Team Will Perform Three-Ship Show At AirVenture 

It was with sadness that ANN learned Wednesday Alan Henley, lead pilot for the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, was injured Tuesday night in an accident while playing with his children at his home in Birmingham, AL. A chin-up bar gave way while Henley was on it, resulting in a fall which caused severe injuries to his neck and head.

Henley was taken to the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital's trauma unit, and remains there in ICU in serious but stable condition.

"Our prayers are with Alan and his family, and we are hoping for him to have a speedy and full recovery", said Steve Gustafson, Left Wing for the Team.

The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team is scheduled to fly at EAA's AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI next week. "The show must go on," Gustafson said, "Alan will be missed terribly, but we will be there flying for him until he recovers."

Gustafson says the Team will fly a three-ship routine, with Alan's brother Mark in the lead, and himself and Gene McNeely filling in the Wing positions. All Team appointments and autograph sessions will be attended, and although Henley's absence will be felt, Gustafson noted that the Team was obligated to their fans and sponsors to give them what they came for.

The AeroShell Aerobatic Team is a four-ship formation aerobatic team comprised of vintage North American AT-6 Texans.

The Team delights millions of airshow fans across the US each year, performing at a wide variety of locations. Veteran performers Alan Henley, Mark Henley, Steve Gustafson, and Gene McNeely form this unique squadron of aerial acrobats that has been a crowd favorite since 1985.

The ANN staff joins others in wishing Alan a quick return to the air.

FMI: www.naat.net/