Patriots Jet Team
The Patriots Jet Team is a civilian aerobatic formation team that performs in air shows across the western United States of America. The team operates as a six-ship team, flying the Czech-built Aero L-39 Albatros. The Patriots are based in Byron, California.[1]
Patriots Jet Demonstration Team | |
---|---|
Patriots at 2009 Aviation Nation | |
Active | 2003–present |
Country | United States |
Branch | Civilian |
Role | Aerobatic jet demonstration team |
Size | 7 demo pilots, 25+ volunteers |
Home Airport | Byron Airport |
Colors | Red White Blue Black Silver |
Website | patriotsjetteam |
Insignia | |
Patriots Four Ship logo | |
Aircraft flown | |
Fighter | 2 - Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 *Note – aircraft not currently used in demonstrations |
Trainer | 8 – Aero L-39C Albatros (two seat) *Note – two aircraft are spares |
Transport | 1 – Sabreliner 60 1 – Sabreliner 60SC Transports for additional crew |
The team began flying demonstrations in 2003 with two L-39 aircraft. In the 2004 airshow season, a third L-39 was added. With the success of the 2005 season, the Patriots added a fourth jet for the 2006 season. In 2010, the Patriots Jet Team expanded to a six-ship aerobatic formation team.[1]
The team is owned by Randy Howell, a former United Airlines pilot.[2] It is sponsored by companies including Hot Line Construction, Inc. and supported by a ground crew of more than 25 volunteers.[3]
Fleet
Aircraft | In fleet |
---|---|
Aero L-39 Albatros | 8 |
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 | 2 |
Rockwell Sabreliner 60 | 1 |
Rockwell Sabreliner 60SC | 1 |
Total | 12 |
References
- "The Patriots Jet Team". 2011. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
- Miguel, Ken (March 29, 2010). "Privately-owned fighter jets take to East Bay skies". KGO-TV. Archived from the original on October 11, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
- Bartholomew, Ben (August 2, 2011). "Soaring With The Patriots". The Wheatland Citizen. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2011.