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Modifications
include:
Upgrading avionics systems for navigation and
communications, removing excess weight for better air show
performance, addition of a 30 gallon computerized smoke oil
system, striping the camouflage paint scheme and repainting in
gloss black.
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| From
arrival in
U.S.
to air show ready; each aircraft requires approximately 3000
man-hours of labor.
The PATRIOTS Jet Demonstration Team is
based at the
Byron
Airport
in
Northern California
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The
PATRIOTS practice throughout the off-season in preparation of
the air show season, which typically begins in June and last
through November. |
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| A
Practice session for the PATRIOTS consist of a meticulous
preflight by the Crew Chiefs (about 3 hours), a pre-brief with
the pilots and coaches (about 3 hours), the flight lasting about
30 minutes, and a post brief (about 1 ½ hours). |
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| In
the interest of safety, the PATRIOTS will practice only one time
per day a maximum of six days in a row. |
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| During
practice, each PATRIOT aircraft will be video taped for debrief. |
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| For
safety, the minimum crew at a practice session is the coach,
traffic watch person, several videographers and three Crew
Chiefs. |
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The
PATRIOTS pilots have many years of air show and aerobatic
competition in their backgrounds. Lead
Pilot Dean “Wilber” Wright is currently a USAF Lt. Col.
flying the F-117 Stealth fighter pilot out of Holloman AFB, NM
and former lead solo pilot for the USAF “Thunderbirds”
flying the F-16. Left
Wingman John Posson is a current Airline Captain and has
competed in aerobatics for the past 12 years in the unlimited
category. Right Wingman Vlady Chetverous has a Military fighter
background and was the right wingman for the 9 Ship Soviet Union
Jet Demonstration Team. Slot
Pilot Paul “Sticky” Strickland is currently a USAF Colonel
and is a former slot pilot for the USAF “Thunderbirds”
flying the F-16. Announcer and Media pilot Jon “Jughead “
Counsell is currently a USAF Maj. Flying the F-15 Eagle out of
Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID.
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| Please
see www.airshowsamerica.com
for complete pilot bios and PATRIOTS air show schedule. |
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| The
PATRIOTS Jet Demonstration Team is partially sponsored by FRY’S
ELECTRONICS and
would not be able to demonstrate the capabilities of
these beautiful rare aircraft to the public without their
support. |
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| The
PATRIOTS are looking for another partial sponsorship that would
complement the FRY’S ELECTRONICS sponsorship. |
| Special
thanks must go to Randy Howell
Source: Patriots AirshowsAmerica
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