Page 12 - Twin and Turbine June 2017

Air show performances are yet another dimension to Chambliss’ aerobatic pursuits. While the point is pure entertainment, he said that air shows allows him to tap into his artistic side. “I always say my airplane is like a paintbrush and the sky is my canvas. It allows me to paint a picture for everyone to see,” he said. “What keeps me flying air shows is the ability to share my passion with people.”
As most performers agree, AirVenture Oshkosh is the pinnacle of the air show circuit. “What I enjoy most about performing at Oshkosh is that it’s not an average show. Most of the people there know what they are looking at when I perform. It’s an honor to fly in front of so many of my own peers in aviation,” he added.
Ever the perfectionist, Chambliss is working on new elements for his air show performance. “The Red Bull Air Force skydivers will be flying with us this year. We’ve been working on different gyroscopic maneuvers that are going to be super cool. We’re also bringing back the helicopter program, bringing all three aspects together in one show. We’re hoping that this will be ready for Oshkosh this year, but definitely for 2018,” he said.
Meridian Carries & Connects
With a race calendar that has a very small off-season and a full schedule of airshow performances each year, Team Chambliss is always on the move. The company has traditionally operated a support aircraft in which they carry spare parts, equipment and other support materials. The first aircraft he owned was a Cessna 180. Following that, he owned a 1974 Beechcraft E55 Baron Foxstar with the Colemill engine conversion and winglets. After operating the Baron for 1,000-plus hours, and with maintenance issues mounting, Chambliss made the move to a 2005 Piper Meridian.
“The Meridian is a mini-airliner. It is very weather capable and very reliable. These two characteristics allow me to depart for an airshow later than previous aircraft I own, which means I can spend more time at home with my family,” he said. “It’s the most economical cabin-class single-engine turboprop available.”
Chambliss didn’t seriously consider any other airframe before buying the Meridian. He said the Meridian fits into a great niche between piston and twin-turboprop aircraft. Chambliss and his team flies the Meridian anywhere from 200 to 250 hours per year. It is also used for media rides, allowing reporters to observe and video Chambliss performing aerobatics and close formation flight.
“It is probably one of the most tested and researched airframes out there. We operate it out of our 2,000-foot private airstrip in Arizona. It’s never hiccupped once on us,” he said.
He strongly urges Meridian owners, or those considering the purchase of a PA46, to join the Malibu/Mirage Owners & Pilots Association (MMOPA).
“For a small fee, you get a great support from the membership and the gurus. If you post a problem on the Forum, there’s a good chance someone out there has had that problem too and can provide advice. If not, the Meridian gurus who have been maintaining these airplanes from the start will jump on and help. MMOPA also offers a hotline for things like maintenance and avionics,” he said. “The knowledge you gain from MMOPA can keep you from making a mistake someone else has already made, and it allows me the opportunity to talk to people that are just as passionate about the Meridian as I am.”
The things he wishes were better on his Meridian – endurance and integrated flight deck – are greatly improved on Piper’s
Kirby Chambliss has own every season of the Red Bull Air Race series since its inception in 2003.
10 • TWIN & TURBINE
June 2017