Air Show

The United States Air Force F-35A Lightning II, the amazing multi-role fighter, will thunder into the skies this summer in Battle Creek!

The Demo Team’s mission is to showcase the unique aerial capabilities of the Air Force’s most advanced 5th generation multi-role stealth fighter, the F-35A Lightning II.

The Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II is the conventional takeoff and landing model of the Joint Strike Fighter program. It gives the Air Force and allies the power to dominate the skies – anytime, anywhere. It is an agile, versatile, high-performance, 9G capable multi-role fighter that combines stealth, sensor fusion, and unprecedented situational awareness.

The F-35 Demo Team is based at Hill Air Force Base, Utah as part of the 388th Fighter Wing under Air Combat Command. The team currently consists of approximately 15 total Airmen to include the pilot and commander, pilot safety officers, superintendent, team chief, maintenance Airmen, aircrew flight equipment specialists, and public affairs personnel. The team works together in tight cohesion in order to safely perform aerial demonstrations.

United states army

Golden Knights Demo Team

The United States Army Golden Knights are returning to Battle Creek! The team will showcase the airborne techniques and professionalism of the United States Army in a skydiving and parachute show that you won’t soon forget.

What started in 1959 as a small team competing against the former Soviet Union’s skydivers is now an international icon representing the Army’s success. The Golden Knights have earned over 3,800 medals in competition while also achieving 348 world records in the process.

Based at Fort Liberty, North Carolina “The Home of the Airborne”, the Golden Knights will help open our air shows in Battle Creek with the National Anthem Jump and more. They will then return later in the show and perform a show filled with aerial skydiving maneuvers that will amaze everyone in attendance.

For more information on the United States Army Golden Knights visit https://www.goarmy.com/golden-knights.html

Photo courtesy of Larry Grace and the Jack Aces

Jack Aces P/TF-51 Mustang 3-Ship Team

The Jack Aces Mustang Team will be making their Battle Creek debuts this year. The team flies three North American Mustang aircraft (two TF-51s and one P-51D) in a formation aerobatic show that no one will forget. Showcasing the iconic P-51 Mustang, one of the most famous warbirds of all time, the team will loop and roll through our skies while those beautiful merlin engines sing!

The pilots for the Jack Aces are:
#1: Louis Horschel (United States) flying the TF-51D “MAD MAX”. Louis is an avid, and life long, pilot who is known for flying many types of warbirds

#2: Ariel Luedi (Switzerland) flying the TF-51D “The Little Witch”. Ariel began as a skydiving instructor before eventually becoming a pilot. He is an instructor for Stallion 51, the premier P-51 training location in the world, and commutes to the United States for work. He is also the #2 pilot of the three ship Swiss team SUBITO, who flies the Pilatus PC-7s

#3: Marco Rusconi (Canada/Italy) flying the P-51D Mustang N5444V. Marco grew up in Italy and then moved to Canada to finish his school. He then joined the Canadian Armed Forces. He went on to be a pilot for the famed Canadian Forces Snowbirds from 2008 to 2011 in the #4 and #7 positions. Today, he is also an avid warbird pilot and instructor at Stallion 51 in Kissimmee, Florida.

Northern Stars Aeroteam (3-Ship Pitts)

Hailing from Canada, the Northern Stars Aeroteam will make their Battle Creek debuts this year in their Pitts S-2S Specials for a precision aerobatic formation show.

The three experienced pilots, who love to fly and share their passion with fans are:

Team Lead: Greg Hume-Powell – Twenty year RCAF veteran with experience flying Sea-King helicopters and the CT-156 Harvard as an instructor pilot. Greg was also a member of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, first as Outer Right Wing for the 2016 season before moving to Opposing Solo for the 2017 season. For the 2018 season, he was the Lead Solo.

Right Wing: Todd Farrell – Todd has logged thousands of hours in over 40 aircraft types. The foundation of his career was built in the RCAF where he was an instructor pilot on the CT-155 Hawk and also flew the C-17 Globemaster. Todd’s story demonstrates that anything is possible, no matter the odds. Early in fighter pilot training, he was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer but emerged victorious after he was told he may never fly again. His goal is to inspire all to reach for the “impossible”

Left Wing: Mario Hamel – Mario obtained his RCAF pilot wings in 1990 and spent his early career as a flight instructor, standard pilot, and maintenance test pilot on the CT-114 Tutor. For the 1994 and 1995 air show seasons, he flew as Snowbird #2 for the Canadian Snowbirds. Having tasted airshows, Mario left the Canadian Forces and cofounded the Northern Lights Aerobatic Team, which became staples right here in Battle Creek. They flew the Extra 300 and then the Aero Vodochody L-39. Today, Mario flies as part of the Northern Stars as well as Time Flies Airshows. He has logged well over 650 airshow performances in numerous countries across the globe. He even flew an airshow for a moving cruise ship somewhere in the Caribbean Sea.

Adam MaCabe is the Crew Chief for the team. He ensures that the team’s aircraft are always in top condition. He owns Macizzle Aero in Collingwood, Ontario and is passionate about ensuring all customers feel their needs are met, so they can continue to be proud of their airplanes.

Ken & Austin Rieder Redline Airshows Vans RV-8

Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio; Redline Airshows will be returning to Battle Creek. They will thrill the crowd with displays of skill, nerve, and showmanship in their RV-8’s. The RV-8 is a 2-seat tandem aircraft that is extremely versatile, can reach speeds of 230 miles per hour, and land short at a slow speed. The RV-8s that Redline flies have 200 horsepower engines that are equipped with Hartzell Advanced Structural Composite propellers.

What makes the show even better is that it is flown by a father and son team, featuring Ken & Austin Rieder. The show will feature formation acro as well as solo acro at differing altitudes to showcase unparalleled showmanship, skill, and the overall capabilities of the RV-8.

Ken Rieder (Dad and Flight Lead) – Ken has been flying for 35 years and has logged over 13,000 flight hours. A former corporate pilot, Ken is also a multi-engine flight instructor for land and seaplanes. He also is an aerobatic instructor. He is an avid aircraft builder, having completed four custom-modified Van’s RV-8s (and currently working on his fifth). Ken now flies the Airbus A320 as an airline pilot while also owning his own property management company and construction business.

Austin Rieder (Son and Wingman) – Austin was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has been flying for 16 years with more than half of his flight time being on his father’s wing. His passion for aviation began early, completing his first solo flight in a glider at the age of 14 and in a powered aircraft at 16. In addition to his role as a wing pilot, Austin manages logistics and project coordination for a construction company based in Cincinnati.

You won’t want to miss their AMAZING Night Air Show on July 3rd either (plus, Redline will take part in our STARLIGHT SPECTACULAR with Starlight Aerial Productions/Great Lakes Drone Company.

NexGen Eagles

The NextGen Eagles Aerobatic Team will be coming to Battle Creek this summer in their Christen Eagle ll biplanes.

This show is reminiscent of the legendary Eagles Aerobatic Team (featuring air show legends Charlie Hillard, Gene Soucy, and Tom Poberezny) and the Iron Eagle Aerobatic Team (featuring the greats Billy Segalla and Bill Gordon). Both teams have made numerous appearances in Michigan and especially Battle Creek during their tenures (The Eagles being around from 1979 to 1995 and Iron Eagles from 1992 to 2014.) The Iron Eagle team were crowd favorites in Battle Creek in the early to mid-2000s.

The NextGen Eagles are the next generation to perform a dazzling display in the wonderful Christen Eagle ll biplane with experienced air show pilots who are keeping the history of the aircraft alive:

Team Lead: Leland Kracher – Leland grew up on the airshow fence line, soloed on his 16th birthday, and has been flying formation and aerobatic ever since. When he is not in the cockpit, he works as a sound designer and audio engineer, bringing a producer’s ear to how the show feels from the crowd.

Wingman: Stephen Covington – With over 25 years of flying experience, more than 3,000 hours logged, Stephen Covington brings top-tier professional aerobatics to every show. His creativity in the sky includes the ICAS Gold Award-winning Immortal Red Baron act (in which he performed right here in Battle Creek with his Pitts Fury against the Red Baron) and the crowd favorite Rolling Thunder routine

If you have witnessed the Eagles or Iron Eagle perform in the past, you might find yourself taking a trip down memory lane!

Bob Carlton “Vertigo Airshows” Foxjet Twin Jet Sailplane

Bob Carlton returns to Battle Creek in the amazing TWIN Jet Engine Foxjet Sailplane in an unforgettable, and powerful, performance!

Utilizing its powerful jet engines, the Foxjet roars through a high-speed aerobatic climb, followed by a spectacular exhibition of graceful sailplane aerobatics, choreographed to classical music, and featuring the world-famous Vertigo Airshows wingtip smoke. When the original altitude is spent, most sailplanes must land. But not this sailplane! By simply spooling up the jet engines, the graceful sailplane is quickly transformed into a true low-level aerobatics monster. Accompanied by an ever-quickening musical score and even more smoke, the FoxJet cavorts at ground level with loops, rolls, hammerheads, spins and vertical penetration never before dreamed of by a sailplane.

Bob Carlton, a retired rocket scientist for a major national laboratory, has been flying since the age of 19 and is now one of the most versatile airshow performers in North America. He began flying airshows in his Salto sailplane, and over the years has continued to add innovative performances such as barnstormin’ Skybolt biplane aerobatics, helicopter sailplane tow, night aerobatics with strobes & pyro and jet sailplanes. The tradition of innovation continues with the recent addition of the FoxJet twin engine jet sailplane, with more power, more speed and more aerobatic capability than any other sailplane on the planet! Why two jet engines? Because if more is better, too much is just right. Bob is the recipient of the 2017 Art Scholl Memorial Showmanship Award, 2015 Bill Barber Award for Showmanship and the 2015 Soaring Society of America’s Chairman’s Award.

Mini Jet Airshows featuring Tom Larkin in the SubSonex Microjet

Tom Larkin will be making his Battle Creek debut this year in a highly modified SubSonex Jet (otherwise known as JSX003).

The SubSonex is an experimental jet that comes as a kit. It weighs 500 pounds, goes up to 300 miles per hour, and it is fully aerobatic. This particular aircraft was the first kit ever sold and flown. It has been flying for approximately 8 years. It is powered by a PBS TJ-100 jet engine that can produce 258 pounds of thrust at full throttle while burning 45 gallons of fuel an hour. This particular jet looks beautiful, but it actually has no paint on it. It is actually wrapped in vinyl, similar to a show car. The smoke system utilized for the show is custom and puts out tremendous smoke trails, burning about 7 gallons of smoke oil per performance.

Tom Larkin, callsign “Lark” wasn’t always a pilot. In fact, he was afraid of rollercoasters as a kid and often got airsick on planes. However, after he started flying R/C planes, he decided to start flying lessons while at college. He earned his private pilots license in just 62 days. After receiving an Aerospace Engineering degree from Georgia Tech, he entered the Air Force. Tom was selected as a T-38 Talon Instructor Pilot and then progressed to the F-15C Eagle. Graduating at the top of his class for the F-15, he went on to fly 22 missions in North Iraq in support of Operation Northern Watch and Provide Comfort. After that, he became an instructor in the AT-38. He left active duty in 2000. Today, he is a captain, instructor, and evaluator in the 737 for a major airline. He has competed in aerobatic competitions and has over 10,000 hours total time in over 55 different aircraft, with approximately 8,000 hours in jets. He performs exclusively in the SubSonex Mini Jet now.

The routine is nothing short of spectacular. Tom will be performing a cross section of maneuvers that he routinely used while instructing and flying fighters in the Air Force. It is a full aerobatic demonstration in one of the world’s smallest jets in a small, confined space. This is a real treat that you won’t want to miss! If you think the day show sounds impressive….wait until you see it at NIGHT!

Misty Blues All-Woman Skydiving Team

There are approximately 35,000 active skydivers in North America, and only 15% are women! The Misty Blues are 100% women. The ladies on the team come from all across the U.S. to demonstrate their amazing skydiving skills and act as role models to inspire the younger generations. Since the early 1980s, The Misty Blues All Woman Skydiving Team has been thrilling audiences at air shows, corporate events and other special occasions around the world. These exceptionally talented and brave ladies delight in displaying their parachuting talents that make them some of the most skilled skydivers in the world. They do things in the air that make people look up into the sky and feel excitement, patriotism, and the thrill of a shocking visual treat!

The Misty Blues will perform a skydiving routine that no one will ever forget. Complete with canopy relative work and huge banners, this is a fun show that will delight air show fans young & old. And you definitely want to make sure you don’t miss their Night Performance during our Night Air Show.

Susan Dacy “Big Red”

Step back in time as Susan Dacy puts her 450 horsepower Super Stearman “Big Red” through its paces with a dazzling display of barrel rolls, slow rolls, Cuban eights, hammerhead turns, loops and much more, in a style reminiscent of the barnstorming era of flying.

Susan is one of only a few females performing airshows in a biplane, and is the only woman flying exhibition in the Super Stearman. Attending airshows as a child, Susan remembers being in awe of the big, loud, smoky biplanes. As a teenager, yearning to fly, Susan felt the only way to fly a Stearman was to have one of her own. At the family airport, located inHarvard, Illinois, Susan worked in the office, fueled planes, and eventually acquired a rebuildable Stearman Project. While in high school, every spare hour was spent restoring the aircraft, which she still owns and operates today. Susan is a Chicago based International Captain, currently flying 787 Dreamliner. Susan has flown more than sixty different types of aircraft, and has logged more than 35,000 hours.

Susan and her Dacy Family Airshows were the 2007 recipients of the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship awarded by World Airshow News annually at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Mike Hartman Airshows in the North American Navion

Hartman first took the controls of an airplane at just nine years old at Moraine Airpark, an experience that ignited a passion that would shape his life and career. By age 12, he had begun glider lessons at Caesars Creek Soaring Club near Waynesville, Ohio, soloing a glider at 14. At 16, he soloed a J-3 Cub at Red Stewart Airfield, where his love of tailwheel flying was firmly established.

His fascination with WACO aircraft began in childhood, watching Waco F-3 and UPF-7 biplanes fly daily over his home enroute to the Kings Island Airshow. Frequent visits to Moraine Airpark with his parents allowed him to see the biplanes up close, planting the seeds for lifelong friendships and professional opportunities.

For the past decade, Hartman has served as an instructor, delivery pilot, and test pilot for Waco Aircraft Corporation in Battle Creek, Michigan. In addition to his work with WACO, he teaches tailwheel flying and aerobatics in a variety of aircraft. As a contract aviator, Hartman has flown both vintage and modern WACOs around the world, with destinations including Poland, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Mike will be bringing his North American Navion to Battle Creek. This aircraft was designed at the end of World War II by North American with Ryan acquiring the design rights after. Navion’s were acquired by the US Military to operate as liason aircraft and staff transport aircraft. They saw a boom after retirement in civilian hands. It is very rare to see one fly an aerobatic routine, however, and that is EXACTLY what Mike will do in the Battle Creek skies.

Kevin Coleman in The Extra 300SHP

Kevin Coleman is an American aerobatic pilot sponsored by Red Bull, renowned for his exceptional skills and precision in the skies. Hailing from Coushatta, Louisiana, he began his aviation journey at the young age of 10, taking his first solo flight on his 16th birthday and earning his pilot and commercial licenses by 18.

Coleman’s passion for aerobatics was nurtured early on, with his father – a hobbyist air show pilot – and local pilot, aviation and air show legend, Marion Cole providing guidance and mentorship. By 18, he was performing at airshows across the United States, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. In 2016, Coleman made history by becoming the first American to compete in the Red Bull Air Race Challenger Cup, a testament to his skill and determination.

Beyond his competitive achievements, Coleman is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of pilots. He actively participates in air shows and aviation events, sharing his passion and expertise with audiences worldwide. His commitment to the sport and his community underscores his role as a prominent figure in the world of aerobatic flying. Kevin also has strong connections to Battle Creek crowd favorite, Bill Stein. Bill is a friend of Kevin’s who also would do formation flying with him as well as serving as a mentor!

Kevin will take to the skies in his recognizable Extra 300SHP. Watch as he performs an amazing aerobatic routine in this aircraft built for hardcore aerobatics, showing that Red Bull does give you wings!

Kevin Coleman in the Beechcraft F33C Bonanza

When you think of a Beechcraft Bonanza, you usually picture a sleek, sophisticated “V-tail” or “straight-tail” cruising effortlessly between cities. You don’t typically imagine one pulling Gs and dancing through the clouds—unless, of course, Kevin Coleman is at the controls.

Coleman takes the F33C Bonanza—a rare, aerobatic-certified version of the classic airframe—and pushes it to the absolute limit. While most aerobatic performers opt for lightweight, purpose-built biplanes or carbon-fiber monoplanes, Coleman’s use of the F33C is a masterclass in precision and power.

Only a limited number of these “C” models were built with the structural reinforcement necessary for rolls, loops, and high-stress maneuvers. This isn’t your normal Bonanza; it’s an aerobatic masterpiece that will still leave you asking, “Is that a Bonanza?” Coleman’s routine is known for being incredibly “tight.” He manages the energy of the heavier Bonanza with a fluid grace that makes the heavy iron look weightless. Watching Kevin Coleman fly is a reminder that with enough skill, even a “gentleman’s cross-country plane” can become a world-class athlete.

Don’t miss the roar of that engine as he heads for the vertical right here at the Battle Creek Field of Flight!

Skip Stewart in the Pitts Muscle Biplane “Prometheus”

Returning to Battle Creek is the extremely thrilling talents of Skip Stewart in his highly-modified Pitts S2S known as “Prometheus”.

Like a streak of blazing lightning from an ominous sky, air show performer Skip Stewart blasts into view in a high-flying aerobatic symphony. You won’t get thunder after that lightning, but you will hear an ear-splitting roar that will shake the ground as thousands of fans cheer their lungs to pieces. PROMETHEUS brings the flaming fury of Skip’s gyroscopic and brain-melting maneuvers. A modified Pitts S2S, PROMETHEUS is going to be the reason your throat hurts from cheering the day after the show.

Some airshows look great – Skip’s airshow is something you feel like a thumping, ripping drumbeat in the center of your chest. You’ll taste fuel, you’ll smell victory. High-performance, high-skill, and high “totally-awesome,” Skip and his plane will tear through a high alpha pass on takeoff, then proceed to rock the most jaw-dropping maneuvers down to 1-foot off the ground. PROMETHEUS doesn’t specialize in haircuts, but get ready for a close shave.

As the recipient of the 2013 Bill Barber Award for Showmanship and the 2015 Art Scholl Award, Skip Stewart has proven to be one of the most entertaining Airshow pilots in the world today. With over ten thousand hours of flying experience, being an Airline Transport Pilot, Boeing 727, and MD-11 Captain, a Certified Flight Instructor, having owned and operated an aerobatic flight school, earned Gold Medals in regional aerobatic competitions, served as Chief Pilot for a Fortune 100 company and with more than fourteen years entertaining airshow fans around the World, Skip feels comfortable saying that he is one of the very best in the business today. Skip’s flying has been featured in magazines that include Plane & Pilot, Smithsonian Air & Space, AOPA, Sports Illustrated, World Airshow News, Auto Pilot, as well as in multiple other domestic and international publications. Skip Stewart is the first pilot to fly an airplane under a jumping motorcycle at an Airshow and has participated in numerous exciting acts over the years.

Adam Baker Airshows in the JET360 Extra 330

Adam Baker Airshows is a unique airshow team known for their colorful airplane scheme and matching personalities! Adam’s 12-minute aerial performance is a combination of crisp competition style maneuvers and hardcore gyroscopic tumbles. During the performance, Adam pulls more than 9.5 positive g-forces and pushes 5.5 negative g-forces without the need for a military style g-suit. With speeds of up to 270 miles per hour, Adam can penetrate 2600 feet of air going straight up, only to be topped by flying 80 mph backwards in the torque roll!

There has never been an aircraft that draws the eye like the JET360 Extra 330. It is the most recognized wrapped airplane on the air show circuit. It is constructed of tubular steel, carbon fiber, and wood spars. It is the highest performance two-seat aircraft in production today AND has been called “the best looking airshow plane on the circuit, if not ever” by two of the nation’s top airshow announcers.

Adam “Shake n’ Bake” Baker is a gold seal instructor pilot rated in both airplanes and helicopters. He has flown for both airlines and charter companies, presently owning a private aviation company. When he isn’t flying, you will find him on any number of adventures with his family. Most of that family fun time is spent in the air with his pilot wife and airplane/helicopter fanatic sons.

Adam cannot wait for you to come out to the Field of Flight and wants to encourage you to pursue your goals and promote passion for life! Each day, every day!

Aarron Deliu in The Extra 330 (July 2nd, 3rd & 4th)

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Aarron Deliu is an Australian professional aerobatic pilot, international airshow performer, and commercial business jet pilot, with a passion for aviation that began at the age of 14. By 15, he achieved his first solo flight in a glider and transitioned to powered aircraft by the time he was 16.

He is the current reigning Air Masters Cup Series Champion, an international freestyle aerobatic competition, and the current Sky Grand Prix Champion, an air race aerobatic hybrid international competition. Aarron’s key accomplishments also include being the former Australian Unlimited Aerobatics Champion, Australian Freestyle Aerobatics Champion, International Danube Cup Champion, and qualifying as a Red Bull Air Race Rookie.

In 2022, Aarron made history by achieving the highest placement ever for an Australian in both the unlimited and freestyle categories at the World Aerobatics Championship.

Aarron is an experienced multidimensional international aviator whose skillset spans from high performance aerobatic aircraft, business jets, gliders, helicopters, seaplanes, to fighter jets with the versatility to operate across numerous countries. Basically Aarron literally can fly anything…

Aarron captivates audiences with his charismatic personality and awe-inspiring aerobatic performances. His high energy, adrenaline filled airshows are action packed displays of precision and skill, adding an international flair to the breathtaking maneuvers and dynamic, interactive flying. Each performance delivers excitement and exhilaration to spectators of all ages.

Now residing in the United States, Aarron continues to compete in international aerobatic and air race competitions, flies business jets globally and performs his high adrenaline interactive air shows and extraordinary special projects around the world.

Kyle Franklin’s Flying Circus

Famed air show stunt pilot Kyle Franklin returns to Battle Creek this year.

The Super Cub known as “Franklinstein” is the centerpiece of Kyle’s act. For the most part, this is a stock PA-18A Super Cub (with an awesome Franklin-style paint scheme), but it has faced some minor modifications. The plane has served as an integral part of Franklin’s Flying Circus over the years for not only training, but numerous acts and stunts. This also happens to be the first plane that Kyle Franklin ever soloed in.

Back to the act, with a talented and well-known pilot such as Kyle gets behind the controls, you know you are in for a treat. Kyle Franklin will portray Ben Whabnoski, an annoying drunk who wants his airplane ride that is promised to him! Much different from your typical flying farmer routine, this routine will get everyone on their feet and roaring with laughter. The effort and skill Kyle displays is amazing to say the least. Most pilots only put a wingtip on the ground during ground loops. Kyle Franklin does it for fun so often, that his Cub needs skid plates taped on the wingtips! This is truly a show “stealing” act! It takes impressive skill to fly a plain this badly!

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind, wild and crazy, wing-tip draggin’, award winning comedy act! Kyle was the recipient of the 2017 Bill Barber Award for Showmanship presented by World Airshow News.

Erik Edgren in the Clipped Wing Taylorcraft

Erik Edgren will be performing in Battle Creek in a Clipped Wing Taylorcraft, affectionately known as the “T-Clips”.

The “T-Clips” was originally built by Taylorcraft in 1939. It was “clipped” for aerobatics in 1997 by Steve Givens using a mix of both the Switch and Legendary Duane Cole plans. Erik has further modified the T-Clips with inverted fuel, oil, and air show smoke systems making it an optimal and unique “up close and personal”, crowd-pleasing air show machine. It is the only C-85 powered Clip T performing in airshows today!

Erik himself is a lifelong pilot. He has worked as a flight instructor, an instructor/pilot for an air combat school in the AT-6/SNJ, and as a corporate pilot in Lear Jets, King Airs, etc. He has flown over 170 different makes and models. Presently, he is a full-time farmer when he is not performing air shows, and lives on the same farm the original settlers log cabin was built on…now with a grass runway and air show practice box.

Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Shows feat. Hayden Proffitt II in the Hot Streak II Jet Truck

Hot Streak II is a twin jet engine ‘57 Chevy Pickup capable of speeds of 350+MPH entertaining fans across the country for almost 30 years. This twin engine Jet Truck is powered by Two Westinghouse J34’s engines. Rescued from a J 34-48’s Navy T-2A Buckeye Airplane. If you want to talk about performance, this truck features 25,000 pounds of thrust and will put on a show that you won’t believe!

You’ll be able to catch Hayden and “HOT STREAK II” every day of the event. He will be making night runs on July 1st and 2nd while also making runs during our air shows on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th. He’ll also do a night run during our NIGHT AIR SHOW on July 3rd.

Firewalkers International Pyro “Feel the Heat”

Are you ready to FEEL THE HEAT? Because Firewalkers International Pyro will be coming to Battle Creek, and they are planning to blow up the airfield! Firewalkers International LLC is one of the most renowned pyro teams in the airshow industry today. With years and years of experience in both the military and civilian world, they know so much about pyro that they can certainly be dubbed professional “pyromaniacs”. At this year’s Field of Flight, they’ll provide pyrotechnical explosions during our air show, including a 1,000 foot WALL OF FIRE where you will surely feel the heat. The explosions won’t stop with the massive Wall of Fire though….you’ll also see strafe runs, bombs, mini-walls, double bombs, attention getters and the Almighty F-BOMB, which is designed to form a smoke ring! Day or not, you’ll surely feel the heat when they light up the airfield.

Announcer Phil Dacy

Back by popular demand will be Mr. Phil Dacy, “The Voice of the Field of Flight Air Show”. Phil has been announcing the Field of Flight for almost two decades. Phil is an award winning announcer that will set the pace for the air show and provide announcing that is ‘second to none’. Phil not only provides some of the highest energy announcing on the air show circuit, but he backs up that energy with incredible knowledge. After being on the air show circuit for so long, Phil definitely knows the performers, knows the performances and knows his stuff. Phil is a very experienced pilot in his own right with over 8000 hours of flight time in all different types of aircraft. Even today, when not announcing, he is the Chief Pilot for Priester Aviation out of Chicago, Illinois. Phil will help bring you the ULTIMATE Air Show Experience and he’ll even announce our Twilight & Night Air Shows!

Nation’s Third Largest Twilight & Night Air Show

Back by popular demand, our SUPER-SIZED Night Air Show will return this year. On the evening of July 5th, we will present an “Evening of Magic”. As the sun begins to set and Twilight takes over the airport, some of the best performers in North America will take to the skies. With the sun setting and offering different views of the acts, it is truly a unique experience. As it gets darker, aircraft will take to the skies with special lights on their aircraft. But we won’t stop there! After the sun sets, the action heats up again. Bob Seger said it best in his song, “Night Moves”, and now we will present a Spectacular Night Air Show featuring Aircraft with lights and MORE. Flying fireworks displays at their finest. If you have never experienced a Night Air Show before, this is the time to see it!

Twilight Air Show

The Twilight Air Show will also feature some of the best civilian acts in the air show industry. Watch as formation acts and aerobatic solos take to the skies to perform against the setting sun.

Night Air Show

The Night Air Show will feature the best-of-the-best in Night Aerial Entertainment. Hold on to your hats, this year’s Night Air Show will even surprise those who have seen our Night Air Show in the past!

Bob Carlton “Fire & Lights” Twin Foxjet Sailplane

Since 1903, airplanes and fire have been mortal enemies. Bob Carlton coaxes them into a snarling truce with the spectacular Fire & Lights night pyro show. With sparks, smoke, fireballs and bomb bursts, Fire & Lights sets the night sky ablaze with color and action. Don’t be fooled by so-called twilight shows. This is a true, hard-dark night aerobatic performance, not just a day show sneaking in at sunset.

Bob’s night aerobatic performance features high performance aerobatics with stunning pyrotechnic effects by Ultratech, the same pyro used on stage by superstars such as KISS, Aerosmith and Reba McEntire. It is also flown in the one-of-a-kind Jet Sailplane!

Hot Streak Jet Truck

Seeing Hot Streak run during the day is absolutely amazing! Once you see it at night, YOUR BREATH WILL BE TAKEN AWAY!! Shooting ENORMOUS flames, this powerful Jet Truck will illuminate the airport grounds!

AirBoss Ryan Seiler

The AirBoss for the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival will be none other than Ryan Seiler. Ryan has served as the Battle Creek AirBoss since 2004, and was Assistant AirBoss for many years prior to that. Ryan is a pilot himself, serving as Lead Flight Instructor at the Western Michigan University College of Aviation (his Alma Mater) right here in Battle Creek. He is also the Head Coach for the nationally recognized Sky Broncos flight team, who have continually placed in national competitions for the better part of a decade. In the Air Show world, Ryan is known for his commitment to safety and putting together an almost five hour flying sequence (multiple days) that runs well and transitions smoothly. As the conductor of the air show, it takes a lot of focus to be able to put together a sequence that runs with minimal downtime (except for scheduled downtime) and keep the action going, all while maintaining the highest focal point of safety. With his 17 years of experience as AirBoss, Ryan is an experienced AirBoss that is well liked by all the performers that perform in Battle Creek.

Assistant AirBoss Ken Glidden

The Assistant AirBoss for the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival is Ken Glidden. He got involved in 1997 when he was asked to be a pylon judge for a mock air racing act. Ever since then, he was hooked! The following year, due to his role with aircraft radios at the Air National Guard Base, he started setting up a military VHF/UHF radio on the Announcers Stand to pipe audio from performers right into the PA system for the crowd to hear. In the Year 2000, he started working with performer ramp and all on-field logistics for then AirBoss Steve Brown. He helped coordinate between the performers and the boss to ensure they stayed on schedule as well as marshalled and parked them where needed. After Steve moved away and Ryan stepped into the AirBoss position, Ken was asked to be the Assistant AirBoss, a position he has truly loved, ever since! His wife, Theresa, is in charge of the performer hospitality tent. She is well loved by all performers for her Chocolate Chip and Cranberry Oatmeal cookies and friendliness she provides. Outside of the Field of Flight, Ken is an Instrument Rated Pilot that owns and flies a Yak-52 and is a member of the Redstar Pilot Association. He has participated in the mass formation in Oshkosh and holds Single Engine Land & Sea as well as Helicopter certifications. He is a Chief Master Seargeant at the 110th Fighter Wing working with the MQ-9 Reaper mission. He has served for 34 years in both the ANG and formally the US Navy.

In Memory of Aerobatic Legend Rob Holland