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Craig Mailloux stand next to his airplane |
Craig Mailloux sweeps Santa
Paula Airport Challenge
January 17, 2000
Santa Paula News
Craig Mailloux won both events in the Challenge Series at the airport last Sunday. Flying his beautiful crimson and ivory Cessna Skylane, Craig bested a field of 22 competitors to win the Teddy Bear bomb drop event, then went on to win the Spot Landing event with a new distance record of 11 feet.
Friendly rival Gerald Moseley was only eight inches from the line, but, unfortunately, it was before the line, which resulted in his disqualification in the event by the judges. The contest simulates an FAA licensing requirement to be able to land within 200 feet past the end of a very short runway. This contest is to see who can get the closest to the line without landing short.Craig, in one of the prettiest airplanes in the field, has been a bridesmaid in most of the series events. This month, he used the heavier weight of his plane and placed it close to the line but within the characteristic bounces of some lighter aircraft.Craig and his wife, Carol, are six-year residents of Santa Paula, coming from Porter Ranch. He learned to fly at CP Aviation in 1992 with famed flight instructor Bill Lose as his teacher. Craig is a professional photographer and has been employed by the Daily News as the picture editor for the last 15 years. He is renowned for his aviation and aerial photographs that he does as a part time business.
Coincidentally, series promoter Rowena Mason won second place in both events in her Piper Cub. This is also the first time this Santa Paula resident has placed in the series.The Challenge Series continues on February 13 at 3 p.m. There is a $100 first prize with no entry fee. Prior sign-up is required, however. Contact Rowena Mason at 525-7081.