hartford, Connecticut.
The Cub is a reminder of my first job in aviation, as a CFI in seaplanes. Still my favorite job yet!
I started flying taildraggers when I was a teen, in gliders. My love of aviation had to wait till I finished college and saved for my power ratings. I had the great fortune of getting to know several tailwheel pilots while I was still a student pilot. They would take me flying in Luscombes and Cubs. I was bitten.
The gyro is in AZ. I’m a national resource in gyros, and if you look carefully, it has a tailwheel!
My first airplane was a Skybolt. I combined my love of aerobatics, biplanes and tailwheel all in one. I was a competitive gymnast thru college and couldn’t wait to learn aerobatics!
Look carefully, the person in the front is me giving some dual to the new owner of the Extra.
My current career as a FAA Inspector allows me to fly in many tailwheel aircraft, as I am a national resource pilot and travel throughout the country doing checks for other pilots. I rarely get to fly with other women, and got very excited to see this group.
This glider photo is at Flying Cloud, in MN after I did a Designated Pilot Examiner renewal for the Minneapolis FAA FSDO.
I have a partnership in a Cub, on floats in the summer and wheels in the winter. I’m fortunate to have 2 friends with Extra 300s and fly those till my eyes turn bloodshot! I would love to have a share in a Stearman, any takers?
The lady taildragger pilot updates continue…
Christina Chapman from Idaho writes;
“Things are the same with me — still flying my Scout although we’re having a snowy winter so it has greatly reduced my flight time. I’m working on my CFI this winter instead (advanced ground right now). When the snow storm pattern weakens (usually March or April), I should have some adventures to Hell’s Canyon and will send photos then.”
Christina Chapman’s Scout on 2010 trip to Hell’s Canyon
“I see that more are joining all the time. Great!”
Christina Chapman
Link to Christina Chapman’s May 2010 Pilot Profile
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Cynthia Lyons from Illinois writes;
“I am still the co-owner of Extra 200 9PB with my husband David Underwood. It is 13 degrees this morning in Naperville, Illinois and I am so glad the bird is keeping warm in its heated hangar. We are headed to Florida early January for a quick trip to Sanibel Island — if it is warm enough we will fly the Extra down to Chris Rudd who will do our annual. If it is just too cold to go we will wait until March!”
Cynthia Lyons and her Extra 200
“We used to brag about flying every single month of the year in Chicago winters. We are just getting too old now. So we are waiting for the 2011 (IAC aerobatic) season this spring.”
Cynthia Lyons
Link to Cynthia Lyons August 2010 Pilot Profile
Chelsea Engberg is based at Mesa Del Rey Airport, (KKIC) King City, California.
Winter flying in the J3 – brrrrrrrr!
I’m a CFI and MEI focusing on aerobatics now. I typically fly an Extra 300L and sometimes a Pitts S2C and S2B. I also have opportunity to fly a J3 Cub and am in the process of selling a Cubcrafters Sport Cub for my company.
Getting ready to solo the Pitts S-1S with Ken Erickson watching over me
I think taildraggers are the best aircraft out there and am absolutely enthralled with aerobatics. I decided about 4 years ago that I wanted to dedicate my life to aerobatics and am working towards my goals of becoming a full-time aerobatic instructor and airshow pilot. I spend almost every waking moment at airports and every dime goes towards training…what can I say…I’m in love!
Flying the Extra at a competition in Delano, CA
My job includes flight instruction & managing of a flight school, ferrying an airshow team’s ride Extra 300L around the country along with lots of other odds and ends!
Me & Eric Tucker getting ready to fly the Sport Cub from Yakima, WA to King City, CA
I love meeting people who love flying and introducing those who haven’t gotten the bug yet to our wonderful world!
Flying my first competition at Paso Robles, CA…yes…I do need that many cushions in the front of the Pitts….
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