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Embry-Riddle Sport Aviation Club Impressive in National Competition

Daytona Beach, Fla., Oct. 10, 2006 -- The Embry-Riddle Sport Aviation Club recently sent three pilots to compete at the U.S. National Aerobatic Competition held Sept. 25-29 in Denison, Texas. The team consisted of three students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: David LaSala, Ryan Olson, and Chris Rivera. LaSala flew in the Primary category, which is the starting level for new pilots entering aerobatic competitions, while Olson and Rivera flew in the Sportsman category, one level above Primary.

With the first day of flying complete, Rivera took third place for flight one, with Olson close behind in sixth in the Sportsman category. Meanwhile, LaSala also had a solid flight, placing second for flight one in Primary.

After close competition throughout the week against the nation’s best aerobatic pilots, Olson scored high enough to earn a second-place finish in collegiate standings and seventh overall. Rivera came in right behind Olson with a third-place finish in collegiate and 12th overall for the Sportsman category. LaSala also placed well, with a second-place finish in collegiate standings and third-place overall flying in Primary.

When asked about the trip to Nationals, Olson said, “It was amazing! Between the people you meet from the aerobatic community and the flying, the overall experience can best be described as a high-energy competition environment. I know that Chris, David, and I are all glad that the club and its sponsors have given us this type of opportunity.”

Olson, LaSala, and Rivera are all pursuing degrees in Aeronautical Science, with Olson also enrolled in the Aerospace Engineering degree program.

The Embry-Riddle Sport Aviation Club gives members the chance to fly an assortment of aircraft owned by a sister club (Eagles Sport Aviation Club) at a low cost of operation. These aircraft include a Pitts S-2B for aerobatic and upset training, two Piper J-3 Cubs for tail-wheel flying, and four gliders for soaring operations.

For more information, please visit www.eaglesport.org.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, offers more than 30 degree programs in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Engineering. The university educates more than 32,000 students annually in undergraduate and graduate programs at residential campuses in Prescott, Ariz., and Daytona Beach, Fla., through the Worldwide Campus at more than 130 centers in the United States and Europe, and through online learning.