Thomas Adams Jr. of Brenham, Texas, who has excelled in competition aerobatics flying, judging, and instructing, will be recognized on November 8 when he is inducted into the International Aerobatics Club Hall of Fame as part of EAA’s annual Halls of Fame program lauding notable people from throughout sport aviation.
The induction dinner on November 8 will be held in the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It also includes inductees from the homebuilts, vintage and warbird aircraft areas, as well as those involved in ultralight flying.
Adams, EAA 77537, learned to fly by training with his father and helped pay for college by dusting crops in a 450 Stearman. He served in the Navy, flying A-4D Skyhawks, and eventually began a 32-year career with Northwest Airlines. Adams retired as a captain on 747-400s after logging time in more than 100 different aircraft types.
His aerobatic career began with a homebuilt Pitts S-1C in regional IAC contests. He has earned multiple competition awards, and is highly regarded as a judge after serving in that role for more than 200 contests. Adams also served on the IAC board of directors for more than 28 years and continues to serve as a judge at the annual U.S. National Aerobatic Championships.
“Tom Adams has not only earned the respect of the aerobatics community because of his abilities as a pilot and a judge, but through his willingness to share his expertise with fellow aerobatic pilots,” said IAC President Robert Armstrong. “He represents the best of aviation because of the way he encourages all who show an interest in competition aerobatics, whether that is at contests, IAC chapter practice sessions, or at his own airstrip.”