U.S. Navy Blue Angels
The Blue Angels flight demonstration team is more than just a group of individuals brought together to represent the United States Navy and Marine Corps. This team combines the best and brightest at the top of their craft. Their camaraderie and chemistry ensure the team mission is more than just a job – it’s a passion!
In 1946, the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Chester Nimitz, had a vision to create a flight exhibition team in order to raise the public's interest in naval aviation and boost Navy morale. In the 1940's, we thrilled audiences with our precision combat maneuvers in the F6 Hellcat, the F8 Bearcat and the F9 Panther. During the 1950's, we refined our demonstration with aerobatic maneuvers in the F9 Cougar and F-11 Tiger and introduced the first six-plane delta formation, still flown to this day. By the end of the 1960's, we were flying the F-4 Phantom, the only two seat aircraft flown by the delta formation. In 1974, we transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk, a smaller and lighter aircraft with a tighter turning radius allowing for a more dynamic flight demonstration. In 1986, we celebrated our 40th Anniversary by unveiling the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet. In 2021, we transitioned to our current aircraft the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet and celebrated our 75th anniversary.
In 1949, it became necessary for the Blue Angels to operate a support aircraft to move personnel and equipment between show sites. These support aircraft including the Douglas R4D SkyTrain, the Curtiss R5C Commando, the Douglas R5D Skymaster, and the Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation. In 1970 the team received the Lockheed Martin C-130, affectionately known as "Fat Albert." In 2020, "Fat Albert'' transitioned to its current platform, the C-130J Super Hercules.
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, performs precision aerial maneuvers demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force high performance aircraft to people throughout the world. The squadron exhibits the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft.
A Thunderbirds air demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The four-aircraft diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while the solo aircraft highlight the maximum capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The pilots perform approximately 30 maneuvers in a demonstration. The entire show, including ground and air, runs about an hour and fifteen minutes. The season lasts from March to November, with the winter months used to train new members. The squadron performs approximately 75 demonstrations each year and has never canceled a demonstration due to maintenance difficulty. More than 300 million people in all 50 states and 58 foreign countries have seen the red, white and blue jets in more than 4,000 aerial demonstrations.
The Lockheed Martin (formerly General Dynamics) F-16 represents the full range of capabilities possessed by the Air Force's tactical fighters. This highly maneuverable multi-role fighter has proven to be one of the world's best precision tactical bombers and air-to-air combat aircraft. The only modifications needed to prepare the aircraft for its air demonstration role are installing a smoke-generating system in the space normally reserved for the 20mm cannon, and the painting of the aircraft in Thunderbird colors.
The F-35A is the U.S. Air Force’s latest fifth-generation fighter. With its aerodynamic performance and advanced integrated avionics, the F-35A will provide next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability for the United States and allied nations providing a decisive advantage over all adversaries.
USSOCOM Para-Commandos
The Para-Commandos are the US Special Operations Command's premier aerial parachute demonstration team. They perform at high visibility events across the nation, informing the public about the US Special Operations Command; the command's mission, and the contributions our 70,000 plus Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Department of Defense Civilians are making across the United States and in more than 70 countries around the globe.
The Para-Commandos are members of and representative of today's Special Operations Forces. The Para-Commandos are comprised of active duty Special Operators, such as Army Special Forces, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, Air Force Combat Controllers and Marine Raiders. In addition, the Para-Commandos have a number of support personnel, commonly referred to as Special Operations Enablers. Our enablers come from all four services, and include reserve forces as well.
The Para-Commandos tailor each performance to the individual venue, and can perform from as low as 2000 feet above ground level to as high as 13,500 feet above ground level. Depending on the venue and time of day, The Para-Commandos may jump flags, smoke, sparklers, or a combination of each into the event. The Para-Commandos are proficient in both free fall and canopy formations; and specialize in landing on time and on target in front of the crowd!
As the Navy’s first stealth fighter and the world’s only 5th Generation, long-range stealth strike fighter, the F-35C was designed and built explicitly for aircraft carrier operations. The F-35C is operated exclusively by the U.S. Department of the Navy and brings radar-evading stealth capability to the carrier deck for the first time in U.S. naval aviation history. With stealth technology, advanced sensors, supersonic speed, weapons capacity and superior range, the F-35C is the most advanced fighter to ever operate aboard a carrier deck.
With a top speed of 1,200 mph, the F-35 is even capable of setting off sonic booms! The supersonic, multi-role F-35 represents a quantum leap in air dominance capability with enhanced lethality and survivability in hostile, anti-access airspace environments.
The F-35 has the most powerful and comprehensive integrated sensor package of any fighter aircraft in history, giving pilots 360-degree access to “real-time” battlefield information. The information gathered by F-35 sensors can be securely shared with commanders at sea, in the air or on the ground, providing a comprehensive view of ongoing operations.
Adam "Shake n' Bake" Baker is an award-winning airshow pilot who loves to share his story with the younger generations. He is one of the few in the industry who didn't come from an airshow or aviation family. Adam has dedicated his entire professional career to the progression of flying. He loves to fly it all and holds almost every rating possible, from Jets to helicopters to the most agile of aerobatic aircraft.
Jarrod Lindemann is a fourth-generation aviator! Growing up on a farm in rural North Dakota, he always worked with his hands. He watched his father in his aerial spraying business. From his first flight, he was hooked and loved watching his father fly. Working his way up in the airshow business, Jarrod now enjoys performing and sharing the one and only Jet Waco with the world! Not only does Jarrod fly the Jet Waco, but he has also been partnering with nonprofits and Veteran organizations to raise awareness, promote, and honor our Veterans!
Matheny Airshows, LLC
Tanner Matheny proudly represents Matheny Airshows, LLC in a 1946 North American Navion named “Olivia”! Tanner is a Lieutenant in the US Navy Reserve flying in the T-45C Goshawk as an Instructor Naval Flight Officer at Naval Air Station Pensacola. He has been flying in the civilian sector since 2006, soloing in a glider when he was 14. He received his private pilot’s license before he received his driver’s license! Since then, he has flown more than 25 different types of aircraft all across the country. Tanner is passionate about sharing aviation with the next generation, paying it forward by becoming at Young Eagles pilot, speaking with young adults about the opportunities in aviation along with flying for the military and emphasizing that nothing in life comes without hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude! For more information, please reach out at mathenyairshowsllc@gmail.com.
Redline Air Shows will be piloting their Van’s RV-8 in formation. In this incredible aerobatic display, the synergy between the two pilots transforms the performance into a mesmerizing ballet of precision and coordination. Flying in perfect harmony, these two aviators execute a series of breath-taking maneuvers that showcase not only their individual prowess but also their seamless teamwork. From synchronized rolls and loops to intricate formation flying, their performance is a testament to the high level of trust and communication required to pull off such a display.
The best part, they are a Father/Son team! Ken Rieder leads the team with over 35 years flying experience in a vast variety of aircraft. Ken was originally inspired to pursue aviation at a young age, watching the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at an air show in Ohio. Austin Rieder was born into aviation and has been flying since he was 13 years old.The Van’s RV-8, known for its agility and responsiveness, becomes the perfect canvas for their aerial artistry, allowing them to push the boundaries of what’s possible in aerobatic flight.
Nathan was born into the airshow world, his first flight at 2 weeks old on his mother’s lap. Raised in up-state New York, the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum was his childhood playground and a major influence from day one. Fascinated by the thrill and excitement at the weekly airshows, Nathan’s approach to safely demonstrate aircraft for the crowd’s entertainment was developed.
Soloing as a teenager, Nathan now has over 8,900 hours of experience as an Airshow, Corporate, and Factory Demonstration Pilot as well as holding an aircraft mechanics license. Following the family legacy that began at the Aerodrome, Nathan continues to fly’s the museum’s collection of early pioneer and World War I aircraft. He has truly flown everything from Jenny’s to Jets!
25 years ago, Nathan established, what would become, a deep-rooted involvement with a deHaviland Chipmunk. Enamored with the aircraft’s graceful appearance and love of aerobatics, Nathan began acquired a 1956 Super Chipmunk for airshows across North America.
After years of coaching and mentoring from his father; the closely held and highly guarded art of skywriting was passed onto Nathan. His first message was a true test, written overtop 100,000 NASCAR fans and broadcast on live TV. From that moment, a new legacy was born. Nathan’s skywriting has received recognition on National TV, USA Today, and major news outlets for his flying at Airshows, festivals, and sporting events.
In 2016, with a well-established airshow career, Nathan re-named the Chipmunk, GhostWriter, in reference to his skywriting. Today, Nathan fly’s GhostWriter in an action packed routine full of loops, rolls and verticals, held tightly in front of the crowd. When night falls and the stars come out, he lights up the sky with 200lbs of wing mounted pyrotechnics and special effect lighting, as he dances across the sky.
Rusty “Crash” Miller, Lt Col USAF (Ret)
Retired after 20 years in the Air Force, having accumulated over 3000 military flight hours with over 2000 in the F-15C aircraft, including over 250 combat hours over Iraq in support of OPERATION DESERT SHIELD/STORM, PROVIDE COMFORT and SOUTHERN WATCH. He also flew F/A-18 and T-34C aircraft during an exchange assignment with the USN as an instructor pilot at Strike Fighter Weapons School – Atlantic. He is flying for the Air Force at Tyndall AFB, Panama City, FL, at the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group as a civilian E-9A Instructor Pilot and BQM-167A Sub-Scale Aerial Target Drone Instructor Controller. He also has over 4,000 civilian flight hours, holding fixed-wing ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, and commercial instrument helicopter ratings.
As the recipient of the 2013 Bill Barber Award for Showmanship and the 2015 Art Scholl Award, Skip Stewart has proven to be one of the most entertaining Airshow pilots in the world today. With over ten thousand hours of flying experience, being an Airline Transport Pilot, Boeing 727, and MD-11 Captain, a Certified Flight Instructor, having owned and operated an aerobatic flight school, earned Gold Medals in regional aerobatic competitions, served as Chief Pilot for a Fortune 100 company and with more than fourteen years entertaining airshow fans around the World, Skip feels comfortable saying that he is one of the very best in the business today. Skip's flying has been featured in magazines that include Plane & Pilot, Smithsonian Air & Space, AOPA, Sports Illustrated, World Airshow News, Auto Pilot, as well as in multiple other domestic and international publications. Skip Stewart is the first pilot to fly an airplane under a jumping motorcycle at an Airshow and he also flies with several other pilots forming shows such as the renowned TinStix of Dynamite Act.
Rob Holland is one of the most decorated, respected, and innovative aerobatic pilots and airshow performers in the world today. Flying the MXS-RH, an all carbon fiber, competition-ready, single-seat aerobatic airplane designed and built by MX Aircraft, Rob Holland brings an unrivaled performance to airshows across North America, thrilling millions of spectators with his dynamic and breathtaking display. Record-setting winner of eight consecutive U.S. National Aerobatic Championships, Four world Freestyle Aerobatic Championships and the International Council of Airshows (ICAS) prestigious Art Scholl Award for Showmanship, the highest honor any airshow pilot can receive, Rob has distinguished himself by blazing a trail of innovation, developing maneuvers never before seen at an airshows. In 2019, Rob will be celebrating 18 years in the airshow industry, bringing his passion for aviation to audiences at airshows across North America, hoping to inspire people to pursue their dreams with the same focus and dedication that has propelled Rob to the very top of the airshow world.
Hailing from Overland Park, KS, RADIAL RUMBLE pilot Jeff Shetterly is a third generation aviator who grew up in Indianapolis, IN. Jeff graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in Human Factors Engineering and served in the United States Army on M1A1 Abrams tanks. He was stationed in Germany and deployed several times to the Balkans, leaving military service in 2001.
In the years since, Jeff has become an instrument rated commercial pilot with an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and Certified Flight Instructor, flying single and multi-engine aircraft as well as gliders – 102 different aircraft types so far. Jeff hopes his performances will be an inspiration to both children and adults, and he is constantly humbled and enjoys learning from the veterans who flew planes like “39F” (his 1945 North American SNJ-6 "Texan") when they were new.
Kyle Fowler began following in his father’s footsteps at a very young age. Looking to his father, Ken Fowler of Team Rocket, as his role model, Kyle moved forward with his dreams of becoming an Aerobatic Pilot by the age of 12, announcing his father’s performance at several Airshows. Then at the age of 21, his dreams began to manifest. Kyle obtained his Private Pilot’s License, with Eric Hansen of Team Rocket, as his flight instructor, and began his journey toward his Airshow career.
In 2015, Kyle dedicated his time to evolving as a pilot and completed his Commercial Pilot’s License. This opened more doorways and drove Kyle to complete his Commercial Multi IFR Rating the same year.
Currently, Kyle successfully manages his aviation time between flying a PA-31 Navajo Chieftain, a Kodiak and his unique 1986 Long EZ. When he is not evolving as a pilot, Kyle divides his time between his love of airshows, and his pride and joy, his family. Kyle’s family is incredibly proud of his accomplishments and will always be his biggest fans.
Hot Streak II is a twin jet engine 57 Chevy Pickup capable of speeds of 350+MPH entertaining fans across the country for over 20 years.
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. 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 information about Rob Reider, visit www.robreider.com
** More performers to be announced, so please check back for updates. Please note that Airshow performers are subject to change. **
Rob Holland is one of the most decorated, respected, and innovative aerobatic pilots and airshow performers in the world today. Flying the MXS-RH, an all carbon fiber, competition-ready, single-seat aerobatic airplane designed and built by MX Aircraft, Rob Holland brings an unrivaled performance to airshows across North America, thrilling millions of spectators with his dynamic and breathtaking display. Record-setting winner of eight consecutive U.S. National Aerobatic Championships, Four world Freestyle Aerobatic Championships and the International Council of Airshows (ICAS) prestigious Art Scholl Award for Showmanship, the highest honor any airshow pilot can receive, Rob has distinguished himself by blazing a trail of innovation, developing maneuvers never before seen at an airshows. In 2019, Rob will be celebrating 18 years in the airshow industry, bringing his passion for aviation to audiences at airshows across North America, hoping to inspire people to pursue their dreams with the same focus and dedication that has propelled Rob to the very top of the airshow world.
Hailing from Overland Park, KS, RADIAL RUMBLE pilot Jeff Shetterly is a third generation aviator who grew up in Indianapolis, IN. Jeff graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in Human Factors Engineering and served in the United States Army on M1A1 Abrams tanks. He was stationed in Germany and deployed several times to the Balkans, leaving military service in 2001.
In the years since, Jeff has become an instrument rated commercial pilot with an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and Certified Flight Instructor, flying single and multi-engine aircraft as well as gliders – 102 different aircraft types so far. Jeff hopes his performances will be an inspiration to both children and adults, and he is constantly humbled and enjoys learning from the veterans who flew planes like “39F” (his 1945 North American SNJ-6 "Texan") when they were new.
