Providence pilot competes in Reno air races, sets cross-country flight records

MANSFIELD, Mass. (WLNE) — Stephen Coleman, a Rhode Island native and professional pilot touched down in Mansfield, Monday afternoon for the first time in three weeks.

Coleman flew in from California after being named ‘Rookie of the Year’ and successfully competing in the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada. It was the last time the air races were held in Reno.

Coleman came in first place for his airplane class, which is under 1,100lbs.

“We came in first place in the bronze class, so I’m really proud of myself and my team and everybody who helped get me there and back, it’s a huge accomplishment for all of us,” Coleman told ABC 6 News after landing at Mansfield Municipal Airport.

Stephen’s wife, Eve Carey, explained that the aircraft made of wood and fabric was built by Coleman.

The plane first made history on its way to California before competing in Reno.

“Most people put their planes on trailers to bring them out, he instead just flew it out there cause he was like ‘I have a working plane, why not,’” Carey explained.

Coleman also set two transcontinental speed records while traveling from coast to coast in under 40 hours.

“My flight there and back was the first time attempting it as far as I know and the first time putting a record on the books,” Coleman said.

Carey said she’s been cheering him on the entire time.

“It’s been a long time building and compiling all the pieces, Steve is very meticulous and a very hardworking person and even though he works full time at another job, pushed through and made this beautiful airplane and it did quite well,” Carey explained.

A small aircraft weighing under 1,100lbs is not the most comfortable for anyone to fly for hours on end, especially for someone taller than six feet.

“Just dealing with the physical discomfort of flying the airplane, there’s no autopilot, no trim system, you have to have your hand on the controls at all times, so that’s a challenge,” Coleman said.

After a few stretches Monday evening, Coleman told ABC 6 News that he’s ready to get back to work.

“It’s definitely good to be out of it, but I’ll probably be ready to go flying tomorrow though,” said Coleman while laughing.

Coleman is now challenging someone to break his record of flying to the California coast in a little over 34 hours, and flying to Rhode Island’s coast from California in around 31 hours, all in an aircraft weighing just 950 pounds.