Performer Information
 as of 2 July 2003



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. Edward Casey, is a veteran fighter pilot with more than four years experience in the F-16 Fighting Falcon and over 1000 hours in jet aircraft. Narrators for the performance are either Capt. Robert Campbell, Capt. Jeffrey Cohen, or Capt. Erik Parker -- all fully qualified F-16 pilots. The eight maintenance personnel are responsible for ensuring the aircraft are expertly maintained and repaired if necessary.

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.

The 2003 Binghamton Airshow welcomes the F-16 East Coast Demo team to this year's event!


American Firebirds Delta Aerobatic Team

The American Firebirds Delta Aerobatic Team flight demonstration combines the graceful aerial ballet of formation aerobatics with radical gyroscopic tumbles and heart stopping head-on madness guaranteed to keep the airshow audience on the edge.

The Firebirds fast paced, nonstop performance includes:

The Firebirds chose Walter Extra's 300S, a German built, 300 horsepower monoplane designed and constructed with just one goal in mind - unlimited aerobatics. With a top speed of over 250 mph, a roll rate in excess of 400 degrees per second, and structural limitations of +1-10 Gs, the Extra 300S is the perfect airplane for demonstrating flight on the wild side.

Joining the team in 2003 will be a Sukhoi SU-29 bringing this fantastic aerobatic team to the 3-ship level.   You'll see a great Sukhoi SU-29 Solo, the standard two-ship All American Firebirds Extra 300s, then the new 3-ship aerobatic routine by the All American Firebirds Delta.

The 2003 Binghamton Airshow  welcomes the All American Firebirds to this year's event for their encore demonstration.


 Drew Hurley Airshows

Drew Hurley will be performing at the 2003 Binghamton Airshow with his YAK 55M Russian Aerobatic Aircraft complete with Super Smoke.  Drew, who retired from the New Jersey Air National Guard's 108th ARW as a Major in 1995, is an attorney in  private  practice in Somerville, New Jersey.

In addition to his general practice, Drew - a former New Jersey Municipal Court  Judge - practices aviation law as a Member Attorney of  the AOPA Legal  Services Plan.

Drew's an active member of the International Council of Airshows, the International  Aerobatic Club, EAA,    Aircraft  Owners and Pilots Association, YAK Owners Club and  the United States Parachute Association.  Drew' performed for more than 20 years in shows as a skydiver. He's also a   parachuting  instructor  and FAA licensed Senior Rigger.

We welcome Drew to the 2003 Binghamton Airshow.


Kevin Russo

There is no more distinct sound than that of the radial engine of the North American T-6/SNJ Texan.   Tens of Thousands of pilots used this advanced trainer during the 1940s and 1950s for the USAAC, USAAF, US Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps.   

The T-6/SNJ Texan is one of the most plentiful warbirds on the airshow circuit today with hundreds still flying.  An airshow crowd favorite, aerobatic pilots, museums, and aircraft enthusiasts all possess these aircraft in their collections.   

The 2003 Binghamton Airshow welcome Mr. Kevin Russo in his SNJ to this year's event.   Russo is currently serving in the US Air Force with the 305th Air Mobility Wing at McGuire AFB, NJ.    Besides taking part in some of the formation flying during this year's event, Russo will also perform a 10 minute aerobatic routine in this wonderful vintage aircraft from the 1940s.



Mid-Atlantic Air Museum

Founded in 1980, the Mid Atlantic Air Museum (MAAM) was designed to preserve a rapidly disappearing part of our American heritage and history, especially the aircraft and artifacts associated with the people, places, and events of the Middle Atlantic States. To carry out this mission, the Museum seeks to:

The Mid Atlantic Air Museum does more than preserve the artifacts of aviation history. By maintaining these historic aircraft in flying condition, the Museum also preserves the maintenance, fabrication, and flying skills of a bygone era. Taking the collection to the public, Museum members are able to reach an ever-growing audience eager to learn of the exploits of flyers of the past and their achievements.

Presented in the museum are just a few of the more than 50 aircraft, ranging in age from the late 1920's to 1983, in the Mid Atlantic Air Museum's collection. While many of MAAM's aircraft are unrestored, with some in storage and not visible to visitors, nearly twenty are airworthy, with approximately two-dozen on exhibit at the museum's facility.

The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's B-25J Mitchell "Briefing Time" is representing the museum at this year's event.  We are happy that they are in attendance.

Split Image Aerobatic Team

The  Split Image Aerobatic Team  display  re-creates the nostalgia of the 1930’s era Cleveland Air Races and Airshows with the growling presence of two high performance bi-planes flying with lyrical precision. 

A few years ago, Ron Saglimbene and Ron Spencer formed The Split Image Aerobatic Team and started developing an airshow act that combined formation flying with precision aerobatics. After hours of practice (a lot more than either of them dreamed it would take), they started flying airshows in the Northeast. 

The 14 minute low altitude performance is flown with lots of smoke and noise right in front of the airshow flight line.

Crowds thrill to the professionally executed show and especially enjoy the static display, which includes friendly and accessible direct contact with the Team pilots before and after performances.

Flying the Lead position is Ron Saglimbene.  “Sag”, (always identified by his trademark white beard), is an oral surgeon and has been flying for over twenty years.  He has been engaged in aerobatics for over 12 years.  He lives with his family in Wyckoff, New Jersey.   

Flying as Wingman  is Ron Spencer.  “Spence” is a Captain for a major airline and has over 16000 hours of flight time, and has been doing aerobatics since 1979.  Spence has been involved in competition aerobatics since 1995.   He resides in Millville, New Jersey with his family.   

The 2003 Binghamton Airshow welcomes the Split Image Aerobatic Team to this year's event!

YAK-9 Demonstration Team

When the German Army swept into Russia in June, 1941, Luftwaffe chief Herman Goering assured the generals that Germany would destroy Russia’s air defense capability. They very nearly succeeded. Caught by surprise, Russia’s air force was decimated on the ground and in the air. Moving his design and manufacturing facilities east of the Ural Mountains, Alexander Yakovlev‘s design bureau began production of the Yak-9 in 1942, with delivery of the light, versatile craft to fighter regiments by October of that year. Eventually, a record 16,769 Yak-9’s of all models would be built.

During World War  II, the single engine Yak-9 operated with a wide variety of armament for use in anti-tank, light bomber and long-range escort roles, first seeing combat during the Battle of Stalingrad. The standard version, the Yak-9M, had 20mm cannon and two 12.7mm machine guns. As one German survivor of the air battles over Russia stated, "The Yak was no match for the ME-109 but there were always so many…they swarmed like bees whenever we showed up." As the war progressed more advanced models made their debut.

The Yak-9 was the mainstay of the Soviet Air Force in the middle and late years of World War II, and was produced in greater numbers than any other Soviet fighter. By the middle of 1944 there were more Yak-9s in service than all other Soviet fighters combined. Like other Russian fighters, it was designed for mass production and durability. It offered little in new technology and, due to chronic Soviet shortages, incorporated a minimum of scarce strategic materials, especially in the earlier models. Soviet fighters of the era, including the Yak-9, were designed to achieve numerical rather than technical superiority.

Nevertheless, it could be a formidable fighter, particularly at low altitude and when Soviet pilots had numerical superiority over the Luftwaffe fighters opposing them. This was a common scenario on the Eastern Front. The Yak-9 was not a great fighter one-on-one in the air superiority role, which is why I did not include the Yak-9 (or any Russian fighter) in my article "The Best Fighters of World War II."

The Yak-9 had an excellent (small) sustained turning diameter at low speeds, which allowed it to turn inside of the German fighters it faced. It could also turn inside of most of the famous American fighters of the war, including the P-38, P-47, and P-51. The Bf 109 had a slightly superior turn rate, but a larger turning diameter. This means that a Yak-9 could usually get inside of an opponent in a sustained turn. By all reports it was also a durable fighter, capable of absorbing a lot of battle damage and still making it home. It was also a successful ground attack fighter, and some variants were specialized for that role.

The model flown by the YAK-9 Demonstration Team is a YAK-9U-M pilot by Sean Carroll of Maryland.   The 2003 Binghamton Airshow  marks the first performance in the Binghamton Area by this unique and highly maneuverable vintage aircraft.    While many on the airshow circuit are used to the sounds and flights of the North American P-51D Mustang, the YAK-9 will take airshow fans at Binghamton by pleasant surprise as the formidable Russian Fighter of World War II will take control of the skies during the afternoon in what will be a very exciting demonstration.

We welcome Sean Carroll and the YAK-9 Demonstration Team to this year's event.


Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation

The Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation is dedicated to preserving the memory and legacy of the greatest humanitarian/aviation event in history, The Berlin Airlift.  Their mission is to preserve this memory by preserving several aircraft used in the great event and creating "Flying Memorials and Classrooms" with the purpose of educating the public about this pivotal, yet forgotten,  event in world history. 

Founded in 1988, the Foundation has obtained and restored to flying condition, a Douglas C-54E Skymaster transport aircraft, which helped support the C-54's which carried out this great mission. Named "SPIRIT OF FREEDOM", the aircraft is painted to represent the 48th Troop Carrier Squadron, one of the many groups which carried out the event. Inside, the "SPIRIT", is a genuine museum dedicated to the Berlin Airlift, filled with artifacts, displays, and information explaining this all important event in recent history. 

The 2003 Binghamton Airshow is proud to have their C-54 Skymaster on display during the event.  This year with a great Wright Flyer display inside!


Leestown Aviation
Robert & Chris Baranaskas
(photos courtesy of Greg Witmer, and Messrs. Baranaskas)

The 2003 Binghamton Airshow  welcomes Robert and Chris Baranaskas and their wonderful  aircraft to this year's event.    Everyone in attendance is certain to enjoy the PT-17 Stearman, SNJ-5 Texan, and P-51D Mustang that are owned by this family.

Following in his father’s footsteps; Bob learned to fly at the age of 17.  He is a Commercial Pilot with Single, Multi Engine Instrument Ratings and has a Formation  Waiver. 

Bob developed a real passion for flying the same “Warbirds” his dad flew in WWII after purchasing his SNJ-5, a WWII Naval Advanced Trainer. He soon added a PT17 Stearman, an open cockpit WWII Army Air Corps Primary Trainer and eventually a P51 Mustang, the ultimate WWII Fighter, to his collection of  Warbirds”.

Chris represents the third generation of pilots in his family. He earned his Commercial Single, Multi Engine Instrument Ratings and Formation Qualifications while attending College full time. Chris also is an active pilot with the” Skytypers SQUADRON”. He is currently a senior at Hofstra University and is actively pursuing a position as an Air National Guard Pilot before joining the family business after graduation.

The North American T-6 Texan was known as "the pilot maker" because of its important role in preparing pilots for combat. Derived from the 1935 North American NA-16 prototype, a cantilever low-wing monoplane, the Texan filled the need for a basic combat trainer during WW II and beyond. In all, more than 17,000 airframes were designed to the Texan standards.

North American's rapid production of the T-6 Texan coincided with the wartime expansion of the United States air war commitment. As of 1940, the required flights hours for combat pilots earning their wings had been cut to just 200 during a shortened training period of seven months. Of those hours, 75 were logged in the AT-6.

U.S Navy pilot flew the airplane extensively, under the SNJ designation, the most common of these being the SNJ-4, SNJ-5 and SNJ-6.

P-51D Mustang "Glamorous Gal" - # 41-3903 WD L- was from the 335th squadron of the 4th Fighter Group of the Eighth Air Force stationed in England from 1942 to 1945. The 4th Fighter Group was the first fighter group of the Eighth  Air Force to penetrate German air space on the 28th of July 1943.   

One of the most effective, famous and beautiful fighter aircraft of WWII, the P-51 was designed to fulfill a British requirement dated April 1940. Because of the rapidly-mounting clouds of war in Europe, the UK asked North American Aircraft to design and build a new fighter in only 120 days.

At the same time, the US Army Air Corps ordered a small number for tactical reconnaissance evaluation as the F-6A. After the RAF found the aircraft's performance lacking, they tested a new engine, the 12-cylinder Rolls-Royce Merlin. This gave much-improved performance, and led to the USAAF fitting two airframes with 1,430-hp Packard-built Merlin V-1650 engines. These aircraft were designated XP-51B. Practically overnight, the aircraft's potential began to grow.

Since the RAF had had good success with the Mustang in a ground attack role, the USAAF bought 500 aircraft fitted with dive brakes and underwing weapons pylons. These were initially designated the A-36A Apache, but later retained the name Mustang. Almost simultaneously, they ordered 310 P-51As with Allison engines..

The first Merlin-powered versions appeared in 1943 with the P-51B, of which 1,988 were built in Inglewood, California, and the P-51C, of which 1,750 were built in Dallas, Texas. Both new versions had strengthened fuselages and four wing-mounted 12.7-mm machine guns. The Merlin-powered Mustangs were exactly what the Allied bombers in Europe desperately needed, and they became famous for their long range and potent high-altitude escort capability. The most significant variant, the P-51D, featured a 360-degree-view bubble canopy, a modified rear fuselage, and six 12.77-mm machine guns. 7,956 were built.

 After the war, the P-51 remained in US service with the Strategic Air Command until 1949, and with the Air National Guard and Reserves into the 1950s. It became one of the first fighters to see combat in the Korean War. The RAF's fighter Command used them until 1946. In addition, over 50 air forces around the world acquired and used the Mustang for many more years, some as recently as the early 1980s. When the US Air Force realigned their aircraft designations in the 1950s, the Mustang became the F-51.

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 2003 Binghamton Airshow welcomes Mr. Jim Beasley Jr. in his P-51 Mustang for the USAF Heritage Flight with the USAF F-16 East Demo Team.  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.