Performers

A full lineup of military and civilian aircraft will perform at the Branson Wings of Pride Air Show.

*Performers are subject to change without notice

PERFORMERS

USAF THUNDERBIRDS

The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The demonstration is a mix of six aircraft performing formation flying and solo routines. The four-ship Diamond formation showcases the precision and training of U.S. Air Force Pilots, as well as the gracefulness of the F-16. The two solos display the power and maximum capabilities of the mighty F-16 Fighting Falcon, a frontline fighter.

USAF C-17 Globemaster III East Coast Demo Team

This powerhouse aircraft, known as the “workhorse of the Air Force,” will show its full range of capabilities in a dynamic demonstration rarely seen by the public. With a wingspan of 169 feet and stretching 174 feet in length, the C-17 is the second-largest aircraft in the U.S. Air Force — yet incredibly agile in the hands of its expert crew.

The East Coast Demonstration Team features highly skilled pilots, loadmasters, and flying crew chiefs who perform precision maneuvers designed to highlight the aircraft’s real-world mission. Spectators will witness quick turns, tactical descents, low-level passes, and the crowd-favorite backwards taxi using thrust reversers. These demonstrations showcase how the C-17 delivers troops, vehicles, and humanitarian aid anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.

Branson Wings of Pride guests will have the rare opportunity to see this world-class aircraft and its crew demonstrate why the C-17 remains one of the most essential assets in America’s airlift fleet.

Please note that appearances are subject to operational requirements.

U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team

The U.S. Army Golden Knights are the world’s premier military parachute demonstration team and one of the most thrilling aerial performers in the skies. These elite paratroopers represent the precision, discipline, and excellence of the United States Army, delivering breathtaking displays that blend athleticism, accuracy, and patriotism.

Jumping from altitudes up to 12,500 feet, the Golden Knights freefall at more than 120 miles per hour before deploying their parachutes and maneuvering with remarkable control. Their demonstrations feature high-performance canopy formations, dynamic aerial choreography, and precision landings directly in front of the crowd, often enhanced by smoke trails and flying flags.

Each performance showcases teamwork, trust, and skill under pressure while connecting with audiences across the country. As proud ambassadors of the U.S. Army, the Golden Knights inspire future generations and honor those who serve. Don’t miss the chance to witness this iconic team descend into the Branson Wings of Pride Air Show for an unforgettable up-close experience.

Kirby Chambliss

Kirby Chambliss’s rise as one of the world’s most respected aerobatic pilots began with a defining moment early in his career. At 21, while flying corporate aircraft for La Quinta Motor Inn, his chief pilot shared advice that would shape his future. If a jet ever ended up upside down with a CEO onboard, the pilot needed to know how to recover safely. That lesson sparked a deeper pursuit, turning flying from a profession into a lifelong commitment to precision, control, and confidence in every situation.

Aviation had always been part of Kirby’s life. He soloed at 13 and went on to become the youngest commercial pilot at Southwest Airlines at 24, upgrading to captain by 28. While airline flying offered stability, aerobatics fueled his passion. Years of training and air show performances earned him a place on the U.S. National Aerobatic Team, where he collected 13 world medals. Kirby later became a standout competitor in the inaugural Red Bull Air Race, winning two World Championships.

Today, Kirby lives at Flying Crown Ranch in Arizona, where flying remains at the center of everyday life.

A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog”

One of the most recognizable military aircraft ever built is coming to Branson! The legendary A-10 Thunderbolt II, better known as the “Warthog,” will take to the skies during the Branson Wings of Pride Air Show. Built specifically for close air support, the A-10 is famous for its rugged design, incredible low-altitude maneuverability and unmistakable 30mm GAU-8/A cannon.

Guests will also have the opportunity to see a second A-10 on static display, offering an up-close look at this iconic aircraft. The A-10s will join us from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, making this an especially exciting addition to the Labor Day Weekend lineup.

Wall of Fire

Get ready to feel the heat! The Wall of Fire, performed locally by Firework Greg and Explosive Contractors, brings an incredible burst of fire, heat and excitement to the flight line. This massive pyrotechnic display creates a dramatic wall of flames across the airfield for one of the most unforgettable moments of the Branson Wings of Pride Air Show.

Aarron Deliu

Based in Florida, Aarron Deliu is an accomplished aerobatic pilot who has been performing at air shows across the country. Inspired by aviation at just 14 years old, he soloed in a glider at 15 and an airplane at 16, quickly building a career defined by precision and performance. His passion for flight and disciplined training have earned him recognition on both national and international stages.

Aarron claimed the Australian National Aerobatic Championship title and achieved the highest-ever placement for an Australian pilot at the 2022 World Aerobatic Championships. He continued his winning momentum by capturing the 2023 Sky Grand Prix, blending air racing with aerobatics, and the 2024 Air Masters Cup freestyle title. Today, he brings elite competitive experience and high-energy aerobatics to every air show performance.

Tom Larkin: Mini Jet Airshows

Tom “Lark” Larkin is proof that great pilots are not always born fearless. As a child, he was afraid of roller coasters and often airsick, yet he went on to earn his private pilot’s license in just 62 days while in college. With an Aerospace Engineering degree from Georgia Tech, Tom entered U.S. Air Force pilot training in 1984, becoming a T-38 instructor and later an F-15C fighter pilot. He was named Top Graduate in F-15 school and flew 22 combat missions over Northern Iraq in support of Operations Northern Watch and Provide Comfort. Today, Tom is a captain, instructor, and evaluator on the Boeing 737 for a major airline and has logged more than 10,000 flight hours in over 55 aircraft. Now performing exclusively in the Mini Jet, Tom brings his 30-year dream to life with high-energy routines showcasing precision, power, and the thrill of fighter-style aerobatics.

The star of Mini Jet Airshows is the highly modified SubSonex Jet JSX003, a 500-pound fully aerobatic jet capable of speeds up to 300 mph. Powered by a PBS TJ-100 jet engine, it delivers thrilling performance and a dramatic smoke trail from its custom smoke system, creating a fast-paced and unforgettable airshow experience.

Erik Edgren – T-Clips Aerobatics

For Erik Edgren, aviation has truly been a lifelong passion—he was flying before he was even born, with his mother taking airplane rides while pregnant. By age six, he was learning to fly from his father’s lap, soloed at just eight years old using custom-built seat and control extensions, and discovered his love of aerobatics at age ten. Today, Erik has logged more than 6,000 flight hours in over 180 different aircraft types, with experience ranging from flight instruction and corporate aviation to air combat training. Flying his one-of-a-kind 1939 T-Clips, extensively modified with inverted systems and airshow smoke, Erik delivers an exciting, low-level aerobatic performance that brings precision flying and classic aviation right to the crowd.

Matt Younkin: Beech 18

Matt Younkin delivers one of the most unique and crowd-captivating performances on the air show circuit today. Carrying on the legacy of his father, Bobby Younkin, Matt has transformed the classic Beech 18 into an unexpected aerobatic performer. Known for precision flying and showmanship, his routine blends vintage aviation with high-energy maneuvers that challenge what audiences expect from a historic transport aircraft.

Matt’s performance is a tribute to the routine pioneered by his father, featuring a dramatic sequence that includes a roll on takeoff, Cuban eights, point rolls, and even a full loop. The show concludes with the signature “Elephant Waltz,” a low pass with landing gear and flaps extended, as Matt rocks the aircraft’s wings beyond 90 degrees in a stunning display of control and finesse. Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney R985 radial engines producing 450 horsepower each, the Beech 18 reaches speeds up to 250 mph, making this rare combination of size, power, and precision an unforgettable highlight of the show.

Jeff Shetterly: 1945 NA SNJ-6 “Texan”

Hailing from Overland Park, KS, Radial Rumble pilot Jeff Shetterly is a third-generation aviator who grew up in Indianapolis, IN. Jeff graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in Human Factors Engineering and served in the United States Army on M1A1 Abrams tanks. He was stationed in Germany and deployed several times to the Balkans, leaving military service in 2001.

In the years since, Jeff has become an instrument-rated commercial pilot and Certified Flight Instructor. He’s flown single and multi-engine aircraft as well as gliders – 95 different aircraft types so far. Jeff hopes his performances will be an inspiration to both children and adults, and he is thrilled to be constantly learning from the veterans who flew planes like “39F” (his 1945 North American SNJ-6 “Texan”) when they were new.

Joe Shetterly: RV8

Joe Shetterly’s passion for flight began at a young age, building and flying gas-powered model aircraft before moving into radio-controlled competition. He soloed on his 16th birthday, earned his private pilot’s license at 17, and began competing in aerobatics while still in his teens. Joe later attended the University of Kansas, where he earned a degree in Engineering while working as a full-time flight instructor.

After graduation, Joe joined the United States Air Force and fulfilled his dream of flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II. While stationed in Tucson, Arizona, he earned the call sign “Rifle,” and in 2009 was selected as the Air Force’s A-10 Demonstration Pilot, performing nearly 250 demonstrations. Today, Joe continues to share his passion for aviation with audiences across North America.

Jarrod Lindemann and RAD Aerosports

Jarrod Lindemann knew he would become a part of air show history after seeing his first air show and doing his first aerobatic performance. To date, Jarrod has logged thousands of hours in everything from training aircraft to private jets.

In 2020, Jarrod acquired the Jet Waco, a Taperwing Waco modified with the addition of a Learjet engine! With the Jet-Waco, Jarrod has realized a lifetime ambition of his to serve as an inspiration to young aviators everywhere. The mission of Team RAD is to inspire and excite individuals of all ages to take up flying.

Bob Carlton: FoxJet Sailplane

Bob Carlton began flying in 1979 at age 19 and has logged more than 2,000 hours in a wide range of aircraft. He holds a commercial pilot certificate and has flown hang gliders, airplanes, helicopters, and sailplanes across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Performing professionally since 1993, Bob has become one of the most versatile air show performers in North America. He started in his Salto sailplane and has continually evolved his act with innovative capabilities that push the limits of sailplane performance.

That spirit of innovation continues with Carlton’s FoxJet twin-engine jet sailplane. Powered by two PBS TJ-100 jet engines, the two-seat FoxJet is the only sailplane on the air show circuit capable of carrying two people while delivering a low-level, jet-powered performance. It launches into a high-speed climb before transitioning into a graceful aerial ballet choreographed to music and enhanced by Vertigo Airshows wingtip smoke. With exceptional speed, power, and aerobatic capability, the FoxJet delivers a truly unforgettable air show experience.

Greg Shetterly

Greg’s passion for aviation began as a child, listening to stories from his grandfather and uncle about life in the skies. He spent countless hours at his local airport watching airplanes, dreaming of the day he would take flight himself. At just 17 years old, Greg began flight lessons, launching a career that has now spanned more than four decades.

Over 42 years of professional flying, Greg has logged more than 20,000 flight hours in 131 different aircraft models. He is rated in nine different jets and holds instructor certifications in single- and multi-engine airplanes, seaplanes, gliders, and aerobatics.

Flying his DR 107 One Design, Greg will demonstrate the precision, skill, and passion that have made him a respected name in aerobatic aviation for decades.