2018 Air Power Over Hampton Roads Air Show Guide

Joint Base Langley Eustis Air and Space Expo

MAY 18TH - 20TH 2018

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WELCOME LETTER

W

elcome to the 2018 Langley Air Show, the Joint Base LangleyEustis Air and Space Expo! It is our distinct honor and privilege to open our gates for a weekend of flying, family and fun. The 2018 air show, affectionately known as “Airpower over Hampton Roads,” is particularly special for Joint Base Langley-Eustis, as we are celebrating both the 100-year anniversary of Fort Eustis and the 1st Fighter Wing, and the key role the Hampton Roads community has had in our shared history for more than a century.

At Joint Base Langley-Eustis, we have some of the most exceptional Airmen and Soldiers in the world, and this air show gives our community members a front row seat to their professionalism, innovation and aptitude that makes the mission happen.

Additionally, we have put together an impressive lineup of military and civilian performers to showcase the capabilities of our Air Force and our sister services. From May 18-20, the skies above Langley Air Force Base will be packed with aerial performances, including the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, the F-22 Aerial Demonstration Team, and the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. In the evenings, you can

AIRPOWER OVER HAMPTON ROADS

enjoy live music from our featured performers Fantasia and Trace Adkins.

Our open house allows us to highlight the military’s role in national security to the Hampton Roads community and our local community partners. It’s our way of thanking the surrounding community for a more than 100-year legacy of unwavering support. For 100 years, Airmen and Soldiers at Langley AFB and Fort Eustis have not only been on the cutting edge of military innovation, but have also been proud citizens of the Hampton Roads community.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Langley-Eustis community, please allow us to officially welcome you to Airpower over Hampton Roads, JBLE Air and Space Expo 2018!

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Joint Base Langley-Eustis

MNV MILITARY MANAGER: PAM BULLOCK ART DIRECTOR: ALLYSON GARNER DESIGNER: MIKE DOYLE

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A BIT OF LANGLEY HISTORY Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, is the oldest continuously active air base in the United States. In 1916, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), predecessor to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), established the need for a joint airfield and proving ground for Army, Navy and NACA aircraft. NACA determined that the site must be coastal for over-water flying and near an Army post. It also had to be flat and relatively clear for expansion and aircraft operations. In 1917, the new proving ground was designated Langley Field for one of America’s early air pioneers, Samuel Pierpont Langley. Throughout the 1930s, Langley Field played a key role in the Army’s efforts to strengthen the offensive and defensive posture of its air arm. The small grassy field became a major airfield of the Army Air Corps, and many of the brick buildings we see today were constructed at that time. On March 1, 1935, Langley Field became the center of tactical aviation for the United States Army. On that day, the Army Air Corps underwent a major reorganization which created General Headquarters Air Force. At the outbreak of World War II, Langley took on a new mission: to develop special detector equipment used in antisubmarine warfare. Langley units were pivotal in the sinking of enemy submarines off the United States coast during the war.

On May 25, 1946, the headquarters of the newly formed Tactical Air Command was established at Langley. The Command’s mission was to organize, train, equip and maintain combat-ready forces capable of rapid deploy-

LANGLEY HISTORY

ment to meet the challenges of peacetime air sovereignty and wartime air defense. The arrival of Tactical Air Command and jet aircraft marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the field, and in January 1948, Langley Field officially became Langley Air Force Base. Today, Langley Air Force Base hosts nearly 30 mission partner units, covering 3,000 acres, of which 600 are wetlands, and executing a wide variety of missions from flying operations, to training and mission support.

An estimated 10,000 people work at Langley; 8,000 are active-duty military and 2,000 are civilians.

1ST FIGHTER WING The 1st Fighter Wing is the oldest continuously active fighter wing in the U.S. Air Force, with roots back to the 1st Pursuit Group of World War I. The 1st FW became the first operational unit to receive the F-15 Eagle in the 1970s, and later, the first operational unit to receive the F-22 Raptor in 2005. Currently, the 1st FW operates a fleet of approximately 40 F-22s across two squadrons, as well as a fleet of reclaimed and retrofitted T-38 Talons in a training squadron, which serve as Adversary Air, allowing the Air Force to use a legacy airframe to allow F-22 pilots to complete critical air-to-air training while creating cost efficiencies and prolonging the service life of the F-22. 7 billion dollars of equipment, leads the way in combat capability in current ops worldwide premier Dominance wing next generation of airmen.

LANGLEY HISTORY

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MAY 13, 1919 Hampton Suspended “ Business Yesterday to Visit Great Show Staged at the Flying Field.”

– Daily Press

99 YEARS OF AIR SHOWS AT LANGLEY FIELD Based on article from the archives of the Daily Press A headline in the Daily Press dated Friday, May 9, 1919 states “Great Aerial Circus At Langley Field This Saturday.” The article goes on to say, “The stage is set and the air is expected to be ready for the biggest aerial circus ever attempted in the United States at Langley Field tomorrow.”

The article goes on to say, “The stage is set and the air is expected to be ready for the biggest aerial circus ever attempted in the United States at Langley Field tomorrow.”

In a second article in the May 9, 1919 edition by the Daily Press it states, “Major Frank Lackland, commanding officer at the (Langley) field, has announced that the station will be open to the public all day and that everyone is invited to come to Langley and see the circus.” The article goes on to say “ Lt George, the American ace, will do a number of death-defying stunts. Time after time he will dive along the outskirts of the crowd in order that the visitors can see the speed with which the little scout travels”.

Although the weather on Saturday was not as planned, the show went on. According to a Daily Press article, dated May 10, 1919, approximately 8,000 guests attended. There was better news….

A Daily Press article dated May 13, 1919 boasts the headline “Hampton Suspended Business Yesterday to Visit Great Show Staged at the Flying Field.”

The article went on to say “Fully 10,000 people attended the second performance of the aerial circus at Langley Field yesterday afternoon and enjoyed another thrilling exhibition of flying and fine exhibits of the machines and airships. The only feature left off was the balloon parachute jumping as Major Lackland received orders to have the big balloon returned and had to cut this attraction off the afternoon’s performance. The various booths did not do business either. All the stores in Hampton, including the banks and soft drink establishments closed for the day and nearly every person attended the circus. The schools gave a half holiday. In fact, the occasion was a general holiday for the people here (in Hampton) who were delighted with the fine program afforded them by Major Lackland and the officers at the big field.

Lt. George, the American ace, did some expert and sensational flying, while the other flyers gave a battle formation and cut a number of capers in the air. The blowing up of the German battery was a thriller that pleased the large crowd.”

Ninety-nine years later, the air show is no longer referred to as a “flying circus”, but AirPower over Hampton Roads. It attracts an average of 180,000 guests over the weekend and jets are the main attractions. However, the warbirds in the air or on display that were flown by heroic “American aces” of days gone by are loved as much now as they were by the crowd attending the “flying circus” in 1919.

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NIGHT FLYING & FIREWORKS AFTER THE FRIDAY NIGHT PERFORMANCE

US AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS

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USAF Thunderbirds In 1947, while the jet age was still in its infancy, military aviation hurtled into the future with the creation of the U.S. Air Force as a separate service. Just six years later, on May 25, 1953, the Air Force’s official air demonstration team, designated the 3600th Air Demonstration Unit, was activated at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The unit adopted the name “Thunderbirds,” influenced by the strong Native American culture and folklore from the Southwestern United States where Luke Air Force Base in located. Seven officers, and 22 enlisted were selected for the first demonstration team.

The team flew and maintained the F-84G Thunderjet. The straight-wing configuration of the F-84G was considered well suited for aerobatic and demonstration maneuvers, though the aircraft could not exceed the speed of sound. A series of formation aerobatics, lasting a total of 15 minutes, comprised the original demonstration. The ‘solo’ was not originally part of the demonstration, however, as the season progressed, the team took opportunities to perform ‘solo’ maneuvers with a spare aircraft.

Always trying to display the most advanced fighters of the age, the swept-wing F-84F Thunderstreak became the team’s new aircraft in 1955. In 1974, a spreading fuel crisis inspired a new aircraft for the team, the T-38A Talon. Although the Talon did not fulfill the

Thunderbirds tradition of flying front-line jet fighters, it demonstrated the capabilities of a prominent Air Force aircraft. Remaining true to showcasing the latest advancement in America’s fighter technology, the first red, white and blue F-16A assigned to the Thunderbirds was delivered to Nellis AFB on June 22, 1982.

The team flew the F-16 during the 1983 show season; making it the team’s ninth aircraft and again returning to flying a front-line fighter.

In 1997, the Thunderbirds performed 57 demonstrations for more than 12 million people in the spirit and theme of the Air Force’s 50th anniversary. The year was memorialized with the Thunderbirds Delta pictured on the official Air Force 50th Anniversary U.S. Postal stamp. The Thunderbirds made television history in 2003 while celebrating their 50th Anniversary.

The commander/leader started the Coca-Cola 600 by broadcasting live from Thunderbirds No. 1 Millions of people have witnessed the Thunderbirds demonstrations, and in turn, they’ve seen the pride, professionalism and dedication of hundreds of thousands of Airmen serving at home and abroad. Each year brings another opportunity for the team to represent those who deserve the most credit: the everyday, hard-working Airmen voluntarily serving America and defending freedom.

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US AIR FORCE F-22 RAPTOR DEMO

POWER PLANT: Two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines with afterburners and two-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzles.

THRUST: 35,000 lb class (each engine) WINGSPAN: 44 ft., 6 in. (13.6 m) LENGTH: 62 ft., 1 in. (18.9 m) HEIGHT: 16 ft., 8 in. (5.1 m) WEIGHT: 43,340 lbs. (19,700 kg) MAXIMUM TAKEOFF WEIGHT: 83,500 lbs. (38,000 kg) FUEL CAPACITY: INTERNAL: 18,000 lbs. (8,200 kg); with 2 external wing fuel tanks: 26,000 lbs. (11,900 kg) PAYLOAD: Same as armament air-to-air or air-toground loadouts; with or without two external wing fuel tanks.

SPEED: Mach two class with supercruise capability RANGE: More than 1,850 miles ferry range with two external wing fuel tanks (1,600 nautical mi.)

CEILING: above 50,000 ft. (15 km) ARMAMENT: One M61A2 20-mm cannon with 480 rounds, internal side weapon bays carriage of two AIM9 infrared (heat seeking) air-to-air missiles and internal main weapon bays carriage of six AIM-120 radar-guided air-to-air missiles (air-to-air loadout) or two 1,000 lbs GBU-32 JDAMs and two AIM-120 radar-guided airto-air missiles (air-to-ground loadout) CREW: One UNIT COST: $143 million INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY: December 2005 INVENTORY: Total force, 183

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team Langley Air Force Base’s Air Combat Command F-22 Demonstration Team will perform precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the world’s only operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

The team also teams up with Air Force Heritage flight exhibiting the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft. The F-22 demo pilot for 2018 is Major Paul “Loco” Lopez The Raptor’s combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities. The Raptor performs both air-toair and air-to-ground missions allowing full realization of operational concepts vital to the 21st century Air Force.

The F-22, a critical component of the Global Strike Task Force, is designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distances and defeat threats attempting to deny access to our nation’s Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The F-22 cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft.

A combination of sensor capability, integrated avionics, situational awareness, and weapons provides first-kill opportunity against threats. The F-22 possesses a sophisticated sensor suite allowing the pilot to track, identify, shoot and kill air-to-air threats before being detected.

Significant advances in cockpit design and sensor fusion improve the pilot’s situational awareness. In the air-to-air configuration the Raptor carries six AIM-120 AMRAAMs and two AIM-9 Sidewinders.

The F-22 has better reliability and maintainability than any fighter aircraft in history. Increased F-22 reliability and maintainability pays off in less manpower required to fix the aircraft and the ability to operate more efficiently.

US ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHTS

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U.S. Army Golden Knights The Strategic Army Command Parachute Team, or STRAC, was formed in 1959 by “Airborne” Soldiers from various military units. Brigadier General Joseph Stilwell Jr. gathered these soldiers with the original intent to compete during the Cold War effort. This new U.S. All-Army team swept the international competition circuit, in what was then the Soviet dominated sport of skydiving. Later that year on November 1st, this newly formed team performed their first demonstration in Danville, Virginia.

The “Golden Knights” weren’t called the “Golden Knights” until 1962 after the team had earned their reputation for bringing home gold medals. “Golden” symbolizes their ability to bring home the gold, while “Knights” refers to how the team had “conquered the skies” while portraying the team members as champi-

ons of a specific set of ideals and principles that the Army values. For 50 years the “Golden Knights” have been wowing audiences at air shows, competitions and most recently, with high profile tandems. The “Golden Knights” have two demonstration teams, the Black and the Gold Team. They also have two competition teams, “4 Way Formation,” and “Style Accuracy.”

The parachutists on the team are chosen from U.S. Army Paratroopers who have demonstrated excellence in their parachuting skills. The team is a part of the U.S. Army Accessions Command’s Accession Support Brigade, and is stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. The team tests and evaluates new parachuting equipment and techniques in order to improve the safety and efficiency of the military freefall teams

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PERFORMERS

Geico Skytypers

U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight

The World Famous GEICO Skytypers airshow team is a flight squadron of six vintage U.S. Navy SNJ trainers . The team performs a thrilling, low-altitude, precision-formation flying demonstration filling the sky and coming from all directions to provide spectators a unique viewing experience while showcasing the tactical maneuvers utilized in the WWII and the Korean War. In addition to air show performances, the GEICO Skytypers also “type” giant messages in the sky. Known as the world¹s largest text messages, skytyping is 17 times faster than skywriting and produces a Dot-matrix style letter every four seconds. The messages are as tall as the Empire State Building, can extend up to 8 miles in length, and are visible up to 15 miles in any direction -- or for nearly 400 square miles. In between air shows, these messages can often be seen at major events and venues in the Northeast near the team¹s home base at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, NY.

The U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight (HF) program presents the evolution of USAF air power by flying today’s state-of-the-art fighter aircraft in close formation with vintage fighter aircraft.

The F-22 Raptor, which is being featured at Air Power Over Hampton Roads, is the most advanced fighter aircraft flying in the world today. Its combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities.

The F-22 will be flying with the P-51 Mustang, a longrange, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber that was first used in World War II and then the Korean War. Built by North American Aviation, the P-51 was used to escort U.S. Air Force bombers over Germany which helped ensure Allied air superiority in 1944. The aircraft was also in service with Allied air forces in the North African, Mediterranean and Italian theaters and saw some service against the Japanese.

Until jet fighters took over, the P-51 Mustang was the main fighter of the United Nations at the start of the Korean War. The P-51 then became a specialized fighter- bomber. The plane remained in service to some air forces until the early 1980s but many were converted for civilian use – especially air racing and for flying as historic warbird aircraft at air shows.

A Heritage Flight (HF) performance involves a current USAF fighter piloted by an Air Combat Command trained military HF pilot and flown with a historical warbird piloted by a trained and certified civilian HF pilot.

The F-22 demo pilot for 2018 is Major Paul “Loco” Lopez. Andrew McKenna will pilot the P-51 used in this year’s Heritage Flight at Air Power over Hampton Roads.

PERFORMERS

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P-51 Mustang The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang is an American made long-range, single-seat, fighter aircraft primarily engaged in service during World War II. The aircraft was designed and built by North American Aviation. The first Mustangs were used by the Royal Air Force as tactical-reconnaissance aircraft and fighterbombers. Toward the end of 1943, P-51Bs were employed by the U.S. Air Force as bomber escorts in air raids over Germany and as fighter-bombers by allied forces. The P-51 was also in service with Allied air forces in the North Africa, the Mediterranean, Italy, and Japan.

When the Korean War began, the Mustang was the United Nation’s primary choice of fighters until the fighter role was shouldered by jet fighters. With the popularity of jet fighters on the rise, the Mustang was converted into a specialty groundattack fighter-bomb-

er and remained in air forces around the world until the 1980s.

The P-51 is powered by the Packard V-1650-7, a license-built version of the Rolls-Royce Merlin 60 series two-stage two-speed supercharged engine. This engine made this aircraft capable of being used as a longrange bomber escort. During wartime the aircraft was armed with six .50 caliber (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns.

After World War II and the Korean War, many of these aircraft were converted for civilian use and are a popular choice in the air racing industry. The Mustang earned such revere and experienced so much popularity that in the 1960s, the Ford Motor Company designed a youthful coupe and named it after the aircraft.

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PERFORMERS

B-25 Mitchell “Panchito”

F4U Corsair “Korean War Hero” – Jim Tobul

Rag Wings and Radials’ B-25J is restored as “Panchito” that served with the 396 Bomb Squadron, 41st Bomb Group, 7th Air Force, stationed in the Central Pacific. The B-25J “Panchito”, hosted by the Disabled American Veterans will be on static display and will take flight each day of the show.

Produced in greater numbers than any other American twin-engine combat aircraft, the North American B-25 was one of the most famous twin-engine medium bombers used during World War II. It achieved worldwide fame on April 18, 1942, when sixteen B-25’s, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle, were launched from the aircraft carrier, Hornet, and attacked Tokyo and other Japanese cities in a daring air raid. Although this is one of its most famous missions, the B-25 played a larger part in WWII. B-25s were used on all fronts of the war from Alaska to North Africa to China, Europe to the Southwest Pacific. They were flown by the U.S. Army Air Forces and U.S. Marine Corps, as well as the air forces of Britain, Canada, Australia, Russia, China, Brazil, and the Netherlands East Indies. Post war, B-25s soldiered on in combat or other roles with the U.S. Air Force, and air forces of Canada, Indonesia, and many Latin American countries.

The B-25 was designed as a medium bomber, to operate from altitudes between 8 and 12 thousand feet. Powered by two 1700 hp Wright R-2600 engines, the basic configuration stayed the same throughout the production of this aircraft. However, there were many changes in armament made in order to improve both offensive and defensive capabilities. These variations included 75 mm cannon, or up to eighteen .50 cal. machine guns, and rockets. Some were modified to carry torpedoes, both standard aerial and glide versions. Tactics used in the South and Southwest Pacific included low altitude strikes with straffing and skip-bombing against shipping and para-frag bombs against airfield targets. The airplane was also used for photo-mapping, and as an advanced trainer and fast transport.

The “Korean War Hero” F4U4 Corsair has a legendary history. She served two tours on two different carriers. She has the distinction of flying over 200 combat missions.

June thru October 1951 Aboard the USS Boxer (CV21), VF884 Naval Reserve Squadron from Olathe, Kansas. This squadron was known as the “Bitter Birds” using the Kansas Jayhawk on their jacket patch.

While in Korea, The “Bitter Birds” flew 1,519 missions, dropping 750,000 lbs of bombs and firing 3,800 rockets, also 1,400,000 rounds of ammunition. The fighting did take its terrible toll. Eight pilots of VF884 were killed or listed as missing in action, including the squadron’s skipper Lcdr. G.F. Carmichael USNR. The aircraft served December thru May 1951 aboard USS Valley Forge (CV45), VF653 Naval Reserve Squadron from Akron, Ohio. This squadron’s patch emblem consisted of a dragon holding a shield which had a golden triangle and a checkerboard stripe. The golden triangle signified the large percentage of Pittsburgh area pilots in the squadron. The checkerboard stripe signified the winning of the Cleveland National Air Races twice by their Skipper Lt. Cmdr. Cook Cleland. Cook won both races with Corsairs. Six pilots of VF653 were killed or listed as missing in action during this combat tour. The greatest toll was taken by enemy radar guided anti-aircraft guns while repeatedly striking the same targets.

From approximately 1960 to 1970, the aircraft flew with the Honduran Air Force. In 1970 it was sold to an American Airlines pilot and brought to the USA. Joe & Jim Tobul bought this airplane in 1981 and started a very long rebuilding project. Ten (10) years later “Korean War Hero” proudly flew again on December 8, 1991 fittingly over the Pittsburgh skies. Jim Tobul is the man behind the stick in “Korean War Hero,” but rather than the owner, he considers himself more the caretaker of this beautiful warbird and her storied history. An avid pilot for over 40 years, Jim takes great pride in carrying the legacy of the veteran Corsair to airshows all over North America.

PERFORMERS

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T-33 Shooting Star Shaun “Buzz” Roessner

AT-6 Texan – Bill Leff The AT-6 “Texan” was the most widely used advanced trainer in the world during WW II and the Korean Conflict. During WW II, almost every fighter or bomber pilot, whether single-engine or twin-engine, won his wings in a North American Trainer or AT-6. In gunnery and bombing practice; in formation and instrument flying, and; in coast patrol and semi-combat duty, the Texan proved its versatility.

Approximately 15,495 AT-6s were built between 1938 and 1945. The USAAF procured 10,057 AT-6s; some went to the Navy as SNJ’s and others went to more than 30 allied nations. In 1948, Texans still in the USAF service were re-designated as T-6s when the AT, BT, and PT aircraft designations were abandoned. Bill’s purchased and authentically restored his T-6 “Texan” in 1975. His Texan was manufactured in 1943 as an AT-6C and saw service with the Army Air Corps at Victoria Army Airfield – Victoria, TX. In 1951, the plane was “re-manufactured” as a T-6G and was then assigned to Goodfellow AFB TX and then Malden Air Force Base in Missouri. It was used as a trainer until 1955 when it was retired from service to make way for a new era of flight training that prepared pilots to fly jet aircraft. In 1959, the plane was sold as surplus for $771.11.

This T-6 was restored to its original Korean Conflict military configuration with the help of the Air Force Orientation Group at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Bill’s hometown of Dayton, Ohio.

Bill has made improvements to the aircraft to accommodate its new job as an air show plane. These improvements include an inverted oil system, modern radio and navigational systems for long cross-country flights, a smoke system, and, of course, the special equipment for the Starfire Night Skyshow.

Bill Leff has been in the air show business since 1976 and developed the Night show act in 1989. He has flown more than 170 different types of aircraft from warbirds to airline transport aircraft and has well over 20,000 hours of flying time, including more than 4,000 hours in the T-6.

I was born and raised in Titusville, Pennsylvania. I didn’t come from an aviation family, but my interest in aviation was sparked at an early age. A family friend, who was a private pilot, took me for a ride in his Cessna 182 and I was hooked. I started flying at the age of 17, and earned my private pilot’s license a few months later. I attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University to pursue a degree in Professional Aeronautics.

I always had a deep desire to serve in the military, and I was accepted into Navy Officer Candidate School in 2007.

From 2007-2009, I completed primary flight training in the T-34C at NAS Corpus Christi, intermediate and advanced flight training in the T-45C Goshawk at NAS Meridian, Mississippi, and earned my wings of gold in June 2009.

Over the next year I served as a flight instructor for Training Squadron 7. From 2010-2015 I trained on the F/A18 Super Hornet at NAS Oceana Virginia, completed two deployments aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, and flew missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. In January 2015, I served as an instructor pilot and a member of the F/A-18 West Coast Tactical Demonstration Team. In 2017, I was very fortunate to be selected as the TACDEMO team lead, and have flown demonstrations at air shows across the country.

During my first air show season I met Greg Colyer and we became friends. Greg asked me what I wanted to do when I was done with my military career. The wheels started turning. I told him that I have always really enjoyed tailwheel flying and I had always been a huge fan of the Stearman acts, hoping one day I could buy a Stearman and fly a few shows.

In the middle of the 2017 season, Greg and I flew an show together. We started talking about the future, and he asked me if I would like to fly for him and be a part of the Acemaker Team. I jumped at the opportunity, and started flying the T-33 shortly after. I truly have a passion for aviation, and I really can’t imagine doing anything else. If I can be a small part of exposing the next generation to aviation, while doing what I love, then I am extremely fortunate.

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PERFORMERS

Twin Beech 18 – Matt Younkin

MachPointOneAviation.com

MiG-17 – Randy Ball Made famous by the Vietnam War, the MiG-17F was the primary enemy aircraft engaged in the skies over Vietnam by U.S. aircraft. During that war and up until the F-16 entered service, it was the tightest-turning fighter in the world. When production started in the 1950s, its VK-1F engine made it one of the first production jet fighters in the world with an afterburner. The MiG-17F could carry bombs, rockets, or extra fuel tanks under its wings. In its lower nose it carried some of the largest guns ever used for air-to-air combat—two 23mm cannons and one 37mm cannon. The MiG-17F #1611 entered service with the Soviet bloc in March 1960 and wasn’t withdrawn from service until May 1990.

The MiG-17F can maintain 8g turns (8g = 8 times the force of gravity on the pilot’s body), attain a maximum speed of 715 mph (Mach 1.04) and can climb to 30,000 feet in only 3 minutes, with an initial rate of climb better than 14,000 feet per minute. The MiG-17F was a very nimble fighter that could prove deadly unless respected when engaged by pilots with superior training and tactics such as those used by the U.S.Navy and Air Force.

It was flown by over 20 countries, three of which still fly it. Because of its famous heritage and great maneuverability, it makes one of the best air show jets in the world, able to stay in front of the fans while still flying at great speeds.

Randy Ball’s MiG-17F spent almost four years in restoration, and is one of only a handful of vintage jets flying the North American air show circuit. It has an authentic paint job and is the only MiG available for ground display with fully restored guns. Randy’s MiG has been seen by millions of air show fans across North America and has been featured in numerous publications, appearing on t-shirts, newspapers, posters, and more. It has been filmed on several occasions including performing as the enemy aircraft with the USAF’s F-4 Phantom for the Discovery Channel and #1611 is now being featured in a new flight simulator program.

Matt Younkin is a third generation pilot. He is the son of Bobby Younkin who is considered to be one of the greatest airshow pilots of all time. Matt is also the grandson of Jim Younkin who is well--known for designing Century and Trutrak autopilots as well as building replicas of the 1930’s Howard “Mr. Mulligan” and Travel Air “Mystery Ship” race planes.

Matt spent his first couple of years in the industry performing at airshows in the Super Decathlon and the Travel Air “Mystery Ship.” In 2007, Matt debuted his version of the aerobatic act made famous by his father in the Beech 18. This act continues to be described by producers and fans alike as one of the most beautiful and graceful displays the industry has to offer.

Matt’s latest and greatest achievement is perfecting the world’s only night aerobatic display in a Beech 18.

Equipped with over 50 externally visible lights, the top airplane appears to glow in the dark while the bottom side twinkles violently. Combined with smoke, noise, choreography, and an incredible musical score, the Twin Beech Night Spectacular is quickly becoming one of the most popular displays in the airshow arena.

In 2012, Matt became the first second generation recipient of the coveted Bill Barber Award for Showmanship. Considered young in the airshow industry by some and a veteran by others, Matt continues to amaze airshow goers with his unique ability to capture the crowd in the moment, much the same way his father Bobby and sister Amanda did for so many years.

PERFORMERS

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MachPointOneAviation.com

Bill Stein

Rob Holland

Bill Stein has logged over 5,000 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.

Bill’s Edge 540 is perfect for airshows not only because of Bill’s amazing airshow flying routine, but also because the Bill Stein Edge 540 has a completely new and unique look.

Using cutting edge paint technology, Bill has designed the spectacular look of his new airplane using a paint that continuously changes color based on the constantly varying angles between the spectators, airplane, and the lighting. Imagine the visual impact of Bill’s airplane that is multiple colors at one time: The same part of the airplane will actually change color from green to purple to blue along with gold, yellow, pink, and orange depending on the angle of the light and the perspective of the viewer! It’s the talk of every show.

Rob Holland’s rise to the top started as a young airshow fan in his native New England. Earning his pilot’s license while still a teenager, Rob began flying aerobatics almost immediately, all while building valuable flight time and experience as a corporate pilot, commuter pilot, banner tower, flight instructor, ferry pilot, and operating his own aerobatic flight school. Now in his 15th year as a full-time airshow pilot, Rob has distinguished himself by blazing a trail of innovation, developing maneuvers never before seen at an airshows.

“One of my goals is to take aerobatics to the next level,” Rob explains. “I want to push the limits of what can be done.” But while his impact and influence on the airshow community is undeniable, his remarkable skills at the controls of his MXS-RH are matched with a humble and approachable demeanor that has forged a unique connection with countless fans the world over.

ROB’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Four-time, consecutive, World 4-minute Freestyle Champion* Seven-time, consecutive, U.S. National Aerobatic Champion* Eight-time, U.S. 4-minute Freestyle Champion* 2015 World Air Games Freestyle Gold Medalist 2012 Art Scholl Award for Showmanship Recipient 2008 World Advanced Aerobatic Champion Seven-time U.S. Aerobatic Team Member 24 Medals in International Competition (11 Gold) *Only pilot in history to accomplish

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AIRPOWER OVER HAMPTON ROADS

PERFORMERS

Jacquie B Jacquie B took her 50th birthday as the perfect opportunity to take the world by storm! During the centennial celebration of powered flight in 2003, Jacquie finally quit her job and realized her dream of being an air show performer and became the first female pilot to enter the business at the age of 50.

Jacquie spent years dreaming of flying but was unable to do much about it until working hard for years saving up enough money to become a pilot. At 32, Jacquie decided enrolled in ground school and received her Private Pilot certificate in 1986. Shortly thereafter she was introduced to the world of aerobatics.

Jacquie is now flying an Extra 300 monoplane. This beautiful red Extra is faster and more capable of gyroscopic maneuvers that the biplanes she had been flying. The Extra 300 is the world’s most successful performance and unlimited category aerobatic aircraft.

Its proven performance in international aerobatic competition, combined with its docile handling and dependable stability, translate into a comfortable crosscountry touring machine.

Subsonex Microjet – Bob Carlton The SubSonex MicroJet is capable of speeds of 300 mph, and can perform all the classic aerobatics, including maneuvers like tailslides, normally considered tabo in a jet. But it’s not just about high speed. With its incredibly wide range, it can turn tight and stay close so spectators aren’t waiting for a turnaround.

Bob Carlton began flying in 1979 at the age of 19. He has since logged over 2000 hours in a wide variety of aircraft and holds a commercial pilot certificate. Bob has flown hang gliders, airplanes, helicopters, and sailplanes from hundreds of sites in the US, Canada, Mexico and Australia. Bob has flown airshows professionally since 1993. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife Laurie and their dogs, Ginger & Dewey. He is a member of SSA and ICAS. Bob is one of the most versatile airshow performers in North America. He began flying airshows in his Salto sailplane, and over the years has continued to add innovative performances such as barnstormin’ biplane aerobatics, helicopter sailplane tow, night aerobatics with strobes & pyro and the world’s only twin jet sailplane. The tradition of innovation continues with the recent addition of the Super Salto jet sailplane, with more power, more speed and more aerobatic capability than any other sailplane on the planet!

Bob is the recipient of the 2017 Art Scholl Showmanship Award, 2015 Bill Barber Award for Showmanship and the 2015 Soaring Society of America’s Chairman’s Award.

Bob Carlton is a retired rocket scientist for a major national laboratory.

PERFORMERS

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Shockwave Jet Truck

Photo by Eric Dumigan

Manfred Radius The Salto sailplane is a fully aerobatic, highly maneuverable sailplane which is also suited for extended soaring flights. Very elegant in appearance, its distinctive features are a Vee tail, trailing edge dive brakes and a drogue chute. For daytime performances the Salto is equipped with a wing tip smoke system. Another wing tip system is designed to display special effects during night performances.

Manfred Radius began his career in flying sailplanes in 1961 at age 17 in Hamburg, Germany. He has logged in excess of 5,000 flights and accumulated over 2,000 hours in at least 60 types of sailplanes.Manfred immigrated to Canada in 1969 and became a gliding instructor in 1972, adding the glider aerobatic instructor’s endorsement in 1977. He is a former member of the Flight Training and Safety Committee of the Soaring Association of Canada.

Manfred Radius is a top professional air show performer who ushered in a new era in sailplane demonstrations. He has the distinction of having introduced world championship-level sailplane performances to air shows in North America.

Manfred was featured on television shows such as That’s Life, Stuntmasters, Magic in the Air, Skybound, Science of Fun and THE AVIATORS. He was also featured in the books A Tradition Of Excellence by Daniel V. Dempsey, THE CANNIBAL QUEEN by Stephen Coonts and THE FLYERS by Noah Adams.

Shockwave jet truck is the definition of a showstopper. When the engines fire up, everyone on the air show grounds knows it. A mass spectator migration to the fence line follows to see what their ears have already told them is fantastic.

What does the spectator see? Licks of flame (both horizontal and vertical) followed by clouds of smoke that precede a blast down the runway — accompanied by a thunderous roar. Owned by Darnell Racing Enterprises and piloted by Chris Darnell, Shockwave is a modified class-8 truck that shoots fire, billows smoke and hurtles down the runway at speeds exceeding 300 miles per hour—made possible by three Westinghouse J34-48 jet engines that give the truck 36,000 horsepower.

Chris has been involved in motorsports most of his life and has worked to promote motorsports as well. Behind the wheel, Chris has driven drag race cars, circuit racing and more. On the production side, he has been both a performer and competitor — meaning he knows how to put on a show spectators will love.

Over three decades, Shockwave has become a national icon in the air show and drag racing worlds. It has thrilled a generation: many fans remember seeing this truck perform when they were youngsters.

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AIRPOWER OVER HAMPTON ROADS

ANNOUNCERS

Wayne Boggs – Air Boss

Rob Reider Rob Reider is the most sought-after announcer on the North American Air Show circuit. His talents have earned him the highest award in the air show industry, the International Council of Air Shows “Sword of Excellence.” A former midwest television personality, Rob received 5 Emmy awards for his on-air performance and musical compositions.

Rob announced his first air show in 1978 and made it his full-time vocation in 2006. Since then he’s announced over 250 shows from Maine to California to Japan.

He’s known in the flying world as the on-camera host of the award-winning, Sporty’s Pilot Shops “Learn to Fly” videos. He’s an aviation educator who’s helped thousands of people around the world to earn their pilots licenses and advanced ratings.

One of the highlights of his career was in 2015 when he was selected to narrate the “Arsenal of Democracy Capitol Flyover,” commemorating the end of World War II in Europe. At that event more than 50 vintage World War II aircraft flew over Washington, DC., honoring those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.

2016 was also a banner year for Rob as he was tapped to be the voice of the Breitling Jet Team’s American Tour.

Based in France, they are the largest civilian aerobatic team in the world flying jets, bringing the message of Breitling timepieces to air show audiences all over the world.

This season, Rob will be on the road announcing nearly two dozen shows from coast to coast. He also serves as the narrator coach for the Navy Blue Angels, USAF Thunderbirds, and the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team.

His show business acumen, his encyclopedic aviation knowledge, his experience, and his excitement have put Rob Reider at the top of the list as the voice of many of the largest and most important air shows on the continent.

For more than 20 years, Wayne Boggs has performed Air Boss duties and is recognized as one of the top air show air bosses in North America. As Air Boss, he is responsible for directing the show performances and assuring safety. Each year he assists in the production and execution of 18-25 air shows and is currently on the Board of Directors and is the Air Boss for the Warbirds of America at Oshkosh, WI. Wayne also teaches advanced Air Boss courses for the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS).

Wayne Boggs’ love of aviation began at a a young age and now has over 3000 hours as private pilot. His mother served as a Women’s Auxiliary Service Pilot (WASP) during WWII. Her profession had a profound effect on his devotion to aviation. Wayne restored and currently flies the same type of plane, a 1942 Fairchild PT-19 his mother used to instruct other pilots at the Embry Riddle.

In January 2004 Wayne retired for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with 40 total years of combined Federal service to the United States of America, the first 10 years serving in the United States Marine Corp (USMC), his last 30 years in the FAA air traffic control industry.

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TO ALL OUR SERVICE MEMBERS

AND THEIR FAMILIES

THANK YOU! – From the F-22 Raptor Team

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