The national championship Aerobatic Team at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has been on a temporary hiatus since early 2008 due to a lack of aircraft sponsorship for the last year. Since 2001, the team earned the national championship collegiate title six times. Coach Charley Rodriguez and team Captain Scott Marquardt have been trying to find a way to get the team its wings again. Southern Illinois Aerobatics, a not-for-profit corporation, has been formed to secure sponsorships from businesses and individuals in order to purchase an aerobatic aircraft.
Team members not only enjoy the excitement of aerobatic flight, but the skills learned from this unique style of flying help them understand complicated aerodynamic principles, energy management, and precise control of their aircraft. Teammates are also required to maintain the aircraft, so their airframe and powerplant knowledge is put to practical use. The team hopes to raise enough funds by early summer so it can compete this season, and return the championship collegiate title to Carbondale. For more information please visit http://flyingsalukis.aviation.siuc.edu/
