In The Air

Nicknamed "The Pilot Maker," the North American AT-6 Texan first appeared in 1938. Originally designed as a basic trainer for the US Army Air Corps (USAAC), the Texan was the primary training platform for all US Airmen in World War II that went on to fly fighter aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang, F4U Corsair, P-40 Warhawk, and others.

Bill 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

Dan launches with his glider from atop a moving vehicle driving down the runway at about 30mph with the flag, streamers and bright orange smoke trailing. He steadily tow-climbs to an altitude of 1,200 -1,800' while speaking live via a radio link to the audience,. A variable tension winch on the launch vehicle can spin out up to 3,000' of tow-line during his ascent.

The MAGTF demonstrates what today's Marine Corps epitomizes when it comes to anti-terrorism and fighting the bad guys. This demo involves an awesome display of firepower and highlights the various aspects of what makes up the various elements of firepower and air and ground attacks.

Produced by Extra Aircraft of Germany, the 330SC is lighter, faster and more maneuverable than any other aircraft of this type. The main difference between the 330SC and Mike’s former air show aircraft, the 300SHP, is its wing design. The new wing and increased maneuverability gives Mike’s aircraft an even faster roll rate and gives him the ability to take his air show performance to an even higher level of extreme aerobatics. The Extra tumbles and rotates at awe inspiring rates in almost any attitude, which gives world class pilot Mike Goulian the freedom to use his imagination to create a show to leave the fans wanting more!

The Northeast Raider are based primarily at the Flying W (N14) airport in Southern NJ. With an average of over 10,000 flight hours per team member, including heavy commercial aircraft and military jet fighters, the team is comprised of highly experienced, professional aviators.

OTTO The Helicopter is one of the most unique and versatile air show acts in the world. OTTO provides air show fans the best entertainment value in the industry. During OTTO’s daytime comedy show he entertains the crowds by blowing bubbles, playing with his yo-yo, racing around barrels and picking them up, shooting smoke in all directions, towing banners, and more all while interacting with the announcer!

The B-25, which gained notoriety in the famed Doolittle Raid over Tokyo, Japan 70 years ago, shares a modern-day mission with DAV -- reminding people of the sacrifices veterans make for freedom. As brave men and women return from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, the DAV’s services and advocacy are as relevant today as at any time in the nation’s history. DAV representatives will be on hand throughout the weekend to meet and greet veterans and answer questions about DAV benefits.

Pedro (VMR-1) provides search and rescue support to MCAS Cherry Point based aircraft as well as short and medium range rapid response/high speed multipurpose light transport of key personnel and critical logistics support to the Department of Defense.

The squadron also provides wartime movement of high priority passengers and cargo with time, place, or mission-sensitive requirements flown in support of Department of Defense (DoD)-directed wartime operations and other critical Combatant Commander required worldwide wartime commitments.

The Red Tail Squadron, part of the non-profit Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and until June 2011 known as the Red Tail Project, maintains and flies a World War II era P-51C Mustang. The twice-restored airplane flies to create interest in the history and accomplishments of the members of the World War II-era 332nd Fighter Group, also known as the Tuskegee Airmen, whose distinctive red markings on the tails of the P-51s they flew during that war gave the organization its name.

The all African American 332d Fighter Group originally flew 15,000 missions as bomber escorts in the Mustang; eventually, the Airmen, who were originally shunned in the white military, acquired the right to fly combat missions.

Chris Darnell's 12,000 HP fire breathing Dodge version of Flash Fire Jet Truck new has been nearly flawless with record setting performances in front of huge crowds. The Jet Truck is a blazing 350-375 MPH at air show center!

The West Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force proudly presents the world's only flying example of the Curtiss-Wright SB2C Helldiver, the last true Dive Bomber produced for the US Navy. While often maligned by some critics, the SB2C’s were responsible for more ship tonnage sunk during WWII than any other aircraft.

The team's repertoire includes both 4-ship and 6-ship formation demonstrations including formation aerobatics by the 2 solo pilots. The routine is a patriotic tribute to the United States Armed Forces with music and narration, and can also include a very stirring Missing Man tribute.

The team is built around the T-28 Trojan aircraft for several reasons. The T-28 is a crowd pleasing large, fast and loud warbird with combat history and a growling 1425 HP radial engine. Six of these warbirds have a commanding presence on your ramp and generate excitement in the air. The aircraft have smoke systems and sport authentic U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy paint schemes and markings to compliment the patriotic theme.

Chris Avery lives in Vero Beach, Florida. He served in the Marine Corps for 12 years and in the Army National Guard for 4 years. He is a Scout Sniper and is both parachute and SCUBA qualified. Chris has 3 combat deployments to Iraq. His personal decorations include the USMC Combat Action Ribbon, the Army Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Bronze Star Medal. Chris has been employed by a small regional airline in Atlanta, Georgia since 1985. He has over 25,000 hours of flight experience. He also has a heavy general aviation background. He is an experienced aerobatic competitor and airshow pilot with over 4500 hours in high-performance aerobatic aircraft. Chris is the former president of IAC Chapter 3 in Atlanta. He is also an A&P and has built 3 experimental aircraft. Chris also served as a production and experimental test pilot at Aviat and Bombardier Aerospace. Chris has flown the CAF Corsair on the airshow circuit since 1996. He has over 800 hours in the aircraft and has flown over 400 Level 1 demonstrations in it. Chris flys many other warbirds, but strongly prefers the Corsair.