The first of the
Patriots Jet demonstration aircraft were purchased in
1999 with additional L-39 Jets purchased through 2002.
The aircraft were disassembled and shipped via truck,
rail and sea in a 40' container from Europe to the
United States. After painstaking restoration by the
Airshows America team, The Patriots L-39 jets were
modified for use on the air show circuit with upgraded
avionics systems for navigation and communications,
removal of excess weight for better air show
performance, addition of a 25 gallon smoke oil system,
and removal of their previous paint scheme. First
debuting in 2003 as a two-ship team, the 2004 season saw
the addition of a third aircraft creating even more fun
and excitement at air shows. With the success of the
2005 season, the Patriots added a forth jet for the 2006
season bringing the performance to an entirely new
level. The Patriots team is in the process of restoring
3 more L-39's in their Northern California facility.
Future plans include the addition of 2 more jets in 2010
for a 6 ship team. Sponsored by Fry's Electronics and
Hot Line Construction, the Patriots L-39s have
electrified spectators with fast paced formation flying,
choreographed four-ship diamond formation aerobatic
maneuvers and and their signature "Tail Slide" where the
aircraft actually slides backwards toward the ground,
something not performed by any other jet demonstration
team. Performances highlighted by computerized red,
white and blue smoke system are flown by lead pilot Dean
"Wilbur" Wright, right wingman Rob "FaNG" Hutchison,
left wingman John "Boards" Posson and slot pilot Paul
“Sticky” Strickland.
