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HomeOnline ScheduleInitial Courses:Advanced Training:Instructors: Pete Tallarita
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Aerobatic Pilot/Instructor
Jon Melby first learned to fly at age 8, when he created a pile of leaves in his Duluth, Minnesota lawn, climbed onto the roof of his 2 story home, and jumped like a bird into the leaves! He has been hooked on flying ever since. At the age of 12, he had the opportunity to meet the legendary airshow pilot Bob Hoover at a local airshow. Bob Hoover’s sincerity and great personality gave Jon the inspiration to pursue his dream of flying. When he was financially able, Jon made it a goal to achieve his solo in a glider before his 16th birthday. In only 8 flights, he achieved his goal by riding his bicycle 45 miles each hot Arizona July weekend to the nearest glider airport. It was this type of determination that inspired Jon to
purchase an airplane at age 19, and then hired an instructor to learn to fly
it! He received his pilot’s license by flying every day for a period of 3
weeks, yet eventually yearned to do more in an airplane. In 1996, he purchased
a Pitts S2B Bi-plane and spent 3 months training to compete in aerobatic
contests. During his first competition with 23 pilots, Jon achieved 3rd
place, and in the next two contests he won first and second place, awarding him
enough points to become the Arizona State Sportsman champion his first year of
competition flying. It was then that Jon knew that aerobatics was his love.
Now, flying “extreme” freestyle aerobatics, Jon enjoys flying Airshows, so he
can encourage both adults and children to pursue their dreams, much like Bob
Hoover did for him. Jon is an A list national airshow pilot and all around nice guy. Having family in Red Wing and the 110 degree temps in Phoenix, he has decided to base his airshow operation out of RGK for a few summer months and will be available as an aerobatic instructor in the Extra 300L. See more of Jon at www.jonmelby.com |
