The F-16 Viper Demonstration Team, based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, showcases the power and agility of the F-16 Fighting Falcon through high-speed aerial maneuvers at airshows around the world. Comprising a small team of about 10 active-duty Air Force members, the unit performs at roughly 20 events annually, demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities with precision and flair. Led by Maj. Daniel "Whiskey" Lancaster, the team’s mission is not only to highlight the technical excellence of the F-16 but also to inspire public interest in aviation and military service. Their performances often include steep climbs, low-altitude passes, and tight turns, all executed at speeds approaching Mach 2. The team also participates in the Air Force Heritage Flight program, flying alongside vintage warbirds to honor the legacy of American airpower. 

The USMC F-35B Demonstration Team showcases the Marine Corps’ cutting-edge F-35B Lightning II at airshows across the U.S., highlighting its unique short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities. Piloted by Major Aidan "Straight" Switzer of VMFAT-502, the demo features high-speed passes, tight turns, and vertical maneuvers that emphasize the jet’s stealth, agility, and expeditionary power. The team performs at select events nationwide, including EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Boeing Seafair, and Fleet Week in San Francisco, aiming to inspire future aviators and demonstrate the versatility of Marine aviation. 

The Iron Comets Demo Team roared onto the scene in 2024, determined to revive Cold War-era jet thunder in dazzling display. Flying a pair of vintage MiG-17 Frescos, the team quickly gained recognition for blending high-speed aerobatics with theatrical flair, turning relics into rockets of performance. Formed at the fictional Red River Aerodrome, the Iron Comets are known for their striking aircraft paint schemes—matte black punctuated with blazing red tail flashes—and for choreographed aerial stunts that make spectators feel like they're front-row at a jet-powered symphony. Inspired by the grit and drama of Cold War aviation, the Iron Comets fly not just to entertain, but to honor the legacy of jet innovation and test the limits of what vintage aircraft can achieve in modern skies. Each show is a tribute to speed, precision, and the art of surprise—offering fans a high-octane glimpse of aviation’s retro-futuristic soul.

The Royal Air Force Typhoon Display Team showcases the breathtaking capabilities of the Eurofighter Typhoon, one of the world’s most advanced multirole combat aircraft. With its twin engines, canard-delta wing design, and supercruise capability, the Typhoon delivers a thrilling solo performance that blends raw power with surgical precision. Formed to highlight the RAF’s cutting-edge aviation technology and pilot skill, the team performs at airshows across the UK and internationally. Each season, a new display pilot is selected from No. 29 Squadron, the Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit, and undergoes rigorous training to earn the Public Display Authority—a certification that ensures safety and excellence in every maneuver. The demo routine features high-G turns, vertical climbs, rapid rolls, and low-level passes that push the Typhoon to its aerodynamic limits. Powered by Eurojet EJ200 engines, the aircraft can sustain supersonic speeds without afterburners and execute complex maneuvers with stunning agility. Beyond the spectacle, the team serves as ambassadors for the RAF, inspiring future aviators and educating the public on the Typhoon’s role in air defense, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. With a legacy rooted in Cold War innovation and a future secured by ongoing upgrades, the Typhoon remains a cornerstone of British airpower—and its demo team brings that legacy roaring to life.

Bubba “Boomer” Phillips started out as a farmer in Shelbyville, but his passion for flying led him to save up for flight training and purchase a J3 Cub, which he used to teach himself aerobatics. Competing in STOL races and airshows, his talent caught attention, eventually landing him a job as a Southwest Airlines pilot. With his career taking off, he upgraded his aircraft, moving from the Cub to high-performance aerobatic planes like the Extra 300S, 330SC, and the modified 330SX. Today, Bubba is regarded as one of PTFS’s top aerobatic pilots, constantly pushing the boundaries of aerial performance.

Discord Link: https://discord.gg/vfyHCKzA

Daniel "Whiskey" Lancaster was born and raised in Goldsboro, North Carolina, a town where fighter jets from nearby Seymour Johnson Air Force Base were part of the local soundtrack. From the porch of his family’s farmhouse, he watched F-15s slice through the sky, fueling a childhood obsession with flight and motion.

After high school, Daniel chose to chase his dream the disciplined way—by enlisting in the United States Navy. There, he sharpened his skills as a naval aviator, known for both his steady hand and fearless creativity. His callsign “Whiskey” was earned in flight school, after an impromptu water landing during survival training left him soaked, shivering, and still joking about mixing “ocean and whiskey” to warm up.

Following his honorable service, Daniel transitioned into civilian aerobatics, gravitating to the sleek Extra 300SC—a high-performance machine that matched his daring, disciplined style. He founded Whidbey04 Aerobatics, drawing inspiration from both his military background and his love of island landscapes where sky meets sea.

Now a crowd favorite at PTFS airshows, Lancaster combines southern grit, naval precision, and airshow charisma to deliver performances that feel less like routines and more like rhythm in the sky.

Max Phillips was born with his eyes on the sky and oil on his hands. Raised in a small Midwest town with a single-strip airport and a population of more cows than people, Max learned to fly by the age of 14, trading weekend chores for flight lessons from old-timers who saw his spark.

Max’s prized aircraft, a 1946 J-3 Piper Cub, came from his longtime mentor and friend Bubba Boomer—a retired crop-duster pilot known for his wild stories and even wilder landings. Bubba gave Max the Cub with one condition: "Don’t just fly it. Make it dance."

Since then, Max’s trademark yellow Cub has become a fan favorite on the airshow circuit. He reengineered its controls for tight loops, hammerhead turns, and jaw-dropping maneuvers. Though the Piper Cub isn't built for hard-core aerobatics, Max makes it defy every expectation.

He will make his first debut here at Joint Base Andrews Air & Space Expo!

Kyle Franklin is a third-generation aviator and one of the most celebrated performers in the airshow world. Born into a legacy of flight, he took his first airplane ride at just two weeks old and learned to fly by age 8. By 17, he became the world’s youngest professional wingwalker, launching a father-son wingwalking act with his legendary father, Jimmy Franklin.

Over the years, Kyle has crafted more than a dozen unique airshow acts, blending aerobatics, comedy, and stunt work. He’s known for daring feats like the motorcycle-to-airplane transfer, and was the first jet wingwalker in history. His performances often feature custom-built aircraft, including the iconic Dracula biplane, which combines vintage aesthetics with modern engineering.

Despite personal tragedies—including the loss of his father and wife Amanda Younkin Franklin in separate airshow accidents—Kyle has continued to innovate and inspire. Today, he performs alongside his wife Liz Franklin, bringing theatrical flair and unmatched showmanship to audiences worldwide.

He’s earned numerous accolades, including the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship, and is widely regarded as the “King of themed airshow acts”