8 Aerobatic Stars Flying Solo at 2025 Airshows

While the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds draw 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)

Why watch: Multiple-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion flying routines that other pilots consider impossible. His tumbling and lomcevak combinations generate rotational forces that would destroy most aircraft. The custom MXS was built specifically around his flying style.

Signature maneuver: The “Holland Roll” – a tumbling rolling combination that appears to violate several laws of physics.

2025 schedule highlights: Sun ‘n Fun, Oshkosh, and select east coast shows.

Melissa Pemberton – Precision Personified

Aircraft: Edge 540

Why watch: Former member of the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team competing on the world stage. Her sequences emphasize precision over flash – every line is geometrically perfect, every roll rate consistent.

Signature style: Technical excellence that competition judges appreciate and crowds may underestimate.

2025 focus: Competition circuit plus select airshows.

Michael Goulian – The Showman

Aircraft: Extra 330SC

Why watch: One of the most recognized names in airshow entertainment, balancing competition credentials with crowd-pleasing performance. His smoke/pyrotechnic integration sets industry standards.

Signature approach: Routines designed for entertainment value while maintaining aerobatic purity.

2025 presence: Major shows nationwide, extensive schedule.

Vicky Benzing – The Ceiling Breaker

Aircraft: Extra 300S, also flies the “1944” P-51D Mustang

Why watch: Former competitive skydiver turned aerobatic competitor turned airshow performer. One of the few pilots regularly flying both unlimited aerobatics and warbird demonstrations.

Signature versatility: 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 Meets Skill

Aircraft: Piper J-3 Cub (heavily modified)

Why watch: The “Prometheus” comedy act involves a seemingly out-of-control Cub, a “stolen” aircraft, and aerobatics that demonstrate serious skill beneath the humor. His drunk pilot routine has entertained airshow crowds for decades.

Signature act: Comedy flying that requires more precision than it appears.

2025 locations: Regional and national shows.

Jeff Boerboon – The Next Generation

Aircraft: Extra 330SC

Why watch: Representing the emerging generation of aerobatic excellence. Multi-time unlimited medalist bringing fresh energy and modern training approaches to the circuit.

Signature development: Pushing the boundaries of what’s considered “standard” unlimited sequences.

2025 trajectory: Expanding national presence.

Bill Stein – Consistent Excellence

Aircraft: Edge 540

Why watch: Veteran competitor and airshow performer maintaining top-level performance over decades. Proof that aerobatic skill ages better than most athletic abilities.

Signature consistency: The same precision whether it’s Tuesday practice or Saturday airshow.

2025 schedule: Select major events.

Dagmar Kress – International Star

Aircraft: Extra 330SC

Why watch: German-born pilot bringing European aerobatic traditions to American audiences. Competition pedigree combined with airshow showmanship.

Signature international flavor: Maneuver combinations and sequences reflecting different competitive traditions.

2025 appearances: Growing U.S. schedule.

Following the Circuit

These pilots maintain social media presences and websites with current schedules. The International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) also publishes performer schedules by event. Plan around specific pilots you want to see – they don’t all attend every show.