On behalf of the more than 9,500 Reserve, National Guard and Active Duty Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Department of Homeland Security men and women of March Air Reserve Base, welcome to AirFest 2016. We are very excited, because it’s been four years since our last show, and this year’s air show is bigger and better than ever before.

My gratitude goes out to all of the air show committee members, military and civilian, who worked extremely hard on planning this event. These dedicated and talented people spent many hours, confronted many challenges and sweated many of the details to bring this first-class show to fruition.

In addition, I want to especially thank our local community partners. This event would not be possible without their generous contributions. The public and private sectors of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris, Hemet and Corona–just to name a few–were instrumental in helping Team March organize this air show for you.  In fact, many have been our partners since the base was built in 1918.

I also want to thank the citizens of Southern California and beyond for your continuing support of this nation’s military.  Given that March Air Reserve Base is largely comprised of Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors of the Reserve Components (Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Army National Guard and Navy Reserve), your support is what enables us to serve.  The vast majority of our personnel live and work in the civilian sector alongside you great citizens, but when needed, we answer our nation’s call. Your support makes that possible.

Last but definitely not least, I want to thank you for joining us. We hope you thoroughly enjoy all the activities this weekend and take home some lifetime memories. We would not be here without your patriotism and support. We are your Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and government civilians and most importantly, your base. Enjoy!

The C-53 was received by the Inland Empire Wing of the Commemorative Air Force in 2001. The twin-engine Second World War Skytrooper, which they dubbed “D-day Doll” completed a nearly year-long engine overhaul in 2015.

Built by Douglas in 1943, it played a crucial role at Normandy. The plane took part in three D-day, personnel drops, departing from RAF bases, crossing the English Channel and dropping 28 troops at a time inside enemy territory. Most of these troops did not make it, but their memories are embedded in the famous aircraft as a part of its history.

The Commemorative Air Force is primarily a volunteer group that undertakes the difficult task of restoring the historic planes from the past and then flies them for public viewing. CAF tries its best to keep its aircraft in great working conditions, but for many of these almost seventy years old aircrafts restoration process never really finishes.

The mission of the Round Canopy Parachute Team (RCPT) is to perform WWII-style parachuting activities, and conduct memorial ground services to honor all allied paratroopers who fought, and many died, to defeat despotism in Europe. They humbly do this to reinforce world-wide memory of the priceless deeds of valor, and the selfless sacrifices so many made in those brutal battles to restore peace on Earth.

The RCPT is most recently known for conducting the Daks over Normandy in 2014 for the 70th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy. RCPT and RCPTUSA combined to make 1500+ jumps at the 70th commemoration of the liberation of Normandy in 2014 without a team injury and flew 10, C-47s for eight days in five mass drops without an aircraft incident. They conduct much of their training at the WWII X-35 Airfield (Dunnellon Airport) in Dunnellon, Florida, but are located all over the country.

Here is 5 things you didn’t know about D-Day

The Red Eagles fly the Russian-designed YAK-52 aircraft, the basic trainer for Soviet forces. It is rugged, reliable and relatively straightforward to operate. Powered by a 360 HP 9-cylinder radial engine (the Vendeneyev M-14P), the fuel consumption is relatively modest (12.5 – 19 gallons per hour). This rugged performer is stressed to +7 to -5 Gs and can easily operate out of unprepared fields. The “green-house” canopy provides excellent visibility and the tandem seating features dual controls. When used in the training environment, the instructor occupies the rear cockpit. The aircraft that you see today have been modified with smoke systems to enhance the performance for spectators.

The team’s lead pilot, Andrew “Limey” Webb, started flying with the British RAF as a cadet at the age of 13, flew his first jet at 17 (BAE Hawk – or T-45 as used for US Navy and Marine corps advanced jet training) and achieved his goal of becoming an instructor at 22. “Limey” has nearly 1000 hours on the Yak 52, having first bought one in the UK in 2000 and always regretted selling it – he bought another after moving to SoCal and joined the Red Eagles in 2011.

Paul “Trash” White, is new to the team this year. He began flying at the age of 12 with his first solo at 16. He flew Tomcats for 11 years in the U.S. Navy, including combat missions in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and accumulated 237 carrier landings. He finished his active duty career at Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic. “Trash” has more than 6,000 hours and is currently a First Officer with UPS on the Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft. He is also type rated in the B737, 747-400, 757/767 and MD-11 and operates both domestically and internationally.

Darrell “Condor” Gary was a U.S. Navy fighter pilot for 11 years, completing four combat tours in South East Asia with over 500 carrier landings and 170 combat missions. He also holds the distinction of being one of nine officers who formed the Navy Fighter Weapons School “TOPGUN,” and did two tours as an instructor there. “I fly with extraordinary pilots, engage in challenging events and fly on my own schedule and best of all… no night carrier landings,” he said.

Duke “Maddawg” Molter is the most experienced member of the team with 26,000 flying hours, more than a 1,000 of which are in formation! He started flying with the USAF in the ROTC and then spent five years as Instructor on T-33 and T-38 jets, teaching formation and instrument; was awarded a Certificate of Master Instructor.

Mark “Flex” McKinnon joined the team in 2014 and flies in the #5 position, #2 in aerobatics. He started flying with the USAF in 1982 initially training on the T-37 and T-38 before operational conversion to the F-15. “Flex” has 10,000 flying hours with nearly 3000 hours on the F-15, with nearly 20 years in the USAF and ANG. When not flying with the team he is a Captain for UPS on 757 and 767 aircraft.

Because aviation is a critical part of America’s history and its future, The Red Eagle Formation Team is committed to inspiring youth and promoting aviation by safely demonstrating essential skills developed by our military for use in operations around the world, and to passing those skills on to the next generation of aviators. This reflects the philosophy of their sponsor Allegiant Air, “to promote safety through discipline, attention to detail and constantly striving to improve.”  Nothing good is ever easy, and to be the best requires constant effort. To learn more about the team, visit http://redeaglesformation.com.

Vicky Benzing’s 1940 Boeing Stearman was manufactured for use as a military trainer in WWII. In February 1946, after the war ended, it was sold from the War Assets Administration for $770. The plane’s new owner fitted it with a 450HP Pratt & Whitney R985 engine and converted it to a crop duster for spraying operations in the Sacramento Valley until 1973 when it was disassembled and stored.

In 1990, the airplane was taken out of storage and restored by Stadel Aircraft based in Yuba City California. The airplane was converted back from a restricted category crop duster to a standard acrobatic category aircraft. Except for the engine and a smoke system, her airplane remains as originally built 75 years ago (i.e. two ailerons instead of four like most airshow aircraft, and no inverted fuel or oil – hence it takes 2 hands on the stick to roll it and she must keep positive g’s on the aircraft or the engine will quit). She considers herself a steward of this timeless piece of history. Benzing, who purchased the airplane in 1998, is based at Pine Mountain Lake Airport near Yosemite, California. She flies the Stearman at air shows up and down the West Coast, demonstrating the grace and beauty of flight in this early trainer.

Born and raised in California, Benzing is an accomplished pilot, skydiver, aerobatic performer, and air racer, with more than 7,000 flight hours and 1,200+ parachute jumps. Her flying career has spanned 30+ years, and she currently holds an Airline Transport Pilot rating as well as a commercial rating in helicopters, seaplanes, and gliders. She began training with air show legend and trainer to the stars, Wayne Handley in 2005, and holds a surface-level waiver and a formation card. She has flown 100+ air show performances across the U.S. To learn more about Vicky Benzing Aerosports, visit http://www.vickybenzing.com.

Dedicated. Precise. Dynamic.

These words come to mind when watching the spectacular aerobatics performed by the Patriots Jet Team. A demanding discipline, performance aerobatic flying is a concentrated blend of technique, mastery, and style which requires professional and highly experienced pilots.

The story of the Patriots Jet Team, the largest civilian-owned aerobatic jet team in the western hemisphere, began with the vision of one person, Randy Howell. Fueled by a passion for aviation since childhood, it became Howell’s mission to create a six-jet precision demonstration team that could entertain, inspire, and educate.

This mission hit the ground running in 1999, when the first of the Patriots aircraft were purchased, followed by additional jets in 2004, 2005, and 2011. The aircraft were disassembled in Europe, shipped via truck, rail, and sea in containers to the United States. After restoration by team members, the jets were appropriately modified for use on the air show circuit, including the application of the current Patriots Jet Team paint scheme.

A talented group of pilots was first assembled in 2002 by Howell. Based in Byron, CA, the Patriots Jet Team features pilots who were formerly part of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. They have logged over 105,000 hours of flight time and performed in more than 1500 air shows. The volunteer pilots all share the same genuine passion to entertain audiences at air shows and other events, while also encouraging the nation’s youth toward careers in the aviation and aerospace fields.

In the summer of 2012, the Patriots Jet Team moved into the 35,000 square foot Jet and Event Center. This facility enables the team to house all seven jets as well as two MiG-17s under one roof, and still have plenty of room to spare. Equally important is that the skilled mechanics team can now perform maintenance at the same location.

Additionally, the hangar has become a favorite hangout for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. In support of such a large operation, the Patriots Jet Team relies on the efforts of a vast volunteer network. The comfortable, friendly, and casual environment can accommodate anything from intimate meetings to large scale events. The state-of-the-art facility is also home to the Patriots Jet Team Foundation, and youngsters come from all over to attend science and aviation classes.

With the right aircraft, the right pilots, and the perfect facility, Howell’s vision of a world-class professional team for the air show circuit has truly become a reality. The Patriots Jet Team, unique in its kind, represents an all-encompassing blend of passion, inspiration, integrity, and professionalism, captivating audiences from all over North America with exhilarating aerobatic performances.

For more information on the Patriots Jet Team visit www.Patriotsjetteam.com

Ace Maker Airshows is proud to present the T-33 Shooting Star as America’s first operational jet fighter and trainer. These aircraft represent a pieces of American history that ushered us into a new generation, and have helped pave the way for the lives and freedoms we enjoy today. The T-33 has a wingspan of 42 ft. 5 in. with tip tanks, a length of 37 ft. 8 in. and a height of 11 ft. 8 in.

The pilot, California native Gregory “Wired” Colyer, took his first flight at the age of seven in a Cessna 172 with Dr. Lee Schaller out of the Schellville Airport in Sonoma. Hooked ever since, Colyer has been licensed since the age of 18 after learning how to fly while serving in the U.S. Army from 1982-1987.

After leaving the service, he spent 27 years, 1988-2015, with the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller at Oakland ARTCC. His passion for flying never left as he continued flying as a hobby, mostly in Beech T-34 mentors, until he and a few friends imported a Russian L-29 Delfin in 2003.

After flying many other ex-military jets, it was flying Kay Eckhart’s T-33 in 2007 that got him. One of his favorite aircraft as a kid, the Shooting Star held a special place in his dreams. So he set his sights on America’s first operational jet fighter and trainer and his search began. He got his T-33 in 2008, naming it “Ace Maker,” after which he founded the 501c-3 non-profit T-33 Heritage Foundation to help preserve this type aircraft.

Colyer holds a commercial pilot certificate with instrument, single- and multi-engine ratings as well as being a certified flight instructor. He is type rated in the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star and the Aero Vodochody’s L-29 and L-39 aircraft. He has more than 1,000 hours in the T-33, and unrestricted, surface-level aerobatic waiver, with a FAST lead formation card to round out his qualifications.

He stays in shape for flying high performance aircraft by competitive cycling and an occasional Ironman Triathlon. He acknowledges and thanks his ACEs, Wayne Handley and Randy Howell of the Patriots Jet Team, for their coaching, advice and support, as well as a special thanks to Steve Hinton for his help, insight and expertise in the Shooting Star.

To read more about Ace Maker Air Shows and the T-33, visit www.acemaker33.com.

The aircraft I fly is the awesome looking Black and Yellow factory built Pitts Muscle Bi-Plane.  The Pitts S-1-11B! Imagine sitting in a Formula One race car that has wings. Pretty much, that is how I can describe my plane. I really like having horse power at my fingertips. My airplane has that, plus it is very light weight. It’s a really loud plane that is absolutely fun to fly.

There are only two factory built S-1-11B aircraft flying in the world today. With a 330+ H.P. six cylinder Lycoming (AEIO-540) motor, Cold Air Induction, 10.5 to 1 High Compression pistons, and 3 bladed Hartzell Claw Propeller, this aircraft has all the ingredients for a great airshow performance. The S-1-11B has only a single seat and it is very light weight (1185 pounds dry), providing a perfect platform for flying high energy aerobatics! The Pitts bi-plane is made of metal tubing frame, wood spar/ribs, and mostly fabric covering. This helps keep the airplane light weight. However, fabric is sensitive and can quickly puncture if not careful!

The smoke you see behind the airplane is created with special oil which is the same consistency as salad oil. Usually using Chevron Canopus 13 or Shell Dialys-ax grade of oil. This is stored in a 10-gallon smoke tank located under the main fuel tank. The smoke oil is pumped to the aircraft exhaust via a standard automotive type fuel pump. Once the oil hits the hot exhaust pipes, bingo—it turns into smoke! The oil does not catch on fire as long as the aircraft is moving.

With the speed, agility, and on-board navigation systems, I can fly my Pitts Bi-Plane to any show in North America!! With a transport container, the Pitts can easily be taken apart and shipped to anywhere in the world. Hopefully someplace exotic.

His flying career began as an 8-year-old, when during the fall season, he dove like a bird from the edge of his roof into the pile of leaves he had placed on the ground. This stunt was followed by a huge round of applause from the kids in the neighborhood who had gathered, and an airshow pilot was born. By 12 years of age, the airshow pilot bug had bitten him, thanks to the inspiration he received from Bob Hoover at one of Hoover’s performances. At 15, Melby began flying a non-powered glider, and after only eight flights, he soloed.  At 19, Melby bought his first plane, a Cessna 150, and then hired an instructor to learn to fly it. He got his license and about 14 years later learned what he had to do to become an airshow pilot. With more than 35 years of flying experience, Melby holds an Airline Transport Pilot rating, and is surface-level and formation-aerobatic qualified. He has flown dozens of aircraft.

When not performing, Melby is a technical senior manager for a major stock brokerage firm, as well as executive director for Salute-A-Vet, a non-profit that honors Veterans through action. Other activities include weekly ice hockey, golf, snow skiing, playing guitar in his church band, traveling, and family time. To learn more about Melby, visit http://jonmelby.com.

Brace yourself to meet the ferocious spectacle that is Robosaurus: the 30-ton, fire-breathing, transforming T-Rex that eats cars and planes for an afternoon snack.

Robosaurus travels the country in the guise of a semi-truck, but when he gets ready for action, he transforms into a 40-foot tall metal dinosaur with power that dwarfs even his pre-historic ancestors.

When Robosaurus gets down to business, he faces his adversaries with 20-foot bursts of flames that shoot from his nostrils, and jaws that produce 28,000 pounds of biting force per square inch crushing cars and planes as if they were toys. This is truly a mechanical beast you want on your side.

Robosaurus can lift 4,000 pounds and his booming voice is powered by a 6,000 watt onboard sound-system. He’s controlled by a specially trained pilot strapped inside his cranium, who manipulates 18-hydrolic functions simultaneously.