Meet the Performers

Tim Weber

Tim Weber discovered aviation at the age of 13. Having moved within bicycling distance of Turf Soaring School in Phoenix, Arizona, it wasn't long before Tim was a regular visitor to the airport. By the time Tim was 14 years old he had gone from being the kid looking through the fence to becoming a line-boy, trading work for flying lessons.

Tim's aptitude for flying was evident early on. Within a short time he had soloed in several different types of gliders and had begun exploring aerobatics. Since that time, Tim has flown a variety of aircraft including: Ultralights; WWII Stearmans; the legendary Pitts Special, the exotic Russian YAK 55M and several types of jets including the F-16. Tim's aggressive flying and natural ability have enabled him to become one of the top airshow performers in the United States.

Jon Melby

Jon Melby is an airshow pilot with over 32 years of flying experience.  Over the many years he has flown dozens of aircraft types and currently performs in a highly modified "Pitts" S-1-11B bi-plane.

Jon first learned to fly at age 8, when he created a pile of leaves in his Duluth, Minnesota lawn, climbed onto the roof of his 2 story home, and jumped like a bird into the leaves.

At the age of 12, Jon had the opportunity to meet the legendary airshow pilot Bob Hoover.  Bob Hoover's sincerity and great personality gave him the inspiration to pursue his dream of flying.  When Jon was financially able, he made it a goal to solo in a glider before his 16th birthday.  In only 8 flights, he achieved his goal by riding a bicycle 45 miles, on hot Arizona July summer weekends, to the nearest glider airport!

During Jon's first competition against 23 pilots, he achieved 3rd place, and in the next two contests he won first and second place, awarding him enough points to become the Arizona State Sportsman Champion. This all took place the first year of competition aerobatics. It was then that Jon knew that aerobatics was his "groove" and it's been an adventure for him ever since.

Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Car

Out on the taxiway you can hear the deafening roar of an engine and see billowing clouds of smoke. You can feel the reverberations of mini sonic booms. You look up and realize it's not an aircraft. In front of you is the Air Force Reserve Jet Car preparing to accelerate.

Before beginning the show, Bill Braack, driver, slowly drives past the crowd. He engages the afterburner which shoots 20-foot flames, produces billowing smoke and mini sonic booms.

Dr. Frank Donnelly

Based at Cable Airport in Upland, California, Dr. Frank Donnelly (Dr. D) and his 1946 T-Cart are bringing back old-time aerobatics to the airshow circuit.  With eight successful shows in 2005, and 13 in 2006, Dr. D is a proven airshow performer.

A retired psychology professor from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California, Donnelly started flying aerobatics in a WW II-era PT-26 Fairchild trainer.  Later on, he graduated to a 1952 British Royal Air Force Chipmunk. "I really enjoy flying the old aerobatic airplanes. They are part of the history of aerobatics, and they're a pleasure to watch."

C-53D "SKYTROOPER"

On July 6, 1943 a new camouflage painted C-53D "SKYTROOPER" came off the Douglas Santa Monica Assembly line.

This aircraft trained with the 101st Airborne (Screamin' Eagles) and the 82nd Airborne (All American) to participate in the D-Day invasion of Europe.  She flew three missions over June 6th and 7th, 1944 and went on to fly three more missions over Europe.

Donated to the Commemorative Air Force and assigned to the Inland Empire Wing at Riverside Airport, she was affectionately restored to full military configuration and flight statue. Restored as close as possible to look exactly as she did on D-Day.  She now flies from the Riverside Airport as "D-DAY DOLL".

Silver Wings Wingwalker Team

The blended talents of pilot Hartley Folstad and wing walker Margaret Stivers are on display in a heart-pounding ballet in the sky.

John Collver and his T-6 Texan

After serving on the Board of Directors for the International Aerobatic Club he went on to airshow flying. He really wanted to break in show flying with something different. So, instead of a small aerobatic type aircraft, Collver bought a big Warbird -- the North American AT-6/SNJ Texan. That was nearly 20 years ago. Now, after a decade, there are more than a million people that see the thrilling yet informative demonstrations put on by Collver and his big AT-6 Texan annually!

Classic Car Show

Always a favorite with the crowds, Classic Chevy's brings its best to share with you.

A portion of the proceeds from the Car Show will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis foundation.

This Year's Performers

• JON MELBY - PITTS MUSCLE BI-PLANE
• TIM WEBER - EXTRA
• SMOKE-N-THUNDER JET CAR
• FRANK DONNELLY - DR. D'S OLD-TIME AEROBATICS
• JUST IN TIME SKYDIVERS
• JOHN COLLVER'S T-6 "WARDOG
• SILVER WINGS STEARMAN & WING WALKING
• RIVERSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT HELICOPTER CHASE SCENE
• RPD K-9 DEMO
• ANTIQUES - CLASSICS - WARBIRDS
• T-6 FORMATION FLY-BYS
• CLASSIC CHEVY CLUB CAR SHOW
• MILITARY VEHICLE SHOW
• CORONA R.C. MODEL DEMOS
• AIRSHOW VENDORS
• FOOD VENDORS
• EAA YOUNG EAGLES
• COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE DISPLAY