U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
The US Air Force Thunderbirds make a thrilling return to the Gary Air Show! 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 Fighting Falcon – the Air Force's premier multi-role fighter jet. The two solos display the power and maximum capabilities of the mighty F-16.
U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team
Millions of people throughout the world see the Golden Knights each year, at more than 70 demonstration sites across the nation and abroad. These Army ambassadors perform precision free-fall demonstrations to connect the Army with people in towns who rarely, if ever, see a soldier. These men and women, of the Black and Gold Demonstration Teams, tell their Army story to all they meet to increase the propensity to join the all-volunteer force. Preparation for the demonstration itself begins hours prior to the performance.
The aviation detachment (Team Six) prepares the aircraft for takeoff, smoke is rigged, flags packed, weather checked and media briefs are given to the media riders by the designated safety demonstrator. The C147A Dash 8 takes off 30-40 minutes prior to time on target. The flight pattern is established, black and gold wind drift indicators are dropped and they climb to altitude.
The full show consists of four separate maneuvers, which demonstrate the maneuverability of the human body while falling at speeds in excess of 120 mph, which can be altered due to weather or other concerns, once again displaying the amazing talent and flexibility of the team. The baton pass entails two jumpers exiting the aircraft separately and flying together to exchange a 14-inch mahogany baton. The cutaway maneuver is designed to show what would occur if the jumper’s parachute was to malfunction. The diamond track demonstrates the incredible amount of lateral movement a jumper can obtain in free fall. The diamond formation has four jumpers exiting the aircraft and maneuvering their bodies closer together until they are mere inches apart, forming a diamond shape in the sky.
Susan Dacy 'Big Red'
Susan is one of only a few females performing airshows in a biplane, and is the only woman flying exhibition in the Super Stearman.
Attending airshows as a child, Susan remembers being in awe of the big, loud, smoky biplanes. As a teenager, yearning to fly, Susan felt the only way to fly a Stearman was to have one of her own. At the family airport, located in Harvard, Illinois, Susan worked in the office, fueled planes and eventually acquired a rebuildable Stearman Project. While in high school, every spare hour was spent restoring the aircraft, which she still owns and operates today.
Step back in time as Susan Dacy puts her 450 horsepower, Super Stearman, ‘Big Red’ through its paces with a dazzling display of barrel rolls, slow, slow rolls, Cuban eights, hammerhead turns, loops and much more, in a style reminiscent of the barnstorming era of flying.
Bill Stein Airshows
Bill Stein has logged more than 7,000 hours of aerobatic and formation flight. Bill began flying aerobatics when he was still a student pilot and has been dedicated to perfecting his skills ever since. Since 1995 Bill has performed at air shows across the United States and has entertained millions of air show fans.
Bill’s passion for precision flying is evident in his dazzling air show routine. He trains every day so that his skills stay razor sharp, and to maintain the all-out energy and excitement he puts into his air show sequence.
Bill’s experience includes competitive aerobatics and years of flying on the world-famous Red Baron Stearman Squadron.
Warbird Thunder
Warbird Thunder Airshows provide a 12-minute airshow performance featuring the North American SNJ Texan, a former WWII Navy Advanced Training Aircraft.
Two SNJs performing beautiful formation aerobatics offer a great spectator experience due to the aircraft’s large physical size, beautiful radial engine sound and fantastic smoke presentation.
The SNJ was nicknamed “Ol Growler” because of its distinct deep and throaty roar – nothing else sounds like it. Warbird Thunder’s formation aerobatic routine is fast-paced and entertaining. The two aircraft perform formation loops, aileron rolls, barrel rolls and Cuban Eights but also separate, bringing more excitement with opposing aerobatics before rejoining for the final maneuvers.
Bob Richards and 'Machaira' - Muscle Biplane
Come see a unique, high-energy performance of "Machaira', named after the Greek word meaning two-edged sword!
Pilot Bob Richards grew up in Valparaiso, Indiana, watching airshows and flying remote-controlled models. He is a graduate of the Purdue University Flight Program, where he received his first aerobatic training in a DeHavilland Chipmunk in 1992.
Bob flew a stock 180 hp Pitts S1S in airshows for 10 seasons, accumulating thousands of hours in that aircraft, before purchasing and performing in his custom-built single-place Pitts with more power, different wings and a three-bladed propeller. Bob's desire for more power was realized when he acquired 'Machaira', a custom-built aircraft, producing 325 hp, previously owned by expert designer, builder and airshow performer Doug Dodge.
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors!
Interested in sponsoring the Gary Air Show? Please email airshow@southshorecva.com for more information.
Gary Air Show Contact Information:
(219) 301-7752 or airshow@southshorecva.com.