Born and raised in the Golden State of California, Vicky Benzing has carved out an extraordinary career in the skies. She is celebrated as a pilot of exceptional skill, a breathtaking aerobatic performer, and a fierce competitor in air racing. With an impressive logbook boasting over 10,000 hours of flight time and more than 1300 parachute jumps, Vicky Benzing embodies a profound passion for all things airborne. Her journey in aviation spans over four decades, during which she has earned an Airline Transport Pilot rating alongside commercial ratings in helicopters, seaplanes, and gliders. Vicky’s expertise extends to piloting over 50 diverse aircraft types, showcasing her versatility and mastery in the field of aviation.
Vicky Benzing’s fascination with flight ignited in childhood, sparked by her inaugural airplane ride in her uncle’s aircraft. This early exposure fueled a lifelong ambition to fly. She took her first steps towards realizing this dream in her hometown of Watsonville, California, learning to fly in a family friend’s vintage Taylorcraft. Under the tutelage of an ex-military instructor, Vicky enthusiastically embraced aerobatics, mastering spins, loops, and rolls. Further honing her skills, she received advanced aerobatic instruction from the esteemed pilot Amelia Reid, laying a robust foundation for her future aerial performances.
While pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at UC Berkeley and embarking on a career in Silicon Valley’s high-tech industry, Vicky Benzing temporarily shifted her focus from intense aerobatics. However, the allure of aerial maneuvers remained strong. Her passion was reignited after an exhilarating aerobatic flight with air show icon Wayne Handley, prompting her to return to the world of spins, loops, and rolls with renewed vigor.
In 2005, Vicky Benzing dedicated herself wholeheartedly to formal aerobatic training. She entered aerobatic competitions across the United States, progressively advancing through the competitive categories. Concurrently, Vicky expanded her aerial presence by performing in local air shows. Today, holding a surface-level aerobatic waiver, Vicky Benzing has graced numerous air show venues across the nation with hundreds of performances. A career highlight includes an invitation to perform at the prestigious EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI, recognized as the world’s greatest airshow, solidifying her status as a top-tier aerobatic pilot.
Beyond aerobatics, Vicky Benzing embraced the adrenaline of air racing after a friend invited her to experience the National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV. Her debut year in racing was remarkably successful; Vicky was honored as “Rookie of the Year” after winning her very first race. Continuing her ascent in air racing, 2015 marked a historic milestone when Vicky Benzing became the “Fastest Woman Racer” in the annals of the Reno Air Races. She achieved this record by qualifying an Aero Vodochody jet on the racecourse at an astounding speed of 469.831 mph. In September 2023, Vicky Benzing piloted her iconic P-51D Mustang, affectionately named “Plum Crazy”, to a commendable 4th place finish in the highly competitive Gold races of the Unlimited Class. Notably, Vicky is only the second woman to ever compete in the Unlimited Class in the Reno Air Races’ 59-year history and uniquely holds the distinction of being the only woman to have raced in three different classes: Sport, Jet, and Unlimited.
Vicky Benzing’s multifaceted career also extends into the realm of film and television. As a member of the Screen Actors Guild, she has contributed her aviation expertise to various media projects. Vicky can be seen skillfully flying her magnificent Boeing Stearman in the documentary “Mercury 13,” currently available on Netflix. Her filmography also includes appearances in episodes of “Ice Pilot,” “NCIS LA,” and “Walker Texas Ranger,” along with extensive stunt work in her Stearman for the short film “Niner Echo Foxtrot,” showcasing her versatility and talent beyond airshows and racing.
