[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 116 (Tuesday, July 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF SEAN D. TUCKER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2008

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sean D. Tucker, an 
aerobatic pilot from Salinas, California, who this month joins the 
Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong, and Charles Lindbergh in the National 
Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio.
  Tucker started out as a crop duster in the Salinas Valley before 
transitioning into air show routines, where--despite an early fear of 
flying--he has over 1,000 performances at more than 400 airshows under 
his belt. Performing his stunts in his Oracle, a one-seat biplane 
designed for him by his team, he is regarded as one of the world's top 
civilian aerobatic pilots, as well as a highly respected ambassador for 
the sport. In the 20,000 hours of flight time he has logged, Sean has 
created maneuvers with his plane that have never been replicated by 
another aerobatic pilot. His innovation and technique have led to 
numerous titles, including the Championship Air Show Pilots Association 
Challenge 4 years in a row. Even with his accomplishments, though, his 
election to the Hall of Fame still took him completely by surprise. 
Said Tucker, ``I was so stunned I didn't even tell anybody. I'm just 
this guy who likes flying upside down.''
  In addition to performing in front of millions of fans, Tucker 
founded the Tutima Academy of Aviation Safety, an institution committed 
to improving the standards of aviation safety in aerobatics as well as 
aviation in general by teaching seasoned and aspiring pilots the tricks 
behind completely controlling an aircraft. For his dedication to safety 
and unique flying style, Tucker has received all of the airshow 
industry's highest honors, including the privilege of being named one 
of the Living Legends in Aviation. He is also the only civilian 
performer ever to be allowed to fly in close formation with the Blue 
Angels and the Thunderbirds.
  Sean wants to continue his craft and be a role model to the community 
and aviation industry for as long as his body and plane allow; the day 
after the ceremony he will perform at the Dayton Airshow. Said 
executive director of the Hall of Fame Ron Kaplan, ``He's a real asset 
to the aviation community. Overall, he's just a fantastic role model 
and ambassador for aviation, having performed for years and years for 
millions of people.'' One of those he has inspired is his son, Eric, 
who works alongside him on Team Oracle.
  Sean, who was selected out of 200 nominees, will be introduced by his 
close friend, Joe Kittinger, a Vietnam prisoner of war who set a world 
record for parachuting in 1960.
  Madam Speaker, Sean Tucker is being honored by the aviation industry 
for an esteemed career and unwavering passion to test the boundaries of 
aerobatics. I wish to join the aviation community and the city of 
Salinas in honoring his dedication and accomplishments and wish him 
continued prosperity and safety in the future.

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