DARREL
MASSMAN AIR SHOWS
AIR SHOW PACKAGE USA
It’s been 31 years since air
show and competition aerobatic pilot
Darrel Massman took
his first flying lesson at the age
of 16. Since then he has logged over
6000 hours of flying time in over
65 different models of aircraft, including
J-3 cubs, DC-3’s, King Airs,
Saber liner and Citation jets, and
helicopters. I like anything that
flies.
 Lesson
number 4 in initial flight training
was doing spins. I new at
that time aerobatics was for me.
Over the years Darrel trained with
air show masters Marion Cole, and
Jim Leroy learning not only the fine
art of aerobatic maneuvers and energy
management, but learning that safety
is first. Prior to each practice,
competition, or air show flight, all
components of the aircraft from gas
caps to seat belts are carefully checked.
After the aircraft inspection all
details to weather are carefully observed
including winds, ceilings, temperature
and dew points. Every single 10-minute
flight requires almost 2 hours of
preparation.
Darrel started competition in the
sportsman category. At his very first
competition, he won and became national
champion. Darrel now flies in the
unlimited category and has successfully
become 2002, 2003, and 2004 mid America
Unlimited Champion, and placed second
overall highest scoring in United
States in 2003.
The aircraft flown is a Panzl 330
custom built unlimited monoplane.
The aircraft weighs in at 1260 lbs
with 350 horses under the hood, and
a 3 bladed MT propeller. The roll
rate is in excess of 420 degrees per
second, and a climb rate of close
to 5000 feet per minute. Vertical
penetration of almost 3000 feet and
cruise speeds of over 220 mph make
this aircraft one of highest performing
aerobatic planes in the world.
Darrel’s air show includes an
entry from as high as 8000 feet above
ground, then entering an inverted
flat spin with up to 35 revolutions.
The show includes high and low energy
inside and outside multiple snaps,
tumbling gyroscopics, torque rolls,
tail slides, and looping maneuvers.
During flight Darrel will
be subjected to as much as 10 positive
G’s and 7 negative G’s.
It’s a lot of work. The average
10-minute flight is like an 8-hour
workday. It’s all worth it,
its just (plane) fun.
In addition to flying aerobatics,
Darrel is also Chief Pilot and general
manager of Puff The Magic Dragon,
an AC-47 gunship used in Viet Nam.
(Also known as a DC-3) Darrel and
co-captain Mike Connell from Decorah,
Iowa will fly the aircraft during
the show. Rides will also be available
in the AC-47.
Darrel lives in Ogdensburg WI. with
his wife Kristi and their four children.
In addition to flying Darrel enjoys
raising cattle, riding horses, motorcycling,
snowmobile, snow boarding, and fishing.
Darrel believes if you want to do
something you have to get started
on it, because you can’t get
it done until you get it started.
See you at the greatest air show in
2005.
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