Performers
| 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 an antique Taylorcraft in her hometown of Watsonville, California. More... |
| Tim Decker has logged over 6,000 hours. He gained most of his flying experience in the U-2, F-117, T-38, RV-4, and the Pitts S-2B. Tim spent 12 months as a U-2 squadron commander where he and his squadron flew daily combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan from 2006 - 2007. More... | Dr. D recreates the sights and sounds of yesteryear's aerobatics in his 1946 clipped-wing Taylorcraft! Filled with graceful maneuvers, including deadstick aerobatics and landing.
He delivers a slow-motion, captivating aerial display that provides non-stop excitement for everyone. More... |
| U.S. National Glider Aerobatic Champion Paul Jennings flies one of the Most Aggressive Glider Shows in the World. The aircraft is a Swift S-1, capable of 10 Positive G’s, 7.5 Negative G’s and 178 miles per hour. You’ll be amazed at maneuvers you never thought possible in a Glider. More... | Carl Liepold 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. More... |
| Kevin Walker has been flying for more that 25 years. He has been flying the former Soviet satellite jet aircraft for the past several years after many years in a variety of aerobatic aircraft. Kevin, a commercial rated pilot, enjoys sharing all aspects of flight with all who have a love of aviation - especially our next generation of aviators. The L-39C More... | |
Eddie Andreini www.eddieandreiniairshows.com
Eddie 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 PR13D 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.
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
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 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.
Vicky'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.
Tim Decker - Aerobatics with Attitude www.timdeckerairshows.com
Tim Decker is a professional pilot who has logged over 6000 hours in both military and civilian aircraft. He gained most of his flying experience in the U-2, F-117, T-38, RV-4, and the Pitts S-2B. 2011 marks Tim Decker's seventh season of air shows including a one-season break to serve in the Persian Gulf.
Tim spent 12 months as a U-2 squadron commander where he and his squadron flew daily combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan from 2006 - 2007. Tim retired from the United States Air Force in 2009 after an incredible 20 year career flying some of the best jets in the world!
Tim carries an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instruments (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings. In addition, he holds a Level 1, Unrestricted Solo Aerobatics, Circle Jumpers, Statement of Acrobatic Competency License.
Doctor D www.drds-oldtime-aerobatics.com
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. He holds the highest 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.
Paul Jennings www.glideraerobatics.org
Paul flies one of the Most Aggressive Glider Shows in the World. The Aircraft is a Swift S-1, the Most Aerobatic Glider in the World and is capable of 10 Positive G’s, 7.5 Negative G’s, and 178 miles per hour. The Glider will release from the Tow Rope after being Towed several thousand feet high by a Tow Airplane. You’ll be amazed at maneuvers you never thought possible in a Glider. Hang on and hold your breath as you watch Gyroscopic Maneuvers like the Jackknife and Whiplash. The Inverted Spin, Screw Slide, Hammerhead, Rolls and Loops will bend the wing tip smoke around the sky like a corkscrew.
Paul Shares his Passion for Flight by attending a Static Display of the Swift S-1 both Before and After the Performances. Kids of all ages are welcome to an Autograph, Photos, Answer Questions and maybe a Treat as well. Download Paul's poster here.
No Engine... No Noise... No Kidding...
Carl Liepold www.carlliepoldairshows.com
Carl 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 originally born in Australia, and moved back and forth between the USA and Australia when he was young. He 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, 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.
Kevin Walker www.Fox3.co
Kevin has been flying for more that 25 years. He has been flying the former Soviet satellite jet aircraft for the past several years after many years in a variety of aerobatic aircraft. Kevin, a commercial rated pilot, enjoys sharing all aspects of flight with all who have a love of aviation - especially our next generation of aviators.
The L-39C Albatros that Kevin will be displaying was a former trainer in the Romanian Air Force. Nearly 40 countries have used the L-39 or it's descendent over the past 30 years. The turbofan jet is capable of speeds approaching 500 MPH and can withstand +8 / -4 G's.