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VICKY BENZING AEROSPORTS &

HER 1940 BOEING STEARMAN

Vicky Benzing’s 1940 Boeing Stearman was manufactured for use as a military She has flown 100+ air show performances across the U.S. To learn more about
trainer in WWII. In February 1946, after the war ended, it was sold from the War As- Vicky Benzing Aerosports, visit http://www.vickybenzing.com.
sets Administration for $770. The plane’s new owner fitted it with a 450HP Pratt &
Whitney R985 engine and converted it to a crop duster for spraying operations in the
Sacramento Valley until 1973 when it was disassembled and stored.

In 1990, the airplane was taken out of storage and restored by Stadel Aircraft based
in Yuba City California. The airplane was converted back from a restricted category
crop duster to a standard acrobatic category aircraft. Except for the engine and a smoke
system, her airplane remains as originally built 75 years ago (i.e. two ailerons instead of
four like most airshow aircraft, and no inverted fuel or oil - hence it takes 2 hands on the
stick to roll it and she must keep positive g’s on the aircraft or the engine will quit). She
considers herself a steward of this timeless piece of history. Benzing, who purchased
the airplane in 1998, is based at Pine Mountain Lake Airport nearYosemite, California.
She flies the Stearman at air shows up and down the West Coast, demonstrating the
grace and beauty of flight in this early trainer.

Born and raised in California, Benzing is an accomplished pilot, skydiver, aero-
batic performer, and air racer, with more than 7,000 flight hours and 1,200+ para-
chute jumps. Her flying career has spanned 30+ years, and she currently holds an
Airline Transport Pilot rating as well as a commercial rating in helicopters, sea-
planes, and gliders. She began training with air show legend and trainer to the stars,
Wayne Handley in 2005, and holds a surface-level waiver and a formation card.

The Patriots Jet Team

Dedicated. Precise. Dynamic. photo courtesy/Patriots Jet Teamt
These words come to mind when watching the spec-
tacular aerobatics performed by the Patriots Jet Team. A of all ages. In support of such a large operation, the Patriots Jet Team relies on
demanding discipline, performance aerobatic flying is a the efforts of a vast volunteer network. The comfortable, friendly, and casual envi-
concentrated blend of technique, mastery, and style which ronment can accommodate anything from intimate meetings to large scale events.
requires professional and highly experienced pilots. The state-of-the-art facility is also home to the Patriots Jet Team Foundation, and
The story of the Patriots Jet Team, the largest civilian- youngsters come from all over to attend science and aviation classes.
owned aerobatic jet team in the western hemisphere, be-
gan with the vision of one person, Randy Howell. Fueled With the right aircraft, the right pilots, and the perfect facility, Howell’s vision of
by a passion for aviation since childhood, it became How- a world-class professional team for the air show circuit has truly become a reality.
ell’s mission to create a six-jet precision demonstration The Patriots Jet Team, unique in its kind, represents an all-encompassing blend of
team that could entertain, inspire, and educate. passion, inspiration, integrity, and professionalism, captivating audiences from all
This mission hit the ground running in 1999, when the over North America with exhilarating aerobatic performances.
first of the Patriots aircraft were purchased, followed by
additional jets in 2004, 2005, and 2011. The aircraft were For more information on the Patriots Jet Team visit www.Patriotsjetteam.com
disassembled in Europe, shipped via truck, rail, and sea
in containers to the United States. After restoration by
team members, the jets were appropriately modified for
use on the air show circuit, including the application of
the current Patriots Jet Team paint scheme.
A talented group of pilots was first assembled in 2002
by Howell. Based in Byron, CA, the Patriots Jet Team
features pilots who were formerly part of the U.S. Air
Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and Royal
Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. They have logged over
105,000 hours of flight time and performed in more than 1500 air shows. The vol-
unteer pilots all share the same genuine passion to entertain audiences at air shows
and other events, while also encouraging the nation’s youth toward careers in the
aviation and aerospace fields.
In the summer of 2012, the Patriots Jet Team moved into the 35,000 square foot
Jet and Event Center. This facility enables the team to house all seven jets as well
as two MiG-17s under one roof, and still have plenty of room to spare. Equally
important is that the skilled mechanics team can now perform maintenance at the
same location.
Additionally, the hangar has become a favorite hangout for aviation enthusiasts