The half-dozen pilots (pictured in alphabetical order), from throughout the United States and ranging in age from 20 to 30, are being brought together by renowned aerobatic and air show performers Sean D. Tucker and Mike Goulian. Several of the young fliers will showcase their talents during each day's air show at Oshkosh, regarded as the world's finest gathering of civilian air show performers.

"For years, the best of the best in the air show world have flown at Oshkosh," said Tom Poberezny, AirVenture Chairman and EAA President. "Regular performers such as Sean Tucker, Gene Soucy and Patty Wagstaff are legends in the air show world. This year, by seeing these new talents, spectators will get a sneak preview of the best young aerobatic pilots who will become the next generation of spectacular air show performers."

Tucker and Goulian searched for emerging aerobatic talent as a way of returning the contributions and guidance of earlier air show legends who had helped them establish their careers. The pair looked for young pilots with exceptional flying skills, passion toward aviation and humanity.

"My mentors in air show flying are Charlie Hillard, Leo Loudenslager, Tom Poberezny, Bob Hoover and Jimmy Franklin," said Tucker, who has been one of the most popular AirVenture performers for more than a decade. "Without their help and guidance, my career would have been half of what it is today. It's an honor to share what these legends taught me with the 'Stars of Tomorrow.'"

Tucker added that flying at EAA AirVenture is an important part of developing of a quality, professional air show performance. "Performing at Oshkosh changes a pilot's life," he said. "It gives you an opportunity to showcase your passion for flight in front of your brothers and sisters in aviation."

The six "Stars of Tomorrow" include Chandy Clanton, Lincoln (NE); Goody Thomas, Rock Hill (SC); Wyche T. Coleman III,  Coushatta (LA); Zach Heffley, Fort Worth (TX); David Ellison, Woodside (CA); and Nick Nilmeyer of San Martin (CA). Each of the pilots will practice individually throughout the first half of 2003; then they will gather for intensive training sessions at the Hartzell Propeller facility at Piqua (OH). The group will perform at the Selfridge Air National Guard air show near Detroit on July 25-26, before heading to Oshkosh.

Goulian will oversee the training syllabus for the pilots, focusing on fine-tuning their performances for the showmanship of air show flying, as opposed to strict competition-style aerobatics.

"After this intensive training, EAA AirVenture audiences will see the 'Stars of Tomorrow' begin their air show careers through an entirely new approach," Goulian said. "Professional coaching and mentorship is the key to their safety and success."

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.airventure.org