Patriots Jet Team History
The Patriots Jet Team was formed in the beginning of the 21st century, with its first L-39, which the team uses, was purchased in 1999.
The first public display as a duo team was in 2003.
In 2004, the third L-39 was added to the Patriots Jet Team.
In 2006, the Patriots Jet Team became a full-size aerobatic team increasing its size to four aircraft in formation. This is second largest civilian jet aerobatic team in the world after the Breitling Jet Team, who also use the L-39 Albatross.
The Patriots Jet Team L-39s are painted black and are equipped with 25-gallon smoke oil tanks and electronic, GPS controlled smoke generators releasing red, white and blue smoke. The Patriots Jet Team signature maneuver is its ability to tail slide the L-39, a maneuver no other civilian jet team performs.
The team leader is Dean "Wilbur" Wright, who was a former USAF Thunderbirds Solo pilot. The right wing is flown by Rob "Stache" Hutchison, a 747 captain and active Alaskan bush pilot. The left wing is flown by John "Bordz" Posson, a current P-51 Mustang instructor pilot at Stallion 51 in Florida. And the slot is flown by Paul "Sticky" Strickland, also a former USAF Thunderbird slot pilot.
The team owner and founder is Randy "Howler" Howell - a current 747 Captain, former Formula Class racer at the Reno Air Races and a back-up demonstration pilot for all positions on the Patriots Jet Team. The team is based in Byron, California
Patriots Jet Team
