T-33 “Ace Maker”

A native Californian, Gregory “Wired” Colyer took his first flight at age 7 in a Cessna 172 in Sonoma, Calif. Hooked ever since, Greg has been flying for almost three decades after earning his license in 1982 while serving in the U.S. Army from 1982-87.

Since leaving the service, Colyer has been employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an air traffic controller at Oakland ARTCC. His passion for the cockpit never left him as he continued to fly as a hobby and an occasional airshow flying a Beech T-34 Mentor until he imported a Russian L-29 Delfin Jet in 2003.

After flying a Lockheed T-33s in 2007, Greg set his sights on an upgrade to the U.S. Air Force’s first operational jet and a real piece of U.S. aviation history. He acquired a T-33 and named it Ace Maker in 2008. Then Colyer founded the nonprofit (501c-3) T-33 Heritage Foundation to help in the preservation of the aircraft type.

Colyer holds a commercial pilot certificate with instrument, single and multi engine ratings as well as being a certified flight instructor. Colyer is type rated in Aero Vodochody’s L-29 Delfin, L-39 Albatros and the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star. He also holds a level I aerobatic low level card and fast lead formation card round out his qualifications.

Colyer works to stay in shape for flying high performance aircraft by participating in competitive cycling with the Taleo cycling team and in an occasional ironman triathlon.

Colyer would like to acknowledge and give a very special thanks to Wayne Handley and Randy Howell of the Patriot Jet team for their coaching, advice, and support.

Lockheed T-33/Canadair CT-33 specifications:

Engine: Allison J-33/Rolls Royce Nene 10

Length: 37’ 8”

Height: 11’ 8”

Wing Span: 42’5” w/tip tanks

Max weight: 16,800 lbs.

Max Fuel: 677 imp/810 U.S. gallons

Range: 1350 nm

Power: 5200/5400 lbs. thrust

Max Speed: 505 kts/.80M

Ceiling: 45,000 ft.