2025 Air Show Lineup! (TBD)
Four days of Air Show Action (July 3 – July 6) during the 2025 Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival.
- Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron
- F-35A Lightning II Demo Team
- Golden Knights
- F/A-18F Super Hornet Rhino Demo Team
- Ken & Austin Rieder Redline Airshows Vans RV-8
- Bob Carlton “Vertigo Airshows” Foxjet Twin Jet Sailplane
- World Champion Rob Holland MXS-RH
- Skip Stewart in the Pitts Muscle Biplane “Prometheus”
- Bill Stein Zivko Edge 540
- Kyle Franklin’s Flying Circus
- Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Shows feat. Hayden Proffitt II in the Hot Streak II Jet Truck
- Firewalkers International Pyro “Feel the Heat”
- Announcer Phil Dacy
- Nation’s Third Largest Twilight & Night Air Show
- AirBoss Ryan Seiler
- Assistant AirBoss Ken Glidden
United States Air Force
Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron
The world famous U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Jet Demonstration Squadron will return to Battle Creek Field of Flight Airshow & Balloon Festival in 2025!
The Thunderbirds will showcase the pride and precision of today’s U.S. Air Force with over 70 performances at several different show sites. The team will proudly perform on behalf of the nearly 700,000 active-duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve & civilian Airmen serving at home and abroad. It’s from that diverse group of Air Force professionals that the Thunderbirds team is formed.
The Thunderbirds were first activated on May 25th, 1953 as the Air Force’s Official Air Demonstration Team. They were designated the 3600th Air Demonstration Unit and were stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona flying the F-84G Thunderjet. Over the years, the Thunderbirds flew famous U.S. Air Force Aircraft that have gone down in history such as the F-84F Thunderstreak, the F-100C Super Sabre, F-105B Thunderchief, F-100D Super Sabre, F-4E Phantom II, T-38 Talon…and into the Mighty F-16 Fighting Falcon (Block 52 model) that the team flies today.
According to Indian legend, the Thunderbird was a giant eagle (some envisioned a hawk) that was spoken about with great fear & respect. When it took to the skies, the earth trembled from the thunder of its wings and bolts of lightning shot from its eyes. Nothing in nature could challenge the bird of thunder. The story of the Thunderbird was repeated across generations…and today, it is now a legend.
The legend will take to the skies this summer in Battle Creek, Michigan as the thunder (known as the Sound of Freedom) and will represent not only the professionalism of the U.S. Air Force, but the patriotism of our great nation of the United States.
The “thunder” will come from six F-16 Fighting Falcon jets painted in Red, White & Blue colors with the Thunderbird emblem on the bottom. Their show will rock the skies as the Diamond formation (Jets 1-4) perform a series of precision maneuvers, keeping their aircraft just INCHES from each other. This is in concert with the high speed & high G maneuvers performed by the Solos (Jets 5-6). This includes a series of head-on passes & solo maneuvers showcasing the tactical profile of the Block 52 Viper. In the end, all six jets team up and showcase the pinnacle of formation flying, the Delta Formation.
The Thunderbirds will be rocking the Battle Creek skies numerous times throughout the week. That’s MULTIPLE TIMES THE THUNDER!!
Officers:
#1 (Boss/Commander/Leader): Lt. Col. Nathan Malafa (Michigan Native)
#2 (Left Wing): Maj. Zachary Taylor
#3 (Right Wing): Maj Tyler Clark
#4 (Slot): Maj Jake Impellizzeri
#5 (Lead Solo): Maj Eric Tise
#6 (Opposing Solo): Maj Jeffrey Downie
#7 (Operations Officer): Lt. Col. Taylor Wight
#8 (Advance Pilot/Narrator): Maj Bryce Turner
#9 (Flight Surgeon): Maj (Dr.) Jacob Hall
#10 (Executive Officer): Capt Randi Winther
#11 (Maintenance Officer): Capt Natalee Winton
#12 (Public Affairs Officer): Maj Krystal Jimenez
The Thunderbird Mission as well as aerial demonstrations wouldn’t be possible without the work of more than 120 enlisted members from nearly 30 different career fields. They are the backbone of the team, ensuring all jets and operations are in top shape at all times. To learn more about the Officers & Enlisted members that make up this elite squadron, please visit: https://www.airforce.com/thunderbirds/our-team
United States Air Force
F-35A Lightning II Demo Team
The United States Air Force F-35A Lightning II will thunder into the skies this summer in Battle Creek and WE will be the ONLY place in Michigan to witness this amazing multi-role fighter!
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, as well as highlight the history of their service through HERITAGE FORMATION FLIGHTS.
Major Melanie “MACH” Kluesner is the Commander of the Demo Team and also the Demo Pilot. MACH entered the Air Force in 2015 after receiving her Distinguished Graduate commission from the US Air Force Reserve Officer Training Program at the University of Southern California. She is an experienced fighter pilot with more than 1000 flying hours in the T-6, T-38C, F-16C, F-35B, and F-35A
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
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. From a baton exchange, to canopy relative work, to high speed freefall, this is a skydiving show that showcases the excellence of the United States Army Airborne.
The 16 member team coming to Battle Creek will be accompanied by a US Army C-146A Jump Ship that you will also see perform a fly by following the final jump of the day.
For more information on the United States Army Golden Knights visit https://www.goarmy.com/golden-knights.html
United States Navy
F/A-18F Super Hornet Rhino Demo Team
With a thundering roar, the US Navy will take to the skies over Battle Creek Executive Airport in the premier Naval Fighter, the F/A-18F Super Hornet.
Hailing from Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, this year’s F/A-18F Super Hornet is part of Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) known as the “Gladiators.” The F/A-18F Super Hornet was developed, along with the E Model Super Hornet from the older F/A-18 Hornet models. The plane was planned back in the 80’s by McDonnell Douglas under the project name “Hornet 2000.” McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) decided to initially call it the “Hornet II” to improve early F/A-18 models and serve as an alternate replacement for the aging Grumman A-6 Intruder attack aircraft. The Navy had planned on getting a naval version of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, which was the Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter.
However, that program was cancelled, so the “Super Hornet” was proposed. The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a twin engine, carrier-capable, multi-role fighter aircraft that is based off of the design of the F/A-18 Hornet. The aircraft was initially designed by McDonnell Douglas and first flew in 1995. Full-scale production began in 1997 and the Super Hornet entered service in 1999 to aid in replacing the Grumman F-14 Tomcat. The Super Hornet serves in the fleet alongside the Legacy model Hornets. While the Super Hornet and original Hornet share many similar characteristics, the Super Hornet is a beast in itself, coming in at 20% larger and 7,000 pounds (empty) heavier than the original F/A-18 models. In fact, the Super Hornet weighs only 11,000 pounds less than the massive F-14 Tomcat that it replaced. The Super Hornet is also designed for a heavier payload and higher range and is capable of refueling other aircraft via a system known as “buddy store”. In addition to it filling a tactical airborne tanker role, the aircraft has a payload almost matching the mighty Grumman F-14 Tomcat.
The Super Hornet is sometimes referred to as the “Rhino” to distinguish itself from the earlier model Hornets. The Super Hornet is powered by the General Electric F414 Engine, which provides the loud thunder that you will hear over Battle Creek. Those engines also help propel the aircraft to fly at speeds almost twice the speed of sound.
The Super Hornet is one of the most sought after military demonstrations on the air show circuit each year. This year, you’ll only be able to see the Super Hornet at a handful of air shows, and Battle Creek is proud to have been selected.
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 will also perform an AMAZING Night Show in the RV-8 that you will not want to miss!
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.
World Champion Rob Holland MXS-RH
The Award Winning Rob Holland will return to Battle Creek this year. Rob Holland is one of the most famous and popular aerobatic pilots on Earth. He is highly sought after and almost every air show wants him. We are so lucky to continually have this WORLD Champion perform here every year. He truly is one of the most anticipated acts each year for the Field of Flight. We’ll let his accomplishments do the talking:
- Ten-time, consecutive, U.S. National Aerobatic Champion
- Five-time, consecutive, World 4-minute Freestyle Champion
- Eleven-time, U.S. 4-minute Freestyle Champion
- 2015 World Air Games Freestyle Gold Medalist
- 2012 Art Scholl Award for Showmanship Recipient
- 2008 World Advanced Aerobatic Champion
- Eight-time U.S. Aerobatic Team Member
- 28 Medals in International Competition (14 Gold)
Watch as Rob showcases his incredible talent in his MXS-RH.
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.
Bill Stein Zivko Edge 540
Bill Stein (a Michigan Native) is one of the most experienced (over 7000 hours of aerobatic and formation flight) and sought after pilots on the air show circuit. Bill began flying aerobatics when he was still a student pilot and has been dedicated to perfecting his skills ever since. He has been performing air shows since 1995 and has entertained millions of air show fans. For years, he performed as a member of the world-famous Red Baron Stearman Squadron (including right here in Battle Creek). He also mentors and coaches many future aerobatic pilots including being a coach for the famed “Stars of Tomorrow” team.
Bill also serves as an Aerobatic Competency Evaluator, proving his dedication to aerobatic safety. When it comes to professionalism, there isn’t anyone quite like Bill. He’ll take to the Battle Creek skies in his Zivko Edge 540 aircraft. This aircraft is popular among aerobatic pilots, but Bill’s plane is different! His Edge 540 uses cutting edge paint technology. Bill has designed the spectacular look of his airplane using a paint that continuously changes color based on the constantly varying angles between the spectators, airplane and the lighting. The plane can be any one color and even be a mix of numerous colors at different times during the performance, changing from green, purple, blue, gold, yellow, pink, orange and everything in between. See how many colors you can count during our air shows.
Bill was also the 2021 Recipient of the International Council of Air Shows Art Scholl Showmanship Award. He was also the 2016 Recipient of what is considered to be the single highest honor an individual air show professional can receive, the International Council of Air Shows Sword of Excellence
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.
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!
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!
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.
