Flight Training - July 2024 - 29

FIVE QUESTIONS
BY NIKI BRITTON
JOSEPH MCMURRAY
FROM JAWS TO GS
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON DR. JOE MCMURRAY, A
certificated flight instructor turned competitive aerobatic pilot,
obtained his pilot's certificate in 2002 and over the past two
decades has added a bevy of ratings, owned a stable of different
mission-specific aircraft, and continues to share his passion for
aviation and pilot safety through flight instruction, pilot seminars,
and philanthropy.
How did you get started in aviation? My aviation journey
began in 1970, inspired by the sight of Blue Angels' F4
Phantom jets at the Pensacola, Florida, Naval Air Station,
where my dad was stationed. Despite physical limitations that
steered me toward a career in medicine, dentistry, and surgery,
my passion for aviation remained solid.
What were your biggest challenges? Balancing the demands
of family, military commitments, medical residency, and
managing two offices meant aviation had to take a back seat
for many years, a situation many can relate to.
What advice do you have for students? For those pursuing
aviation as a hobby, I recommend keeping the passion alive by
continuously seeking new ratings and flying as much as possible.
Every year, I personally sought additional ratings and endorsements.
I'm currently working on my airline transport pilot
certificate. I also participated in high density altitude training,
did some glider towing for a couple of years, and spent a week
LOGBOOK
WHO: Joe McMurray,
DMD
HOURS: 5,000+
CERTIFICATES
AND RATINGS:
Instrument, commercial,
CFI, seaplane.
EXTRA: " The lack of
transition training has
been cited as a causal
factor in many GA
accidents. Significant
differences can exist
among different types
of aircraft within that
category and class,
thus necessitating
the need for effective
transition training. At
IAC International Aerobatic
Club Chapter
38 NorCal, my goal is
to help everyone get
better at aerobatics,
whether they're flying
for fun or competing. "
FLIGHT TRAINING JULY 2024
29
at Warbird Adventures and have 11 hours in a T-6 Texan. I also
recommend everyone take a UPRT (Upset Recovery Training)
course. I took mine with Mike Kloch in Bend, Oregon. His
course is outstanding and follows Rich Stowell, a leading expert
in GA UPRT curriculum. Mike introduced basic aerobatics to
me. At the time, I had no real interest in pursuing it. Up until
that point I was content flying my Beechcraft Bonanza and
Carbon Cub on amphibious floats, but I guess I was drawn to
the challenge.
What is your favorite aviation-related activity? For the
past four years, I've been immersed in competitive aerobatics.
Competitive aerobatics has been an exhilarating challenge,
pushing me to master the full flight envelope and strive for
precision in every maneuver. There's a common misconception
that aerobatic pilots are daredevils, constantly flirting with peril.
However, this is a stark contrast to reality; our top priority is
always safety.
Favorite airplane? My current airplane, a Game Composites
GB1 GameBird, will always be my favorite. But my 1999 Bonanza
A36 Jaguar holds a special place in my heart. It was my first airplane.
For over 21 years it was my companion through numerous
adventures, ratings, and trips across Mexico and Canada, combining
comfort, speed, and reliability with the joy of flying.
niki.britton@aopa.org
NIKI BRITTON
Flight Training - July 2024

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