Debby Rihn-Harvey, Charles Durham Distinguished Guest 2025
Debby Rihn-Harvey is a trailblazer in the aviation world, known for her decades of excellence as a professional pilot, instructor, and world-class aerobatic competitor. With a career spanning more than 40 years, she has broken barriers and inspired generations of aviators through her remarkable achievements and dedication to flight. Rihn-Harvey currently serves as a captain for Southwest Airlines, where she is one of the longest-serving female captains in the company's history. Her professional flying career is matched by her success in the aerobatic arena, where she has earned a reputation as one of the most skilled and respected pilots in the sport.
As a member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team, Rihn-Harvey has represented the United States in multiple World Aerobatic Championships, competing against the best pilots from around the globe.
Her impressive list of accomplishments includes numerous regional, national, and international awards, as well as several national championship titles. She is one of only a few women to have achieved this level of success in aerobatic competition, making her a pioneering figure for women in aviation and a testament to the power of determination and precision. Her aerobatic skills, paired with her deep understanding of flight dynamics, have earned her recognition as both an elite performer and an exceptional educator.
Outside of competition, Rihn-Harvey has dedicated much of her career to training and mentoring the next generation of aviators. Through her family-owned business, Harvey & Rihn Aviation, she has instructed countless students, many of whom primarily flight training to advanced aerobatics. Her teaching style emphasizes safety, confidence, and excellence, helping pilots develop the technical and mental skills needed for success in any area of aviation. Many of her students have gone on to become accomplished professionals themselves, further extending her impact on the industry.
Rihn-Harvey's contributions have earned her numerous honors, including induction into the International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame and recognition from the National Aeronautic Association for her outstanding service to aviation. Beyond her personal accolades, she continues to inspire others through her leadership, professionalism, and passion for flight. Debby Rihn-Harvey stands as a role model for aviators everywhere—proving that with skill, persistence, and courage, the sky is not a limit but a beginning.