Wagstaff Says She’s Sorry For Oshkosh Incident

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Air show pilot Patty Wagstaff says she’s sorry for the “undue or unwanted attention to EAA or the local community” her incident with Oshkosh authorities may have caused on July 31 when she was arrested for driving drunk on a runway at Wittman Regional Airport after the airport had closed. Wagstaff pleaded no contest to first-offense drunk driving and a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest last Friday. She was fined $500, ordered to pay court costs and banned from driving for eight months. “I have accepted personal responsibility for my actions by pleading no contest to the remaining reduced charges. And despite statements or actions that some others have either attributed to me that evening or insinuated occurred, this outcome puts those rumors to rest as well,” she said. Wagstaff said she’s now focused on the coming season and Todd Simmons, vice president of marketing for Cirrus Design said the company will stick by her in sponsorship.

Patty Wagstaff Statement re: Outcome of Incident of July 31, 2008

I am pleased to report that as of Friday, December 19, 2008 the legal matter associated with the events of Thursday evening, July 31, 2008, at Wittman Field in Oshkosh, WI is now closed. I want to thank the Winnebago County Circuit Court and other local officials for their efforts and their reasonable and efficient handling of my case.

To the extent that my actions of that evening brought undue or unwanted attention to EAA or the local community, I am truly regretful. In that light, and as I considered how for more than 25 years now I have received much more from so many fans, friends, family and others in aviation than I can ever repay, I have accepted personal responsibility for my actions by pleading no contest to the remaining reduced charges. And despite statements or actions that some others have either attributed to me that evening or insinuated occurred, this outcome puts those rumors to rest as well.

Looking ahead, I am focused on getting back to work for my fans and supporters as soon as possible. This episode has only served to increase my commitment to advancing aviation through excellence in flying, dedication to safety and renewal of service to the flying community.

Todd Simmons, Vice President – Marketing at Cirrus Design added his strong support, “We are extremely proud to be Patty’s primary sponsor and to be associated with aviation’s leading personality and airshow performer. That has been true since the start of our professional relationship several years ago and remains so today. Our support of Patty has been unwavering and the outcome of this particular incident only serves to strengthen our commitment. Patty’s 2009 performance schedule – including airshows at many new venues – is shaping up to be the most dynamic in recent memory and we are looking forward to her most exciting airshow season to date.”

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