Kirby Chambliss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kirby Chambliss
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Chambliss in 2010
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| Born | October 18, 1959 |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Spouse(s) | Kellie Chambliss |
Kirby Chambliss (born October 18, 1959) is an American world champion aerobatic and air race pilot. He is well-known for racing in the Red Bull Air Race World Series.
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Kirby Chambliss: A Pilot's Journey
Kirby Chambliss was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, in the United States. From a very young age, he dreamed of becoming a pilot. He was inspired by watching his father, who was a professional skydiver. Kirby loved seeing the planes perform amazing stunts while following the skydivers.
Early Flying Days
During his high school years, Kirby worked hard to earn money by fueling aircraft. This helped him get closer to his dream. By December 1975, when he was just 16 years old, Kirby flew an airplane by himself for the first time after getting formal flight training. He earned his private pilot's license the following March.
At first, Kirby worked as a certified flight instructor. He then became a night freight pilot, flying cargo planes. Later, he got a job as a business jet pilot. This job allowed him to save enough money to take special aerobatic flight training in 1985. He also bought his very own aerobatic plane.
Becoming a Champion Pilot
Kirby quickly showed his talent in aerobatics, which is flying stunts with an airplane. He won top honors in his first competition! He then moved up to the "unlimited" level, which is the highest level in aerobatic flying.
In 1997, he joined the US Aerobatic Team and later became its captain. He has won five U.S. national championships and earned 13 medals at world championships. In 2000, he became the Men's Freestyle World Champion. Kirby has spent a lot of time in the air, logging over 27,000 flying hours!
In 2013, Kirby had a challenging moment during an airshow in El Salvador. He had to make an emergency landing on a rocky area but thankfully only had minor injuries.
Red Bull Air Race Success
Since 2003, Kirby has been a big part of the international Red Bull Air Race World Series. He is a member of the Red Bull team, flying alongside his teammate Péter Besenyei from Hungary.
Kirby became the champion of the Red Bull Air Race in 2004. He won the series again in 2006, taking first place in four out of eight races. He flies a special aircraft called the Zivko Edge 540. To stay in top shape for the intense g-forces and precise timing needed for air racing, he runs four miles five days a week.
Life Outside the Cockpit
When he's not training or competing, Kirby enjoys performing in traditional airshows. He lives with his wife, Kellie, who is also a pilot, and their daughter, Karly Nicole. They live at the Flying Crown Ranch in Arizona, United States.
