Jack Aces

“Mad Max” and “The Little Witch,” two P-51 Mustangs going through an aerobatic sequence in tight formation is a rare thing to see at an airshow. Showing all the favourite manoeuvres spectators love: loops, aileron rolls, barrel rolls, slot roll, slot loop, slot pass, and banana pass.

Born and raised in the beautiful farm country of Western New York, Louis Horschel (lead) started flying in the family Citabria and 182 with his father (on the grass runway on their farm). Louis has amassed 5,000 hours and currently flies a Scout Bushplane, several antique Waco biplanes, 182, 206, Xtreme Decathalon, Beaver (both land and sea), a Bell helicopter, and then the Warbirds, L39 Jet, P51 Mustang, and the FG1-D Corsair. Louis is also a pilot for the Navy Legacy Team; he flies the Corsair at airshows leading formation flights with F18s and the F35C.

Ariel Luedi (wing) lives in Switzerland and commutes to the U.S. for the trainings and airshows. He worked as skydive instructor for many years, but came late to flying himself. It all started 2008 with the purchase of a Bucker Jungmann biplane from the 1930s with which he participated in aerobatic competitions. Later he acquired a Sukhoi 29 & 26 and won in 2012 the Swiss Aerobatic Nationals in the advanced category. Over the years he added a Bucker Jungmeister, an L-39C, Lockheed Electra 12A, and a Pilatus PC-7 (similar to the Texan II) to his collection of planes. He is also the number two of the Swiss based 3-ship team SUBITO all flying the Pilatus PC-7.

For more information: facebook.com/people/Jack-Aces/61556180788741

RJ Gritter

RJ puts on an aerobatic act like you've never seen from a high-wing airplane. Flying the iconic red, white, and blue Decathlon, RJ stays low and right in front of the crowd, looping, rolling, spinning, and doing maneuvers you've never seen before. The Decathlon is iconic as arguably the most popular aerobatic trainer in history. A descendant of the Aeronca Champ and Citabria, the Decathlon was upgraded with inverted fuel and oil systems and a nearly-symmetrical wing to allow "outside" and inverted maneuvers. ​

For more information, visit: rjgritter.com

U.S. Navy Blue Angels

A total of 17 officers voluntarily serve with the Blue Angels. Each year the team typically selects three tactical (fighter or fighter/attack) jet pilots, two support officers and one Marine Corps C-130 pilot to relieve departing members.

The Chief of Naval Air Training selects the "Boss," the Blue Angels Commanding Officer. Boss must have at least 3,000 tactical jet flight-hours and have commanded a tactical jet squadron. The Commanding Officer flies the Number 1 jet. The Chief of Naval Air Training also selects the "XO," the Blue Angels Executive Officer. XO is a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) or Naval Aviator with at least 1,750 flight-hours.

Career-oriented Navy and Marine Corps jet pilots with an aircraft carrier qualification and a minimum of 1,250 tactical jet flight-hours are eligible for positions flying jets Number 2 through 7. The Events Coordinator, Number 8, is a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) or Naval Aviator who has finished their first tour. The Marine Corps pilots flying the C-130J Hercules aircraft, affectionately known as "Fat Albert," must be aircraft commander qualified with at least 1,200 flight hours.

Career-oriented officers specializing in maintenance, administration, aviation medicine, public affairs and supply fill support positions. The Blue Angels base their selection of officers on professional ability, military bearing and communication skills. Blue Angels officers are well-rounded representatives of their fleet counterparts.

Officers typically serve two years with the team. Blue Angels officers return to the fleet after their tours of duty.

The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country.

For more information, visit: blueangels.navy.mil

SRC Airshows

SRC airshows is owned and operated by Stephen Covington. Stephen is also the pilot at SRC airshows where he amazes everyone with his aerobatic performances in his highly modified Pitts s2s named the”Raptor.”

For more information, visit: srcairshows.com