Patriots Jet Team

Patriots Jet Demonstration Team
Patriots Jet Team logo
Active2003–present
Country United States
BranchCivilian
RoleAerobatic jet demonstration team
Size7 demo pilots, 25 volunteers
Garrison/HQByron Airport
Websitepatriotsjetteam.com

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]

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 Stellant Systems, Inc.[3] and supported by a ground crew of more than 25 volunteers.[4]

Fleet

Aircraft Mission In fleet
Aero L-39 Albatros Airshows 8[5]
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 Airshows 2[5]
Rockwell Sabreliner 60 Upset Prevention Recovery Training, Airshows, Team Support 2[6]

References

  1. ^ a b "The Patriots Jet Team". 2011. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ "Sponsors". Patriots Jet Team. August 14, 2023.
  4. ^ Bartholomew, Ben (August 2, 2011). "Soaring With The Patriots". The Wheatland Citizen. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
  5. ^ a b "L-39 Albatros". Patriots Jet Team. September 11, 2022.
  6. ^ "Upset Training Aircraft". Patriots Jet Team. March 27, 2017.