Air Show Performers
scheduled to appear
USAF Thunderbirds
From their fabled past to their storied present, the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is the premier demonstration squadron of the most elite air and space force the world has ever known. They are the best of the best: U.S. Air Force professionals teamed together to present precision aerial maneuvers that exhibit the capabilities of modern, high performance aircraft and the high degree of professional skill required to operate those aircraft.
The demonstrations themselves are unimaginable before you see them and unforgettable afterwards, but that is only a small fraction of what this team represents. The Air Force is engaged in global operations every day, fighting the Global War on Terror, defending our homeland, providing strategic deterrence and giving our nation unparalleled global vigilance, reach and power.
This year, the Thunderbirds celebrate 55 years of representing the more than 500,000 Airmen, National Guardsmen and Reservists worldwide. Whether at home in Las Vegas or at an air show on the other side of the world, the team embodies the same pride, precision and professionalism required to achieve uncontested air dominance anywhere, anytime.
The Thunderbirds - America's Ambassadors in Blue.
Visit the Thunderbird’s website >
John Klatt
sponsored by Air National Guard
John flies the world famous Staudacher S-300D, which was handcrafted by John Staudacher in the Bay City, Michigan area. Weighing in at only 1,250 pounds and topping out at 250 MPH, the Staudacher is a world-class aerobatic aircraft, purpose built for high-performance, unlimited aerobatics.
It's one wild ride, capable of pulling more than +/- 20 G's, which is twice the load of the F-16 "Fighting Falcon" that John flies in his "day Job" as Major John Klatt with the 148th fighter wing of the Duluth Air National Guard. During his 9 _ minute routine, John knifes the Staudacher through an amazing series of heart stopping, pulse pounding, high-energy maneuvers that seem to defy gravity.
USAF Heritage Flight
The USAF Heritage Flight program was established in 1997 to commemorate the Air Force's 50th anniversary. It involves today's state-of-the-art fighters flying in close formation with World War II, Korean and Vietnam era fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and the F-86 Sabre. The flight's mission is to safely and proudly display the evolution of U.S. Air Force airpower and to support the Air Force's recruiting and retention efforts.
Visit Air Commbat Command's website >
F-15 West Coast Demo Team
ACC Single-Ship Demonstration Teams perform precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the Air Force's high-performance aircraft. Team members also exhibit the professional qualities that the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft.
The F-15 West Coast Demo Team is just one of the seven single aircraft Demonstration Teams assigned to Air Combat Command (ACC). The F-15 West Team originated from Holloman AFB, N.M., and was moved to Tyndall AFB, Fla., before settling at Eglin in the early 1990's. The name "West Coast" has been retained for heritage purposes.
Visit Air Commbat Command's website >
United States Navy Tailhook Legacy Flight
The United States Navy Tailhook Legacy Flight program was established in 1999. It involves today's state-of-the-art fighters flying in close formation with World War II, Korean War and Vietnam vintage Navy and Marine Corps fighters such as the F6F Hellcat and the North American Fury.
Its mission is to safely and proudly display the evolution of United States Naval airpower and to support the Navy and Marine Corps' recruiting and retention efforts. The services have determined that their recruiting efforts are enhanced by having fly-bys at air shows with vintage naval warbirds and F-18 aircraft. Commander-Naval Air Forces, working with Chief-Naval Recruiting work together to determine funding, tasking and assignment of assets.
Visit Ellsworth H. Getchell's website >
TAC Demo
For USN assets, TAC DEMO aircraft and pilots are supplied by the various F-18 fighter/strike wings. The vintage warbird USN/USMC aircraft and pilots are provided by their civilian owners. The warbirds participation is only partially funded. Thus, there will be more air shows than funds, and many efforts will depend on voluntary un-funded appearances by the warbirds and the generosity of the public.
Visit Strike Fighter's website >
C-17 Demo
Witness a 10-12 minute aerial performance of one of the largest jets in the United States Air Force inventory.
The C-17 measures 174 feet long (53 meters) with a wingspan of 169 feet, 10 inches (51.75 meters). The aircraft is powered by four, fully reversible, Federal Aviation Administration-certified F117-PW-100 engines (the military designation for the commercial Pratt & Whitney PW2040), currently used on the Boeing 757. Each engine is rated at 40,440 pounds of thrust. The aircraft is operated by a crew of three (pilot, copilot and loadmaster).
Visit Air Commbat Command's website >
Bill Stein
Bill Stein has logged over 3,500 hours of aerobatic and formation flight. Bill began flying aerobatics when he was still a student pilot and has been dedicated to perfecting his skills ever since. Since 1995 Bill has performed at air shows all across the United States and has entertained millions air show fans.
Bill's passion for precision flying is evident in his dazzling air show routine. He trains every day so that his skills stay razor sharp, and to maintain the all-out energy and excitement he puts into his air show sequence. Bill's experience includes competitive aerobatics and years of flying on the world famous Red Baron Stearman Squadron. Bill also gives back to the air show community by mentoring new air show pilots including coaching the "Stars of Tomorrow" team which have performed at many prestigious air shows including the EAA AirVenture Air Show.
Bill carries a Commercial Pilot Certificate with airplane multi-engine and single-engine instrument ratings. He has flown air shows in the Pitts Special, Globe Swift, Boeing Stearman, and in his current airplane: The state-of-the-art Zivko Edge 540
Kent Pietsch
sponsored by Jelly Belly
Professional stunt pilot Kent Pietsch performs aerobatic acts that are beyond belief. From scraping his wings along the ground to landing on a moving vehicle, Kent's shows are absolute must-see attractions.
Visit Kent Pietsch’s website >
Tim Decker
Tim Decker is a professional pilot who has logged over 5000 hours in both military and civil aircraft. He gained most of his flying experience in the U-2, F-117, T-38, RV-4, and the Pitts S-2B. Tim has instructed in aerobatic and formation flying since 1990.
2008 marks Tim Decker's fourth season of air shows after taking a one-season break to serve in the Persian Gulf. Tim spent 12 months as a U-2 squadron commander where he and his squadron flew daily combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan.
Paul Stender/Speed for Hire
A native of Big Bend, Wis., but transplanted to the racing capital of the world, Indianapolis. Stender, a former racer himself and former NASCAR/IndyCar mechanic, has been involved with jet-powered vehicles since 1995, when he bought the famous "Jazz" Jet Funny Car.
In 1997, Paul won the prestigious Pro-Jet Rookie of the Year Award as well as setting numerous speed records. He has been entertaining crowds at air shows and motorsports events across the country ever since.
"Speed for Hire's lineup will include the RamJet Dodge truck which reaches speeds of over 350 mph! Also this year, Paul Stender will be bringing his Jet Outhouse. That's right a 70 mph outhouse he designed and built himself. You will not want to miss these acts during the show. Paul's RamJet Dodge truck will arrive earlier in the week and be on display at a location to be announced soon. Check back soon!"
Visit Paul Stender/Speed for Hire’s website >
The Mad Bomber — Pyrotechnics
THE MAD BOMBER — a thrill you don't want to miss! With many years of experience in airshow pyrotechnics, The Mad Bomber will make an airshow even more thrilling! There will be a 1000' wall of fire, two 500' bomb pyrotechnic blasts and two 20-round strafe runs.
Fascinated with explosives all his life, The Mad Bomber has shared his enthusiasm and pyro skills with air show audiences across the United States and Canada. Strafing, bombs or a wall of fire? The Mad Bomber adds an exciting dimension to the warbirds in flight!
Visit The Mad Bomber — Pyrotechnics’s website >
David Erickson Air Shows
David Erickson will fly the Dehavilland Super Chipmunk and perform for you. This airplane has been used for air show flying for nearly 30 years.
Dave became interested in flying by attending air shows. Watching airplanes do aerobatic maneuvers has always held a certain fascination. To sit in the plane and have the spectacular views from doing air show flying is one of the benefits to this type of flying. Dave likes to take people up for a ride especially when it's their first flight. He enjoys watching the thrill on their face as the plane lifts off the ground. Then the relief when they land. Dave works as an employee of Hill AFB for the last 14 years. He works for the 517th SMXS Software Maintenance Squadron. He is a Technical Program Manager on the Air Combat Training System.
Dave would like to extend a special thanks to the members of our military who protect our freedoms and way of life.
Bill Shepherd
Bill Shepherd soloed at age 16 and has been involved in aviation ever since. He has flown well over 100 types of aircraft and accumulated over 30,000 hours flight time in aircraft from Bi-Planes to Warbirds and Wide Body Jets. Retired from the airlines he now spends most of his time flying and maintaining his Yak 11 Warbird and 1946 Globe Swift. He holds a "Level 1" (Surface) aerobatic card. He lives on Diamond Point Airpark near Sequim, Washington.
