EAA has to start early to get AirVenture 2015 ready for prime time, and the airshow list of performers is coming together
EAA AirVenture is noted for providing the best airshows on the circuit. But to do this, they have to plan ahead. Here’s the initial list of performers scheduled for AirVenture 2015; things could change, but this is what it ought to look like:
Sean D. Tucker - EAA’s very own Young Eagles chairman, Sean performs a high-energy aerobatic demonstration in the one-of-a-kind Oracle Challenger III biplane.
Kyle Franklin – This year Kyle and his Super Cub return to perform his wingtip-draggin’ comedy act. There is a secret as to how he gets the smoke from the wing tips, but you’ll have to figure it out.
Mike Goulian - One of the top air show performers in the world and a Red Bull Air Race competitor, Mike will again thrill Oshkosh faithful with his Extra 330SC. He’s a great pilot and a inveterate competitor.
AeroShell Aerobatic Team - The AeroShell Aerobatic Team brings its four North American T-6 Texans to Oshkosh again for both day and night air show performances. Bring ear plugs.
Bob Carlton - Flying the SubSonex jet, Bob Carlton will display the precise aerobatic capabilities he has become famous for in his jet-powered glider. Remember, you can build one of these yourself!
Joe Shetterly – Joe “Rifle” Shetterly is a military aviator who inspires others to fly, performing in his very special RV-8, N76540. RV owners…don’t try this at home.
Luca Bertossio – This sensational young aerobatic glider pilot from Italy is set to debut in Oshkosh this year. Stay tuned for more about this up-and-coming performer. He’s new…this will be fun!
Patty Wagstaff - Patty is a six-time member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team, a three-time U.S. National Aerobatic champion, and one of the most famous air show personalities of all time, flying the Extra 300. Girls rule!!
Rex & Melissa Pemberton – Melissa flies to 10,000 feet in her Edge 540, then husband Rex jumps out in his wingsuit and the two fly together in formation in this unique performance. A marriage made in heaven??
Matt Younkin – Matt, the first second-generation recipient of the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship, will fly in both day and night air shows in his famous twin-engine Beech 18. What’s a Beech 18 doing in a place like this?
Rob Holland - Rob is the four-time defending U.S. National Aerobatic champion, and has 10,000 flight hours in more than 168 different aircraft types. See him perform at Oshkosh in the MXS-MH. Rob is now sponsored by MGL Avionics.
Matt Chapman - Matt flies the Eagle 580 and counts the Hillard Trophy, the IAC Championship, and the Fond du Lac Cup among his long list of achievements. He turns aerobatic competition into a show.
Gene Soucy & Teresa Stokes – Gene flies three acts with his iconic Grumman Showcat biplane: a Hollywood-style smoke and noise solo routine, a wing-walking act with Teresa, and a night pyrotechnic performance called the Fireflight. Teresa is actually an almost normal person.
Bill Stein - Bill flies the dazzling Zivko Edge 540, whose paint continuously changes color based on constantly varying angles between spectators, airplane, and lighting. The Zivko Edge is made in Oklahoma and must be crossed with a wild bull.
Skip Stewart - Skip delights his audience with a high-energy solo demonstration flight in his highly modified Pitts S2S biplane, Prometheus 2. The Pitts started it all.
Jim Peitz - Jim performs incredible low-level maneuvers in his aerobatic F33C Beechcraft Bonanza. What’s a Bonanza doing in a place like this?
Vicky Benzing – A veteran IAC aerobatic competitor, Vicky makes her EAA AirVenture Oshkosh debut this year performing in a Stearman. We love to welcome the “newbies.”
Greg Koontz - One of the greatest stick and rudder pilots in the air show business today, Greg will perform in either the Xtreme Decathlon or with the Alabama Boys ; this is still being sorted out.
Jerry Kerby - When not flying lead for the Black Diamond Jet Team, Jerry “Jive” Kerby demonstrates the capabilities of his RV-8 Wild Blue. Does Van know you’re doing this?
Roger Buis – The OTTO helicopter entertains crowds with antics such as blowing bubbles, playing with his yo-yo, and barrel racing. Roger will also fly OTTO with pyrotechnics in both night shows (Wednesday and Saturday). There is something weird about an airshow helicopter.
(Images from File)
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