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These magnificent wood and fabric open cockpit biplanes were built
in the late 1930s and early 1940s and where originally designed
as training aircraft for the US Army and Navy. Today, each of these
beautifully restored planes flies over 600 hours a year, thrilling
crowds across the country with breathtaking Formation Loops,
Hammerheads, Diamond Formations and other incredible aerobatic
maneuvers that would make the baron himself gasp in amazement. |
Thundering
out of the past from the days of daredevils and barnstorming,
four gleaming red and white
A-75 Super Stearmans blaze as one in perfect formation through
the blue summer sky.
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| Harnessing
the massive 450 horsepower Pratt and Whitney Wasp Jr. engines that
power the Stearmans through their paces takes the steady hands of
ten professional aerobatic pilots with a total of over 65,000 flying
hours. Together with a dedicated flight crew and six highly qualified
aircraft technicians, they keep these glorious living reminders
from another age flying high and proud with a commitment to quality
worthy of the name Reb Baron.
The
Crew |
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John
Bowman - 1
John
has flown for the Squadron since 1982. He has logged over 11,500
flying hours and is the lead pilot of the formation aerobatic team.
John also is the Squadron Safety Director.
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Tom
Womack - 2
Tom
has over 8,000 hours of flying time and the distinction of being
named to the Red Baron Stearman Squadron twice. He flew with the
Squadron from 1992-1996 and recently rejoined ion Nov. 1998. Tom
flies the left wing position |
Travis
Aukes - 3
Travis
has been flying airplanes for 16 years and has recorded over 4000
hours of flight time. He joined the SAquadron in 1993 and flies
the right wing position.
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Bryan
Regan - 4
Bryan
has recorded over 4500 flying hours and has been flying for 13 years.
He has been a member of the Red Baron Stearman Squadron since 1992
and takes the slot position or back of the diamond formation. |
Jerry
& Margaret Van Kempen
Jerry
and Mararet bring a new level of audience appreciation to the thrilling
performances of the Red Baron Stearman Squadron with the best narration
in the airshow industry. Jerry is a veteran aerobatic pilot. |
| In
addition to John, Tom, Travis and Bryan, the squadron includes six
other highly qualified pilots: Steve Thompson, Steve Elm, Bob Johnston,
Kim Keller, John McMurray, and Kurt Anderson. The aircraft technicians
include Merlyn Learing, James Wright, Tod Kurth, Brad Elsing, Ryan
Dulas and Jim Carlson.
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