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Performers

More performers will be announced when they are confirmed

Eddie Andreini started flying in an L-2 Taylorcraft at the age of 16. Today, he is a commercial and instrument rated pilot and possesses an FAA aerobatic Ground-Level Waiver. Eddie has accumulated over 6000 hours flight time in aircraft such as P-51's, Yak 55's, Pitts Specials and the Russian AN-2 More... Born and raised in California, Vicky Benzing has logged over 5,000 flight hours. An accomplished pilot, skydiver and aerobatics competitor she has a passion for everything airborne. While in college, she learned to fly in her hometown of Watsonville, California. More...
Dr DDr. D recreates the sights and sounds of yesteryear's aerobatics in his 1946 clipped-wing Taylorcraft! Filled with graceful maneuvers More... Carl LiepoldCarl Liepold is a commercial pilot who loves flying aerobatics, and wants to spread his enthusiasm and encourage anyone else who dreams of flying. More...

Kent Pietsch fell in love with flying when he was four years-old. Five decades later, his passion has not waned. Since 1973, Kent has performed his incredible aerobatic routines for millions of people at more than 400 shows that have taken him to quality venues throughout the United States. Kent grew up in Minot, North Dakota, where every day after school, he’d find a way to get to the airport, and do whatever it took to get into an airplane. More...

 

Eddie Andreini www.eddieandreiniairshows.com

Edddie AndreiniEddie Andreini started flying in an L-2 Taylorcraft while still in high school at the age of 16. Today, he is a commercial instrument rated pilot and possesses an FAA aerobatic Ground-Level Waiver. Eddie has accumulated over 6000 hours flight time in a variety of diversified aircraft, including P-51's, Yak 55's, Pitts Specials and the Russian AN-2.
The Super Stearman is highly modified PT-13D that started its life as a WWII primary trainer with a 225 hp Lycoming engine. Today it sports a modified 450 hp Pratt & Whitney with inverted fuel & oil systems. It has numerous modifications most of which are Eddie’s originals. From the unique canopy, 4 ailerons with spades, speed fairings and a wing smoke system which will handle a variety of pyrotechnic devices.

The Yak-9U is the most improved version of the Yak-9. It is a two·place aircraft and the most famous and active Russian heavy fighter of WWII. It has an Allison V-12-1425 hp engine by Vintage V-12, new Hamilton Standard propeller by U.S. Propeller. This aircraft will out accelerate, out-climb, and out-maneuver a P-51 Mustang.
Eddie has mastered Stearman performances to perfection! He is one of only a handful of pilots capable of extracting such a remarkable performance from the Stearman. His show is an astonishing array of twisting and tumbling maneuvers at speeds from 0-200 mph. This fast paced. Roaring and colorful show is an exciting event that leaves audiences asking for more.

 

Vicky Benzing www.vbaerosports.com

Vicky BenzingBorn and raised in California, Vicky Benzing has logged over 5,000 flight hours. An accomplished pilot, skydiver and aerobatics competitor she has a passion for everything airborne. While in college, she learned to fly in an antique Taylorcraft in her hometown of Watsonville, California. She holds both a Commercial Helicopter and Airline Transport Pilot rating and flies as a Captain on her company's Gulfstream. Apart from her aviation activities Vicky also holds a PhD in chemistry and has had a successful career in the semiconductor industry.
Smoke on!!Smoke spiralVicky's airplane is a modified single seat German-built Extra 300S. Powered by a Lycon customized AEIO540 engine and Hartzell propellor this aircraft is both powerful and nimble making it a perfect choice for air show performances and competition aerobatics.

 

Doctor D www.drds-oldtime-aerobatics.com
Doctor D Dr. Frank Donnelly (Dr. D) and his 1946 Taylorcraft are bringing back old-time aerobatics! Donnelly’s first flight was in a Piper Cub when he was 10 years old, but it wasn’t until many years later that he earned his private pilot’s license. Today, Donnelly has over 6000 hours and holds commercial pilot single-engine land and private pilot glider ratings, and he’s also certified as a glider tow pilot. He has about 8,000 tows in his logbook.

 

Not content just to fly airplanes, Donnelly also services them. Clip wingHe holds the highest Knife edge FAA mechanic ratings possible: Aircraft Inspector Authorization and Airframe/ Powerplant. In 2001, Donnelly was honored to serve as the mechanic for the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team when they competed in the World Air Games in Burgos.

 

Donnelly is a retired psychology professor from Azusa Pacific University. When he’s not flying, he enjoys off-road motorcycle riding and hiking. Donnelly lives in San Dimas, California with his wife Geri and dog Penny.

 

Carl Liepold www.carlliepoldairshows.com
Carl LiepoldCarl is a commercial pilot who loves flying aerobatics, and wants to spread his enthusiasm and encourage anyone else who dreams of flying. He has competed in competition aerobatics since 1995, and competed in a Great Lakes Biplane, a Pitts S-2B, and finally in the Yak 55M.

 

Carl was born in Australia, and moved back and forth between the USA and Australia when he was young.  Carl LeipoldHe always wanted to be a fighter pilot, however after getting eyeglasses in high school, he thought his dream was over.  In the meantime, Carl joined the Navy and rode a submarine,Carl Leipold always keeping his dream of becoming a pilot close to his heart. After his time with the Navy, Carl was looking for a new challenge, so he pursued electrical engineering to design computer chips.  Eventually after years of dreaming and perseverance, Carl got his pilots license, and started competition Aerobatics in 1995.

 

 

Kent Pietsch www.kentpietschairshows.com

Kent Pietsch - 1Kent Pietsch fell in love with flying when he was four years-old. Five decades later, his passion has not waned.

Since 1973, Kent has performed his incredible aerobatic routines for millions of people at more than 400 shows that have taken him to quality venues throughout the United States.

Kent grew up in Minot, North Dakota, where every day after school, he’d find a way to get to the airport, and do whatever it took to get into an airplane.

Kent Pietsch - 2While most aerobatic performers have one basic program, Kent executes three storied acts that leave spectators mesmerized. These include a dead-stick (turning the engine off) routine from 6,000 feet and a rooftop landing on a moving RV! However, Kent is best known for a comedy act that features a detached aileron (wing flap) and a mesmerizing wingtip-scraping pass down the runway that you must see to believe. When Kent is at the controls of his plane, it is impossible not to watch him perform.

Kent Pietsch - 3Kent loves to fly, but the audience is always his number-one priority. “If you can’t entertain, you have no business being out there,” he said. “The gratification is in knowing that people are enjoying themselves.” Kent’s humble nature and willingness to interact with fans make him a crowd favorite wherever he performs.

He flies an 800-pound Interstate Cadet with a 37-foot wingspan. The plane’s horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine can generate 90 horsepower and a G-force ranging from -3 to +5.