The civilian aerobatic circuit has gotten complicated with all the new talent flying around. As someone who has followed solo performers for years — often choosing which show to attend based specifically on who is on the aerobatic card — I learned everything there is to know about who you need to be watching right now. Today, I will share it all with you.
While the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds grab the headlines, the civilian aerobatic circuit features solo performers pushing the boundaries of what aircraft — and human physiology — can survive. Here are eight pilots whose 2025 schedules you need to follow.
Rob Holland — The Unlimited Champion
Aircraft: MXS-RH (heavily modified)
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Multiple-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion flying routines that other pilots consider flat-out impossible. His tumbling and lomcevak combinations generate rotational forces that would destroy most aircraft. The custom MXS was built specifically around his flying style — the airplane exists because of him.
Signature maneuver: The “Holland Roll” — a tumbling rolling combination that appears to violate several laws of physics. I have watched it dozens of times and still cannot figure out how it works.
2025 highlights: Sun ‘n Fun, Oshkosh, select east coast shows.
Melissa Pemberton — Precision Personified
Aircraft: Edge 540
Former member of the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team competing on the world stage. Her sequences emphasize precision over flash — every line geometrically perfect, every roll rate consistent. The casual crowd may not fully appreciate what she is doing, but anyone who understands aerobatics recognizes the mastery.
2025 focus: Competition circuit plus select airshows.
Michael Goulian — The Showman
Aircraft: Extra 330SC
One of the most recognized names in airshow entertainment. He balances competition credentials with crowd-pleasing performance in a way few achieve. His smoke and pyrotechnic integration sets the industry standard.
2025 presence: Major shows nationwide, extensive schedule.
Vicky Benzing — The Ceiling Breaker
Aircraft: Extra 300S, also flies a 1944 P-51D Mustang
Former competitive skydiver turned aerobatic competitor turned airshow performer. One of the few pilots regularly flying both unlimited aerobatics and warbird demonstrations. Watching the same pilot switch from an Extra to a P-51 showcases remarkable range.
2025 focus: West coast shows, Reno Air Races, national events.
Kyle Franklin — Comedy That Requires Real Skill
Aircraft: Piper J-3 Cub (heavily modified)
That’s what makes Kyle Franklin endearing to us airshow regulars — his “Prometheus” comedy act looks like chaos but requires serious precision. A seemingly out-of-control Cub, a “stolen” aircraft, and aerobatics that demonstrate legitimate skill beneath the humor. His drunk pilot routine has been entertaining crowds for decades. Do not let the comedy fool you.
2025 locations: Regional and national shows.
Jeff Boerboon — The Next Generation
Aircraft: Extra 330SC
Representing the emerging generation of aerobatic excellence. Multi-time unlimited medalist bringing fresh energy and modern training approaches to the circuit. He is pushing boundaries of what people consider “standard” unlimited sequences.
2025 trajectory: Expanding national presence.
Bill Stein — Consistent Excellence
Aircraft: Edge 540
Veteran competitor and airshow performer maintaining top-level performance over decades. Proof that aerobatic skill ages better than most athletic abilities. Same precision whether it is a Tuesday practice or a Saturday airshow crowd.
2025 schedule: Select major events.
Dagmar Kress — International Star
Aircraft: Extra 330SC
German-born pilot bringing European aerobatic traditions to American audiences. Competition pedigree combined with airshow showmanship. Her maneuver combinations reflect different competitive traditions that American crowds do not see often.
2025 appearances: Growing U.S. schedule.
Following the Circuit
These pilots maintain social media pages and websites with current schedules. ICAS also publishes performer lineups by event. Plan around the specific pilots you want to see — they do not all attend every show. A little research goes a long way.
