Sean MurphySean Murphy’s parents became intrigued by motorless flight when they took his Cub Scout troop on a field trip to Harris Hill in 1976. Both Mom and Dad joined the soaring club that year and began flying. When old enough, both Sean and his sister joined as junior members. Sis earned a private license and Sean, currently living in Elmira, is still involved and now is lead instructor at the club. He is a B777 Captain for FedEx.

As a junior pilot early non-mentored attempts at cross country flights resulted in fun stories, but little actual distance. After hiatus from soaring, during which he concentrated on his career as a professional pilot, Sean returned to Elmira and the Harris Hill Soaring Corp. With the help of several great pilots and a more formal cross country training program his cross country miles began to pile up. Contest flying came next at first flying the Harris Hill Discus CS and then his first glider a Ventus 2b. Sean has several regional wins and top places in nationals.

In 2015 he was honored to be selected to the US Team at the 1st Pan American Gliding Competition at Chilhowee, Tn. He has also flown internationally at the 34th WGC in Benalla, Australia (15m) and the 36th WGC in Montlucon, France (15m). He is looking forward to flying his Jonker JS3, “XC”, in the 18m class at Uvalde. He and his teammate Sean Fidler, aka “The Two Sean’s”, have been working hard to bring US Team pair flying to a new level.

Sean Fidler (7T) and I have will have flow three contests this year practicing tactics and techniques to be competitive as a pair in Uvalde.

WGC pilots typically start very late trying to scrape off those pilots who can’t fly in weak late-day conditions or those who misplan their flight and end up low and alone as the day is dying. As the 18m pair, Sean Fidler and have practiced to avoid this.

It is a great honor to be chosen to represent your country in your favorite sport’s premier event. Truth be told I really enjoy a long stand alone cross country flight from my home airport, returning to my own bed. But flying contests is the only way to expand your skills and measure how good of a soaring are compared to other pilots. This all the more true flying the WGC. New and better skills are required. Team work is a must. Am I up for task? I better be. The best pilots from around the world are coming to Uvalde , TX and they are bringing their A game. Exciting!

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