Jessy Panzer began her love for airplanes probably before she could even say the word “fuselage”. Although born in Omaha, NE, Jessy and her family moved six months later since her father took a job with Duncan Aviation in Lincoln, NE, where her earliest memories and first friends were made! Jessy’s father was a corporate pilot whose career was cut short after the family re-located to Colorado Springs, CO, but his love of airplanes and of aviation lived on through his 7 year old Daughter.
In 1997 Jessy officially began her quest for a life in the skies when she attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott Arizona. She excelled and quickly became a Flight Instructor, graduating with her Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science in 2001. Jessy then landed a job in Colorado Springs, one of her 2 hometowns, and the place her Mom and Sister still call home. Flight instructing for the United States Air Force Academy Cadets gave Jes an incredible flying opportunity in her own backyard.
The Mile High City wasn’t high enough for Jessy. She left Colorado Springs for Lincoln Nebraska, her Dad’s old stomping grounds. A great friend of the Panzer Family gave Jessy the opportunity to learn aerobatics, while pursuing her corporate career flying Air Ambulance and Charter in King Airs and Citations.
Jessy flew her first competition in Kansas City, KS in the year 2000, and her first airshow in Fairmont, NE in 2003. Again she excelled quickly and in 2004 Jessy qualified to race at the Reno National Championship Air Races, in the Formula One Class.
Preparation met opportunity when, in 2005, Jessy was invited to be mentored by Sean D. Tucker, Bill Stein, and Mr. Wayne Handley on the “Stars of Tomorrow” Aerobatic Flight Team. Along with her team mates, Jessy became a bright shining star on the airshow circuit, building experience while performing in airshows all over the Country which included Pittsburgh, PA, Dayton, OH, and the largest, and one of the most prestigious airshows in the World, Oshkosh, WI.
Jessy has been influenced in life not only by her Dad, but also by her Mom, who taught Jes a love of dance. After a childhood of watching and learning from her mom in 2001, Jessy did her Mom proud and won in her division of the UCWDC (United Country Western Dance Council) in Country Western Couples Dancing, at a competition held in Nashville TN.
Horseback riding, golf, skydiving, and surfing round out Jessy’s interests. A new interest in vegetarian cooking helps keep her grounded when she has the time!
Most recently, Jessy has been employed as a corporate pilot, flying for Fry’s Electronics and based out of San Jose, CA. Staying in step with the rest of her busy life, Jessy is captain qualified in a King Air 350, North American Sabreliner, and a Gulfstream 2B. She is a 5300 hour ATP with type ratings in all the planes previously mentioned, as well as Lear Jets. Jessy is also a Certified Flight Instructor in helicopters, and seaplanes.
This is Jessy’s first opportunity as a competitor on the US Advanced Aerobatic Team.
Follow Us!