Performer Information
as of 6 August 2004

USAF Thunderbirds

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.

Objectives of the squadron are to support Air Force recruiting and retention programs, to reinforce public confidence in the Air Force and to demonstrate to the public the professional competence of Air Force members, to strengthen morale and esprit de corps among Air Force members, to support Air Force community relations and people-to-people programs, and to represent the United States and its armed forces to foreign nations and to project international goodwill

The Thunderbirds squadron is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, three civilians and more than 130 enlisted personnel performing in 25 career fields.

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.

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.

Officers serve a two-year assignment with the squadron, while enlisted personnel serve three to four. Replacements must be trained for about half of the team each year, providing a constant mix of experience.

The squadron performs no more than 88 air demonstrations each year and has never canceled a demonstration due to maintenance difficulty. More than 280 million people in all 50 states and 57 foreign countries have seen the red, white and blue jets in more than 3,500 aerial demonstrations.

In addition to their responsibilities as the official U.S. Air Force aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds are part of our combat force. If required, the team's personnel and aircraft can be rapidly integrated into a fighter unit at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Since the aircraft are only slightly modified, they can be made combat-ready in less than 72 hours.

The USAF Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon.  The Lockheed Martin (formerly General Dynamics) F-16 Fighting Falcon 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.

History
The Thunderbirds were officially activated June 1, 1953, as the 3600th Air Demonstration Team at Luke AFB, Ariz. Their first aircraft was the straight-winged F-84G Thunderjet, a combat fighter-bomber that had seen action in Korea. Early in 1955 the team transitioned to the swept-winged F-84F Thunderstreak.

In June 1956, the team moved to its current home at Nellis. At the same time theThunderbirds traded the veteran F-84 for the world's first supersonic fighter, the F-100 Super Sabre -- an aerial platform that would serve the Thunderbirds for 13 years. More than 1,000 demonstrations were flown in the Super Sabre, thrilling spectators around the world. The team changed briefly to the Republic F-105 Thunderchief. After only six shows, in 1964, due to an extensive modification that became necessary on all Thunderchiefs, the Thunderbirds returned to the F-100.

From 1969 to 1973, the Thunderbirds flew the Air Force's front-line fighter, the F-4E Phantom. In 1974, the Thunderbirds converted to the T-38 Talon, the world's first supersonic trainer. The T-38 was more fuel-efficient and less costly to maintain than the larger F-4.

Early in 1983, the Thunderbirds reinstituted their traditional role of demonstrating the Air Force's front-line fighter capabilities. Transition to the F-16A allowed the team to retain manpower and fuel efficiency while demonstrating to spectators the latest in fighter technology.

The Thunderbirds returned to Europe for the first time in 13 years in 1984. More than 3.2 million people viewed the aerial demonstrations in 11 countries.

In 1986, the Thunderbirds participated in the rededication flyby of the Statue of Liberty and in September, another milestone was attained when the team went over the 200 million mark for total attendance.

The largest crowd, 2.25 million people, to see a performance was at Coney Island, N.Y., July 4, 1987. The 1987 Far East tour marked their debut in Beijing, China -- the first American military demonstration performance in a Communist country.

Operation Desert Storm cancelled the 1990 European tour and the season was shortened. The team converted to the F-16C in 1992, bringing the F-16A era to an end.

In 1996, the team traveled again to Europe where crowds from former Warsaw Pact countries enjoyed the "Ambassadors in Blue." In July 1996, the team participated in opening ceremonies of the Centennial Olympics held in Atlanta which were viewed by an estimated 3.5 billion people around the world.

The 2004 Thunder over the Boardwalk Atlantic City Airshow welcomes the USAF Thunderbirds to this year's event.

US Army Parachute Team, the "Golden Knights"

The United States Army Parachute Team, the "Golden Knights," is the Army's only official aerial demonstration unit.  Located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 90 men and women who make up the Knights come from diverse backgrounds and hold various military occupational skills.

The team's origin traces back to September 1959, when it was originally formed as the Strategic Army Corps (STRAC) Parachute Team.

On June 1, 1961, the team was activated formally and redesignated as the US Army Parachute Team and the following year earned the nickname, the Golden Knights.

During that time, the team embarked on its threefold mission:  1) perform live aerial demonstrations for the American public and spread goodwill for the US Army; 2) compete in national and international parachuting competitions; and 3) test and evaluate new parachuting techniques and equipment.  This mission has remained the same over the years as well as the Knights' unwaivering commitment to it.

The Golden Knights are organized into two demonstration team: the Black and Gold Teams; two competition teams; the Style and Accuracy and Formation Skydiving Team; and aviation section with a fleet of six aircraft; and a headquarters section consisting of parachute maintenance, administration, budget, operations, supply and public affairs specialists.  The demonstration teams spend more than 230 days a year performing at numerous airshows, state fairs, and civic events.  The Knights have performed more than 8,100 live aerial demonstrations in all 50 states and in 47 foreign countries.  Through the years, the Golden Knights also have earned the title of "The Army's Goodwill Ambassadors to the World."

While the world knows the demonstrators as ambassadors, they also recognize the Team's competitors as champions.  The competition teams have never failed to bring home medals of accomplishment from national and international parachuting competitions.  The Golden Knights have produced 129 national and 23 world champion parachutists.  They have won an impressive 13 world team titles in free-fall formation parachuting, making them the most winning US Department of Defense sport team.

The Team's superior performances, conduct, and accomplishments have rekindled and sustained a national pride in the hearts of many Americans.  Since its inception, the Team's faces have changed, but every Golden Knight's exemplary conduct and dedication to the US Army and the American public remains steadfast.

We welcome  the US Army Golden Knights to Atlantic City  for this year's event.  

US Navy F-14 Tomcat Demonstration Team

The F-14 Tactical Demonstration displays the awesome power, noise,  and agility of the F-14.   During their 15 minute demonstration, the Tomcat flies a series of tightly choreographed maneuvers designed to showcase the flexibility of its variable wingsweep and the tremendous power of its twin afterburning turbofan engines. The Tomcat also will demonstration its slow flying ability, including passes in the carrier landing configuration.

The Demo Team consists of instructor pilots, radar intercept officers and maintainers from "The Grim Reapers" of Fighter Squadron 101 (VF-101.) VF-101 is the Navy’s only Fleet Replacement Squadron for the F-14, training aircrew and maintenance personnel for the fleet. The squadron operates the F-14A, B and D aircraft at NAS Oceana, Virginia.

Your demonstration pilots are Lt. Anthony "Opie" Walley of Dunwoody, Georgia and Lt. :"Smokin" Joe Ruzicka of Crandall, Texas.  

Lt. Walley is a 1996 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy.  After receiving his Wings of Gold in 1999, he began training with the F-15 with Fighter Squadron 101.   Lt. Walley served his first tour with the "Jolly Rogers" of VF-103, stationed at NAS Oceana, VA.   During that tour, Lt. Walley completed two extended deployments to the Persian Gulf and the Northern Arabia Sea aboard the USS George Washington, including more than 30 missions over Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom.  "Opie" now instructs new Tomcat aircrews in VF-101 at NAS Oceana.   He has over 1500 flight hours, 1000 hours in the F-14 and over 250 carrier arrested landings.

Lt. "Smokin" Joe Ruzicka is a 1996 graduate of the United States Naval Academy.   After receiving his Wings of Gold in 1998, he began training in the F-14 with Fighter Squadron 101.   Lt. Ruzicka served his first tour with the "Black Knights" of VF-154, stationed at NAF Atsugi, Japan.   During that tour, Lt. Ruzicka completed 3 WestPac deployments aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, the Navy's only forward deployed carrier and oldest active ship in the fleet.   Lt. Ruzicka's personal awards and qualifications include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3  awards) and a Forward Airborne Controller Qualification.  "Smokin"  now instructs new Tomcat aircrews in VF-101 at NAS Oceana.   He has over 1300 flight hours, 1000 hours in the F-14 and over 150 carrier arrested landings.

USAF F-15 East Coast Demonstration Team

The United States Air Force F-15 East Coast Demonstration Team is assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. The demonstration pilot and team leader is Capt Bret Anderson of Daytona Beach, Florida. He is a veteran fighter pilot with more than 1,400 hours in the F-15 including 65 combat missions in the skies over Iraq. The Demo Team NCOIC is MSgt Charles “CW” Manning from Dublin, Georgia and the Assistant NCOIC is TSgt Tyrone “T-Bone” Tillery from Enfield, North Carolina. They lead a team of six crew chiefs and two avionics technicians assigned to provide maintenance support while the team is on the road. The team crew chiefs are SSgt Cristal Alfrey, SSgt Brandon Taylor, SrA Jeremiah Neal, SrA Sharner Smith, SrA Shaun Horn, and A1C Adam Ward. The avionics techs are SSgt Alex Shamp and SrA Randal Richardson. The team narrators are Capt Rochelle Brown, 1Lt Nikki Young, SSgt Judy Barnes, and SrA Alan Halford. 

The aircraft flown during the aerial demonstration are fully combat capable and would immediately deploy to war if called upon to do so. Additionally, all team members remain current in their wartime duties and are immediately deployable in the event of conflict.

The demonstration team’s primary mission is to promote Air Force recruiting, retention, and community relations through better understanding of the U.S. Air Force and its mission.

The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat.  

The Eagle's air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons and avionics. It can penetrate enemy defense and outperform and outfight any current or projected enemy aircraft. The F-15 has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace. Its weapons and flight control systems are designed so one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat. The F-15's superior maneuverability and acceleration are achieved through high engine thrust-to-weight ratio and low wing loading. Low wing-loading (the ratio of aircraft weight to its wing area) is a vital factor in maneuverability and, combined with the high thrust-to-weight ratio, enables the aircraft to turn tightly without losing airspeed.  A multi-mission avionics system sets the F-15 apart from other fighter aircraft.  It includes a head-up display, advanced radar, inertial navigation system, flight instruments, UHF communications, tactical navigation system and instrument landing system. It also has an internally mounted, tactical electronic-warfare system, "identification friend or foe" system, electronic countermeasures set and a central digital computer. Through an on-going multistage improvement program the F-15 is receiving extensive upgrade involving the installation or modification of new and existing avionics equipment to enhance the tactical capabilities of the F-15. The head-up display projects on the windscreen all essential flight information gathered by the integrated avionics system. This display, visible in any light condition, provides the pilot information necessary to track and destroy an enemy aircraft without having to look down at cockpit instruments. The F-15's versatile pulse-Doppler radar system can look up at high-flying targets and down at low-flying targets without being confused by ground clutter. It can detect and track aircraft and small high-speed targets at distances beyond visual range down to close range, and at altitudes down to tree-top level. The radar feeds target information into the central computer for effective weapons delivery. For close-in dog fights, the radar automatically acquires enemy aircraft, and this information is projected on the head-up display.  An inertial navigation system enables the Eagle to navigate anywhere in the world. It gives aircraft position at all times as well as pitch, roll, heading, acceleration and speed information. The F-15's electronic warfare system provides both threat warning and automatic countermeasures against selected threats. The "identification friend or foe" system informs the pilot if an aircraft seen visually or on radar is friendly. It also informs U.S. or allied ground stations and other suitably equipped aircraft that the F-15 is a friendly aircraft. A variety of air-to-air weaponry can be carried by the F-15. An automated weapon system enables the pilot to perform aerial combat safely and effectively, using the heads-up display and the avionics and weapons controls located on the engine throttles or control stick. When the pilot changes from one weapon system to another, visual guidance for the required weapon automatically appears on the head-up display.  

The Eagle can be armed with combinations of four different air-to-air weapons: AIM-7F/M Sparrow missiles or AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles on its lower fuselage corners, AIM-9L/M Sidewinder or AIM-120 missiles on two pylons under the wings, and an internal 20mm Gatling gun (with 940 rounds of ammunition) in the right wing root. Low-drag, conformal fuel tanks were especially developed for the F-15C and D models. Conformal fuel tanks can be attached to the sides of the engine air intake trunks under each wing and are designed to the same load factors and airspeed limits as the basic aircraft. Each conformal fuel tank contains about 114 cubic feet of usable space. These tanks reduce the need for in-flight refueling on global missions and increase time in the combat area. All external stations for munitions remain available with the tanks in use. AIM-7F/M Sparrow and AIM-120 missiles, moreover, can be attached to the corners of the conformal fuel tanks. 

We welcome the F-15 Demo Team to this year's event!  

USAF F-16 East Demonstration Team

The Ninth Air Force F-16 Demonstration Team is one of six fighter demonstration teams sponsored by the Air Combat Command of the U.S. Air Force.

The Ninth Air Force F-16 team is assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing, 78th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. Last year the team performed for more than 9.5 million spectators in the United States and Canada. Team members include the pilot, two narrators and eight maintenance personnel. The pilot, Capt. Hickman, is a veteran fighter pilot with more than four years experience in the F-16 Fighting Falcon and over 1000 hours in jet aircraft. 

The F-16 is a multi-purpose aircraft capable of a variety of missions including interdiction, suppression of air defenses, close air support, and air superiority. It has been part of the U.S. Air Force inventory since 1979 and is flown by numerous allied nations including Israel, Egypt, Bahrain, Norway, Belgium, Korea, Turkey, and Greece. The F-16 served with distinction in the Gulf War logging more sorties and dropping more bombs than any other aircraft engaged in that war. The aircraft is powered by a single engine capable of producing approximately 30,000 pounds of thrust. As a comparison, that is more horsepower than the entire starting lineup of the Indianapolis 500. The aircraft has a top speed of more than twice the speed of sound. Despite the power of the F-16 it can fly more than 2,000 miles without refueling, and with in-flight refueling the F-16 flew non-stop to the Middle East before the start of the Gulf War. The F-16 has the reputation as the most maneuverable fighter in the world, but can also deliver bombs with deadly accuracy. The aircraft flown in the demonstration is fully equipped and combat ready. It is one of 27 assigned to the 78th Fighter Squadron and is flown regularly on all types of missions.

The F-16 demonstration is designed to highlight the superior performance characteristics of the aircraft. The combination of high and low speed maneuvering, rapid rolls, and high performance climbs and descents vividly illustrate the Fighting Falcon's capabilities. The demonstration team's primary mission is to promote recruiting and retention through understanding of the Air Force and its mission. After the show, team members are available to answer any questions about the demonstration or the Air Force in general.

We welcome the F-16 East Coast Demo team to this year's event!

USAF A-10A Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team

The East Coast A-10 Demonstration Team is one of six fighter demonstration teams sponsored by Air combat Command of the United States Air force.  The team is assigned to the 23d Fighter Group located at Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, North Carolina.  The Demonstration Team’s primary mission is to promote Air Force recruiting and retention.

The officer-in-charge, and demonstration pilot, is Capt Matthew Kouchoukos, an experienced fighter pilot with over 7 years and 1,300 hours in the A-10.  The demonstration team has six maintenance personnel who provide aircraft and logistics support. 

The A-10 demonstration is designed to highlight the superior performance characteristics of the aircraft.  A combination of high and slow speed maneuvers, rapid rolls, maximum performance climbs and descents, and simulated weapons employment vividly demonstrate the A-10 Thunderbolt II’s capabilities.  Members of the A-10 East Demonstration Team also exhibit the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft.

The A-10 was the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. 

Demonstration Team Objective are to positively affect Air Force recruitment and retention efforts, to keep the public and military informed of U.S. Air Force preparedness, to demonstrate modern weapon systems, to promote community and international relations and reinforce public confidence in the Air Force, and to demonstrate to the public the professional competence of Air Force members.

The Airshow  welcomes the A-10 Demonstration Team from Pope AFB to this year's event.

Jim Beasley Jr.
(Photo Courtesy of John Baert)

One of the most effective aircraft of World War II, the North American P-51 Mustang was first developed to meet a British requirement of 1940.  Needed desperately because of the grave situation in Europe, the project was completed ahead of the 120 day schedule set by the United Kingdom.  The first Mustangs were powered with Allison engines, but while this engine performed well at lower altitudes, power output rapidly declined above 12,000 feet.  This power problem prompted North American to look at the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine to power the Mustang.  The Merlin engine was found to perform extremely well at all altitudes and rapidly increased the flexibility of the aircraft.  The P-51B was the first variant to use the Merlin engine.

The most common variants of the Mustang were the P-51D and P-51K.  A total of 7,956 P-51Ds and 1500 P-51Ks were built.  Less than 100 remain flyable in the world today.

After World War II,  the United States Army Air Force's Mustangs remained in services with the Strategic Air Command until 1949 and for several more years with the US Air Reserve and Air National Guard units.  Mustangs were some of the first fighters to see action in the Korean War.

The 2004 Thunder Over the Boardwalk Airshow welcomes Mr. Jim Beasley Jr. in his P-51 Mustang for the USAF Heritage Flight with the USAF A-10, F-15, and F-16 East Coast Demo Teams.  Jim resides in West Chester, PA and has been flying since he was a baby, receiving his license when he was 18 years old while being taught by his Dad in a T-6 Texan.  Jim has over 2000 hours of flight time with approximately 1000 hours in the Mustang.  Jim is one of the originating members of the USAF's "Heritage Flight" program which will also be a part of this event.

USAF C-17A Globemaster III

The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft is also capable of performing tactical airlift and airdrop missions when required. The inherent flexibility and performance of the C-17 force improve the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States.

The ultimate measure of airlift effectiveness is the ability to rapidly project and sustain an effective combat force close to a potential battle area. Threats to U.S. interests have changed in recent years, and the size and weight of U.S.-mechanized firepower and equipment have grown in response to improved capabilities of potential adversaries. This trend has significantly increased air mobility requirements, particularly in the area of large or heavy outsize cargo. As a result, newer and more flexible airlift aircraft are needed to meet potential armed contingencies, peacekeeping or humanitarian missions worldwide. The C-17 is capable of meeting today’s demanding airlift missions.

Features

Reliability and maintainability are two outstanding benefits of the C-17 system. Current operational requirements impose demanding reliability and maintainability. These requirements include an aircraft mission completion success probability rate of 92 percent, only 20 aircraft maintenance man-hours per flying hour, and full and partial mission availability rates of 74.7 and 82.5 percent, respectively. The Boeing warranty assures these figures will be met.

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 thrust reversers direct the flow of air upward and forward to avoid ingestion of dust and debris. Maximum use has been made of off-the-shelf and commercial equipment, including Air Force-standardized avionics.

The aircraft is operated by a crew of three (pilot, copilot and loadmaster), reducing manpower requirements, risk exposure and long-term operating costs. Cargo is loaded onto the C-17 through a large aft door that accommodates military vehicles and palletized cargo. The C-17 can carry virtually all of the Army's air-transportable equipment.

Maximum payload capacity of the C-17 is 170,900 pounds (77,519 kilograms), and its maximum gross takeoff weight is 585,000 pounds (265,352 kilograms). With a payload of 160,000 pounds (72,575 kilograms) and an initial cruise altitude of 28,000 feet (8,534 meters), , the C-17 has an unrefueled range of approximately 2,400 nautical miles. Its cruise speed is approximately 450 knots (.74 Mach). The C-17 is designed to airdrop 102 paratroopers and equipment.

The design of the aircraft allows it to operate through small, austere airfields. The C-17 can take off and land on runways as short as 3,000 feet (914 meters) and only 90 feet wide (27.4 meters). Even on such narrow runways, the C-17 can turn around using a three-point star turn and its backing capability.

The 2004 Atlantic City Airshow  welcomes the Chalreston AFB, SC  based C-17A Globemaster III to this year's event.  During the airshow they will demonstrate the unique capabilities of this strategic airlifter that makes it the envy of every air force in the world today.

The Yellow Book USA Aerobatic Team

Eddie Merchant, Team Leader and Owner, is the former right wing pilot for the Holiday Inn/Coca-Cola Aerobatic Team.  He has been performing in airshows since 1975 and holds numerous competition and airshow flying awards.  A graduate of Parks College of Aeronautical Technology in St. Louis, Missouri in 1979, Merchant earned a degree in Aeronautical Administration and obtained his instrument, commercial, multi-engine and certified flight instructor ratings.  Merchant has logged over 11,000 hours in many types of aircraft.

Doug Dodge, Alternate Pilot, is manager of the Bay City, Michigan Airport.  Doug is a certified aircraft mechanic and designs and builds aircraft at his facility at Bay City.  A former agricultural pilot, or "crop duster," he has been performing at airshows for over thirty years.  Doug has logged thousands of flying hours during this illustrious career.

The aircraft used by the Star Aerobatic Company and the Yellow Book USA Aerobatic Team is a factory built Pitts S2B Special.  With a wingspan of a mere 20 feet and a fuselage length of only 18 feet, the aircraft weighs approximately 1,150 pounds.  Lightweight, but extremely strong and highly maneuverable, it is powered by a Lycoming AEIO-540-D4A5 engine developing nearly 300 horsepower   The Yellow Book Pitts Special can reach a top speed of 210 mph, achieve a rate of climb in excess of 3000 feet per minute and a roll rate of over 240 degrees per second.  The aircraft proudly displays the corporate logos of our sponsor, Yellow Book USA, the nation's oldest and largest independent publisher of yellow pages.

Their solo performance is impressive and colorful and guaranteed to thrill the audience.  The routine lasts approximately 12 minutes and includes a wide variety of low level, high speed maneuvers, exciting verticals, square and octagonal loops, the always daring and breath taking Lomcevak and an occasional "surprise" maneuver or two.

Airshows are big business.  In 2003, more than 400 airshows in the United States and Canada drew a total audience of more than 28 million fans, and attendance record second in size only to that of Major League Baseball.  The airshow business is not just about flying anymore-- it's "show business," and that is what the Yellow Book USA Aerobatic Team presents to the public -- a flashy, exciting, edge-of-your-seat production both in the air and on the ground.

Starfighters F-104

Starfighters are the only fully operational, civilian owned Supersonic Jet Team on the U.S. Airshow  Circuit.

Rick Svetkoff began his search for an F-104 Starfighter in the fall of 1988.  Talks of F-104s being shipped to the U.S. gave him hope, however, it was not until early 1995 that he purchased his first F-104.

In 1997, in its first season, Starfighters took the air show industry by storm with participation in twelve of the largest airshow events in the country. Currently, Starfighters has two aircraft in operation and a third almost ready to fly. In just two short years and 65 successful airshows, Starfighters is quickly becoming the most sought after air performance team on the air show circuit.

The 2004 Thunder Over the Boardwalk Airshow will feature Rick Svetkoff in a solo demonstration by the F-104 Starfighter!

The Vultures

The Vultures are a group of Experimental aircraft builders that build and fly their own aircraft in formation.  We have flown as part of larger formations at Sun-N-Fun and Oshkosh.  One formation was a 24 ship comprised of RV type aircraft from all over the country!  

The Vultures came about several years ago as a desire to perform a formation routine on the East Coast.  The Vultures consist primarily of Van's "RV" aircraft.  These are kit built aircraft certified under the "Experimental" category.  However, in recent months, we have incorporated Burt Rutan's "EZE" aircraft into the routine.

The Vulture Formation Team's routine consists of non-aerobatic formations set to music.  The routine will change the multi-ship formations during the 10 to 15  or even 20 minute show in a "Lazy-Eight" and "360" turn pattern in front of the crowd.  The sound of the props and engines, coupled with the background music and multiple formations, makes for an exciting and patriotic theme.  The final pass that we make will be the "Missing-Man" formation, with "Taps" playing in the background, in honor of the men and women who gave their lives for their country.

The "Vultures" hope to give the spectators something new and unusual to look at.  It is unusual because the pilots, some who have ordinary jobs and backgrounds (like many in the crowd),  built their own planes, taught themselves how to fly them, eventually in formation, and now perform in airshows.  This suggests to the spectators that hey, these guys are just like me and look what they are doing!