Coushatta native Kevin Coleman has carried his passion for flying, which began in the skies over Red River Parish, around the world. Now, the accomplished aerobatic pilot is preparing to receive one of Louisiana’s highest aviation honors.

Coleman is among seven individuals selected for induction into the Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. The induction ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, at 2 p.m. at Black Bear Lodge in Delhi, Louisiana.

For Coleman, the recognition represents another milestone in a remarkable career that began when he was just a child learning to fly in Coushatta.

His interest in aviation developed through his father, Dr. Wyche Coleman, an avid pilot who introduced him to flying at an early age. At just 10 years old, Kevin began taking flying and aerobatic lessons from legendary pilot Marion Cole, one of the sport’s most respected instructors and performers.

Coleman’s talent became evident early. He completed his first solo flight on his 16th birthday, before he was old enough to obtain a driver’s license. By 17, he had earned his private pilot’s license and was already making a name for himself in competitive aerobatics.

At the 2007 U.S. Aerobatic Championship, Coleman earned recognition as the highest-placing first-time competitor in the Sportsman category. The following year, he finished third in the Intermediate category, continuing his rapid progression through the sport.

By age 18, Coleman had begun performing professionally at airshows, turning the passion he developed as a young boy into a career.

He also pursued his education at Louisiana Tech University, earning a degree in Aviation Management while continuing to build his flying experience.

Coleman’s career reached an international stage in 2016 when he became the first American selected to compete in the Challenger Class of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.

The competition challenged pilots to navigate demanding aerial courses at high speeds while maintaining extraordinary precision and control.

Coleman quickly demonstrated that he belonged among the world’s best. During his debut season, he earned four consecutive podium finishes, including his first victory at Ascot Racecourse in England.

He followed that success with victories in Porto, Portugal, and Kazan, Russia. Across his Red Bull Air Race career, Coleman accumulated three victories and 16 podium finishes in 21 races.

His accomplishments established him as one of the sport’s leading young competitors and brought international attention to the pilot from Coushatta.

Today, Coleman continues to entertain audiences through performances with the Red Bull Air Force. His flying combines speed, precision and technical skill, with maneuvers that include inverted flight, rapid rolls and dramatic low-altitude passes.

Throughout his career, he has benefited from the guidance of some of aviation’s most accomplished pilots, including Kirby Chambliss, a two-time Red Bull Air Race World Champion. Coleman has also earned a place on the U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team.

Despite the international recognition, his connection to Red River Parish remains an important part of his story.

The aviation tradition that helped shape Coleman’s career has also received statewide recognition. His childhood instructor, Marion Cole, was inducted into the Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame in 2025. Now, just one year later, Coleman will join his former instructor among the state’s honored aviators.

The Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame, housed at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe, recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to aviation and helped preserve the state’s aviation heritage.

Joining Coleman in the Class of 2026 are Philip Thomas, Steve Gustafson, Van Shepherd, Robert Suggs, Ricky Hammonds and Myrden Pellegrin.

The October 10 ceremony will recognize their accomplishments and contributions to the aviation industry.

For Red River Parish, Coleman’s induction is a special point of pride. The young boy who learned to fly over Coushatta has gone on to compete against some of the world’s finest pilots, perform before international audiences and establish himself as one of the leading figures in aerobatic aviation.

His journey from a small Louisiana community to the world stage serves as a reminder that extraordinary accomplishments can begin close to home.

And this weekend, that journey will earn Kevin Coleman a permanent place in Louisiana aviation history.

Photo credit: Louisiana Aviation Hall of Fame social media

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