Page 5 - March ARB Beacon 4-15-16

wwTwfha.caeeebrBootoeekca.hcncoemow/nsT.ecaommM/maarrcchharb
THE RED EAGLES FORMATION TEAM
The Red Eagles fly the Russian-designed YAK-52 air-
craft, the basic trainer for Soviet forces. It is rugged, reli- both domestically and internationally.
able and relatively straightforward to operate. Powered by a
360 HP 9-cylinder radial engine (the Vendeneyev M-14P),
the fuel consumption is relatively modest (12.5 – 19 gal-
lons per hour). This rugged performer is stressed to +7 to
-5 Gs and can easily operate out of unprepared fields. The
“green-house” canopy provides excellent visibility and the
tandem seating features dual controls. When used in the
training environment, the instructor occupies the rear cock-
pit. The aircraft that you see today have been modified with
smoke systems to enhance the performance for spectators.
The team’s lead pilot, Andrew “Limey” Webb, started
flying with the British RAF as a cadet at the age of 13, flew
his first jet at 17 (BAE Hawk – or T-45 as used for US Navy
and Marine corps advanced jet training) and achieved his
goal of becoming an instructor at 22. “Limey” has nearly
1000 hours on theYak 52, having first bought one in the UK
in 2000 and always regretted selling it – he bought another
after moving to SoCal and joined the Red Eagles in 2011.
Paul “Trash” White, is new to the team this year. He
began flying at the age of 12 with his first solo at 16. He
flew Tomcats for 11 years in the U.S. Navy, including
combat missions in support of Operation SOUTHERN
WATCH and accumulated 237 carrier landings. He fin-
ished his active duty career at Strike Fighter Weapons
School Atlantic. “Trash” has more than 6,000 hours and
is currently a First Officer with UPS on the Boeing 757
and 767 aircraft. He is also type rated in the B737, 747-
April 16-17, 2016 5
400, 757/767 and MD-11 and operates Courtesy photo/Kevin Joyce/Sidewinder Aviation Photography
Because aviation is a critical part of America’s his-
Darrell “Condor” Gary was a U.S. tory and its future, The Red Eagle Formation Team is
Navy fighter pilot for 11 years, complet- committed to inspiring youth and promoting aviation
ing four combat tours in South East Asia by safely demonstrating essential skills developed by
with over 500 carrier landings and 170 our military for use in operations around the world,
combat missions. He also holds the dis- and to passing those skills on to the next generation of
tinction of being one of nine officers who aviators. This reflects the philosophy of their sponsor
formed the Navy Fighter Weapons School Allegiant Air, “to promote safety through discipline,
“TOPGUN,” and did two tours as an in- attention to detail and constantly striving to improve.”
structor there. “I fly with extraordinary pi- Nothing good is ever easy, and to be the best requires
lots, engage in challenging events and fly constant effort. To learn more about the team, visit
on my own schedule and best of all… no http://redeaglesformation.com.
night carrier landings,” he said.
Duke “Maddawg” Molter is the
most experienced member of the
team with 26,000 flying hours, more
than a 1,000 of which are in formation! He started
flying with the USAF in the ROTC and then spent
five years as Instructor on T-33 and T-38 jets, teach-
ing formation and instrument; was awarded a Certifi-
cate of Master Instructor.
Mark “Flex” McKinnon joined the team in 2014 and flies
in the #5 position, #2 in aerobatics. He started flying with the
USAF in 1982 initially training on the T-37 and T-38 before
operational conversion to the F-15. “Flex” has 10,000 flying
hours with nearly 3000 hours on the F-15, with nearly 20
years in the USAF andANG. When not flying with the team
he is a Captain for UPS on 757 and 767 aircraft.