NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meet the Pilot: F-16 Demo Team Commander Taylor ‘FEMA’ Hiester
March 21, 2024
Like every kid, Capt. Taylor “FEMA” Hiester had an airplane phase, but he never grew out of it. Capt. Hiester always knew he wanted to be an American fighter pilot and fly the F-16. From ROTC at Penn State University to flight training at Holloman Air Force Base, that drive and personal mission to serve his country led Capt. Hiester to his new role as commander of the F-16 Viper Demo Team. Now he will travel to over 25 airshows this year, performing for millions of Americans, and celebrating the landmark 50th Anniversary of the F-16.
F-35 Demo Team announces new pilot and commander
March 4, 2024
U.S. Air Force Capt. Melanie “MACH” Kluesner, an F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron, became the new certified pilot and commander of the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team during the Air Combat Command Heritage Flight Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Mar 1, 2024.
Warbird Stories: P-47 Thunderbolt Tarheel Hal
AUG 30, 2023
The P-47 Thunderbolt, affectionately known as “The Jug,” was one of the heaviest and most heavily-armed fighters during the war. When fully loaded, the aircraft could weigh up to eight tons, and was outfitted with extensive artillery including multiple .50-caliber machine guns, 5-inch rockets, and substantial bomb loads.
Meet The Pilot: Capt. Lindsay ‘MAD’ Johnson of the A-10 Demo Team
MAY 03, 2023
Capt. Lindsay “Mad” Johnson is no stranger to the skies. From flying in her dad’s CESSNA at 9 years old to jumping with “Wings of Blue” at the Air Force Academy, flying has been a core foundation in the life of the A-10 Demo Team’s newest commander.
Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation Announces 2023 Schedule
MAR 21, 2023
The Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation is thrilled to announce its 2023 schedule, which will include 60 events across the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Beginning with the annual Heritage Flight Training Course, the AFHFF will join the Air Force’s premiere single-ship demonstration teams to take to the skies to honor our nation's air power history and inspire the next generation. These dramatic displays feature modern fighter and attack aircraft in formation alongside World War II, Korea and Vietnam-era warbirds.
Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation Officially Welcomes F-5 Tiger To Program
MAR 07, 2023
Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation is excited to announce the newest addition to the program’s aircraft lineup - the F-5E Tiger. As an integral part of the United States Air Force’s elite aggressor program, the F-5 was instrumental in training some of the most successful and decorated pilots in the modern era. Its unique history both as a combat fighter and trainer makes it a first-of-its-kind addition to the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation with an even more important story to share.
Meet The Pilot: Capt. Samuel ‘RAZZ’ Larson
FEB 28, 2023
Having attended his first airshow at just 6 months old, Capt. Samuel “RaZZ” Larson has been captivated by the military’s demonstration teams for as long as he can remember. Now an experienced fighter pilot, Larson is looking forward to joining that community himself by taking on a new role as commander and pilot of the F-22 Demonstration Team for the 2023 air show season.
Warbird Stories: P-51 Mustang From ‘Spam Can’ To ‘Dolly’
FEB 28, 2023
Despite having had one owner for more than six decades, “Dolly” has donned a variety of designs and paint schemes throughout its time in the skies. Featuring a Pacific Theater-inspired paint scheme rare among P-51s, “Dolly” showcases the Mustang’s broader military aviation history and has become a staple for Warbird enthusiasts by perfectly embodying the spirit of this beloved fighter.