Scott Francis, originally from Wichita, KS and now residing in Montclair, VA, just outside of Washington DC, has been a licensed pilot for more than 38 years. The son of an experimental test pilot and the grandson of an airline pilot, Scott grew up around aviation and has been flying in airplanes for as long as he can remember. His early graduation present in high school, at the age of 18, was training for and earning his private pilot’s license under the tutelage of a very strict instructor – his father!
In 2003, after flying more or less straight and level for 18 years, Scott got the itch to do something different. He took a few aerobatic flying lessons and the hook was set. Less than a year later he purchased a Pitts Special – the most recognized aerobatic airplane in the world – and began competing at the Sportsman Level in International Aerobatic Club sanctioned aerobatic contests. A year later, he moved up to Intermediate Level aerobatic competition, flying in 5-6 contests each year. While continuing to compete in aerobatic contests, Scott started performing in airshows in 2006 by flying aerobatic demonstrations with the Flying Circus in Bealeton, VA, where he still performs most Sundays between May and October each year. In 2007, Scott sold his beloved Pitts Special, purchased a high performance Giles 202 all carbon fiber monoplane, and moved up to Advanced Level competition. After winning a number of contests at the Advanced level, Scott moved up to the top level of competition – the Unlimited Level – in 2012. In April of 2013 he acquired the airplane he currently flies – a 355 hp, all carbon fiber MXS aerobatic aircraft, arguably the top performing aerobatic airplane in the world today. Scott retired from aerobatic competition in 2013, but continues to proudly fly his MXS aircraft in front of more than 1 million spectators each year at more than 20 airshows throughout the Midwest and eastern US. He loves to share his passion for flying with the young and old alike.
In total, Scott has logged more than 6,200 hours as a pilot in more than 40 types of aircraft. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot license, and he is type rated in both the Dash-8, King Air 350, and Boeing 737 aircraft. Scott’s high-energy performance in the MXS features speeds in excess of 300 mph, G loads spanning a body-crushing +11 to -6 Gs, and dizzying roll rates of more than 400 degrees per second. Scott loves to fly, and it shows!
Scott was a professional engineer for 30 years and is now a pilot for a major U.S. airline. He also owns and flies a Beechcraft Baron based in Manassas, VA. Most importantly, Scott is the proud father of three wonderful girls!
Scott would like to thank his sponsors, including Whelen Aviation, Tempest Aviation Products, and Sky Dynamics for supporting him throughout the airshow season.
You can learn more about Scott and his MXS aircraft by visiting Scott’s website at www.scottfrancisairshows.com. You can also send him an email via his website and he’ll be glad to talk about airplanes and flying with you!
