|
July 27, 2009 – Oshkosh, Wisconsin — Sean Tucker knows that flying is an unforgiving business. That’s why the aerobatics star has made it his purpose to make it safer, particularly for younger air show pilots.
With 23,000 hours in the air, Tucker is lead pilot of the four-plane aerobatic team, The Collaborators, as well as president of the Tutima Academy of Aviation Safety in California. The school offers training in aerobatics proficiency, pilot awareness, formation flight and advanced flight training. Besides Tucker, the instructors include fellow Collaborator pilots Bill Stein, Ben Freelove, and Tucker’s son, Eric.
Despite flying air shows since the mid-1970s, Tucker says he continually learns from his mistakes, as well as from the many mentors he’s had, including the French Connection, Leo Loudenslager, Charlie Hillard, and others.
“I offer the academy as a way to pay back (those mentors),” he said. “It really isn’t a huge financial success, but it is a great place to share the magic of flying and to make people who are already good pilots go beyond their own personal envelope.”
The instructors formed Collaborators so that they, too, could push their personal envelopes and become better pilots and instructors. The group flies six shows a year, with EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 being their third event this season. They will be performing on July 29-30 and August 1.
The academy has provided training for air show pilots, FBI and customs agents, and California Highway Patrol pilot instructors and patrol pilots. “If we can teach you where you can take a plane before it stalls, and how to comfortably and confidently recover, you will be a much more secure pilot in your skills,” Tucker said. “We show people how something like a spin is really not scary, and turn it into a non-event.”
Tucker has encountered a few “non-events” in his last few years, the last one occurring Sunday while performing at the Milwaukee Air and Water Show. “I was performing with the Collaborators during the solo portion of the act when my oil line ruptured,” Tucker said Monday morning. When it ruptured, it spewed oil out all over his airplane.
“By the time I was able to get to the Milwaukee International Airport, my engine was out of oil,” he said. Tucker was able to safely land after declaring an emergency and having planes moved out of the way. But he said he will need a new engine before he can perform in Oshkosh.
An engine is being shipped, and Tucker said The Collaborators should be able to perform as scheduled on Wednesday.
That wasn’t Tucker’s first “non-event,” however. Three years ago he was forced to bail out of his plane because of a mechanical problem. Earlier this year, he made a precautionary landing on a California highway because of a problem with his fuel system.
Although his plane is overhauled each year, a defective part caused the mechanical problem that left him with no choice but to parachute out in 2006. “By training and the grace of God, I was able to survive it,” he said. “I was able to make a judgment that I couldn’t land the airplane and make sure that when it crashed, it didn’t impact people. Luck comes to the one who is prepared.”
Still, Tucker said he’s had enough “non-events.”
“They’re just not a lot of fun.”
|
|
Collaborator Eric Tucker gives Clay Stoner a ride while practicing with fellow Collaborators Bill Stein and Ben Freelove. Photo credit: Chris Miller, EAA
Ben Freelove tucks into formation as Eric Tucker takes his position behind him as the Collaborators practice on Monday. Photo credit: Chris Miller, EAA
The Collaborators practice their routine Monday over Lake Butte des Morts. From left are Ben Freelove, Eric Tucker and Bill Stein. Photo credit: Chris Miller, EAA
Collaborators Ben Freelove, Eric Tucker, and Bill Stein practice on Monday in preparation for the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh air show. Photo credit: Chris Miller, EAA
|
Become a Volunteer | Volunteer Recognition | Program News | Resources | World's Largest Logbook
PRINTER
FRIENDLY
Privacy Policy 
