LEE LAUDERBACK

 

Lee Lauderback was born into an aviation family of five boys whose father was a Naval Aviator. Lee’s first flight was at the age of two when his father took him flying in a North American Navion. His interest in aviation continued building models and being involved in anything that flies. At 14 years of age, he began flying gliders and on his 16th birthday soloed in powered aircraft and continued accumulating additional ratings at every opportunity. 

After graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with degrees in Aeronautical Science and Business Management, Lee began his corporate aviation career flying for the late professional golfer and businessman, Arnold Palmer as his Chief Pilot for 17 years, piloting various models of Learjets, Citation jets and MD500E helicopters. 

After retiring from Arnold Palmer, Lee became CEO/President of Stallion 51 Corporation and Unusual Attitude Training and has amassed in excess of 22,750 hours in various types of aircraft including over 10,000 in the P-51 Mustang. He is a certified Flight and Ground instructor, with ATP, Instrument, Helicopter, and Glider ratings. He is also an FAA  Designated Pilot and Specialty Examiner and is often called upon to flight test vintage aircraft. Lee is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and is often called upon to flight test various vintage planes and helicopters.

Lee has performed at many major air shows over the past 38 years, performing his P-51 aerobatic flight demonstration, was also one of the first civilian pilots chosen for the USAF Heritage Flight program, which showcases historic WWII military aircraft with current USAF military aircraft in unique formation flight. For many years, Lee has also instructed students in the P-51 Mustang at the United States Navy Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland. 

He has been presented with: International Council of Airshows: Sword of Excellence, Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, Florida Aviation Hall of Fame, EAA Warbirds of America Hall of Fame and Bob Hoover Legacy awards. 

Lee is also a Master Class Falconer and in his free time, can be found flying hawks and falcons around the country.