The IAC AirVenture Planning Committee is excited to announce the 2025 Speaker Forums Schedule with speaker topics and bios and the 2025 Airshow Performer Meet & Greet Schedule with performer photos and bios.
SPEAKER FORUMS SCHEDULE
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
| TIME | SPEAKERS AND BIOS | TOPICS |
| 8:30–9:45 | Don Adamson has 45 years of experience as an aircraft builder, pilot and mechanic. He is the President of 92nd West Aviation, Inc., the manufacturer of the Pitts Model 12 kit and components. Larry King has been flying, maintaining and testing the Model 12 for more than 20 years. |
The Pitts Model 12 – The Macho Stinker: Don and Larry will discuss the history, building, flying and maintaining the Pitts Model 12. |
| 10:00–11:15 | Doug Vayda is a consultant for Extra Aircraft USA and has flown/sold Extra’s for more than 30 years. He has over 4000 hours of Extra time and has sold the majority of Extra’s currently in the USA. | So, you want to buy an aerobatic airplane? Doug will share his experience in buying and selling aerobatic airplanes over the last 30 years. Should you buy new or used and what to look out for when buying your 1st or 10th aerobatic airplane! |
| 11:30–12:45 | Dagmar Kress is a certified flight instructor having been involved in aviation for over 30 years. She has been a member of the Women’s German National team at the World Aerobatic Championships. She flies an Extra NG. | Aerodynamics and Aerobatics: Dagmar describes the basic aerodynamic principles that are involved in flying aerobatics. |
| 1:00–2:15 | Ryan “RJ” Birr has more than 30 years of experience in the aviation insurance industry. He holds a CAIP-Gold, Certified Aviation Insurance Professional designation, and holds a Gold-Seal Certified Instrument Flight Instructor certificate. | How to buy insurance for Your Aerobatic Airplane in the Current Market Conditions: R.J. will use his more than 30 years of experience to discuss how current market trends are impacting insurance for aerobatic airplanes and aerobatic competitors. |
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
| TIMES | SPEAKERS & BIOS | TOPICS |
| 8:30–9:45 |
Nina Stewart was on the Metropolitan State University Denver (MSU) Aerobatic Team. She is the current Chair for the IAC Collegiate Program
|
Starting and Growing a Collegiate Aerobatic Team: The IAC Colligate program is intended to encourage interest in aerobatics through Collegiate Competition among college age students. Nina and Colin will introduce the general guidelines for the IAC’s Collegiate Program and how to start a collegiate team. Having come from a successful aerobatic team that won the “Collegiate National Championship Team Award” five times between 2017 and 2021, the pair can give insight on growing a successful collegiate team. |
| 10:00–11:15 | Gordon Penner is a Master CFI-Aerobatics and an FAA Gold Seal instructor. He flew professionally for a cargo carrier in a Boeing 767 and has over 13,000 of flight time. | Getting started in Aerobatics the right way: Gordon discusses how to get started in aerobatics: choosing an instructor, finding an aerobatic flight school, your first flights and what to expect. He will cover concepts of some basic figures from a roll, to a spin, to a loop. |
| 11:30–12:45 | ||
| 1:00–2:15 |
Phillip Gragg flew his Pitts S-2A in 2023 US National Aerobatic Championships to win the Sportsman category and is a member of the IAC Board of Directors Eric Ledet is a professional pilot and flight instructor who bought his Pitts S-1S as a project at age 22 and went on to win the 2024 U.S. National Championship in Primary Power. He actively flies the Pitts S-1S and S-2A. Christoph Webber is an IAC competitor and aerobatic instructor who competed on the UND aerobatic team and currently flies the Pitts S-1S. |
Inverted Ambition – The Young Pilot's Path to a Pitts and Aerobatic Competition: Phillip, Erik and Christoph will each share their own journeys of Pitts ownership and how you too can join the aerobatic community, in a Pitt’s without breaking the bank. |
Thursday, July 24, 2025
| TIMES | SPEAKERS & BIOS | TOPICS |
| 8:30–9:45 | ||
| 10:00–11:15 | Paulo Iscold is an aerospace engineer and former Red Bull Air Racing Team design engineer who created the ACROWRX software to allow users to watch aerobatic flights from multiple perspectives. | ACROWRX and how it benefits the aerobatic competitor: The ACROWRX software allows users to watch competition flights and maneuvers from the perspective of judges, spectators and from the perspective of a chase plane. It also shows the individual ARESTI code of each figure being performed, allowing for review of maneuvers, separate from having a coach or judge on the ground. |
| 11:30–12:45 | Mike Lents is a Master CFI- Aerobatics, Coach of University of North Dakota Aerobatic Team, US Advanced Team Member. He has served on the IAC Sequence Committee and is the 2021 US National Intermediate Champion. | Strategy and perspective from World Competition: Having participated in multiple World Advanced Aerobatic Championships (WAAC), Mike brings a wealth of knowledge to aerobatic competition. He will reflect on lessons learned and how world competition helps to shape regional and US National strategies. |
| 1:00–2:15 | Michael Church is the Chief Instructor at Sunrise Aviation in Southern California with over 40 years of experience giving more than 12,000 hours of flight instruction. | The Possible Turn: This forum covers options you can use successfully if your aircraft engine quits on takeoff. Many factors need to be evaluated in order to make a successful return to the runway after engine failure including: but not limited to runway length, surrounding terrain, wind , ceiling and visibility. |
Friday, July 25, 2025
| TIMES | SPEAKERS & BIOS | TOPICS |
| 8:30–9:45 | IAC Annual Membership Meeting | The IAC Annual Membership Meeting is led by the IAC board of directors and includes a report on the strength of the organization, membership numbers, communications and benefits, U.S. Aerobatics team participation in World events, as well as for the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships. The highlight of the meeting is the installation of new board members from the most recent election. There is a Q&A at the end of the meeting. |
| 10:00–11:15 | Phillip Gragg flew his Pitts S-2A in 2023 US National Aerobatic Championships to win the Sportsman category and is a member of the IAC Board of Directors. |
Adding a 6th Contest Category: Presentation & Discussion Forum Intermediate plus? Advanced light? Category realignment? Phillip will present a white paper that was discussed at the 2023 fall board meeting, some initial development work, sample sequences, benefits and challenges of adjusting the categories, and, most critically, solicit member feedback and ideas for possible future development. |
| 11:30–12:45 | Sean D. Tucker has been flying competitions and airshows since the 1970's and is well-known for his 20–year sponsorship by Oracle (the familiar red Oracle biplane). | Competition Before Airshows: Why everyone should compete before they fly air shows. |
| 1:00–2:15 |
Aura Aero: Nils Hansen does consulting and advisory services with engineering, flight operations, product marketing, sales and networking. Stephen Fiegel is a 2-time MCFI-Aerobatic, an IAC competitor, and the Integral Sales Manager & Demo pilot for the US. |
Aerobatic Integral R Flight Qualities: The Integral R is a new two-seat aerobatic aircraft designed for precision, performance, and safety. It features a 210 HP engine, ballistic parachute, and is EASA certified, with FAA certification expected this year. Responsive controls, excellent visibility, and modern design, make it ideal for training, competition, and aerobatic enthusiasts. |
MEET - AND - GREET SCHEDULE
| TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY |
|
Nathan Hammond
|
Jeff Boerboon & Britt Lincoln 12:00 pm |
NextGen Eagles 1:00 pm |
Sean Tucker 12:45 pm |
Northern Stars Aeroteam
1:00 pm |
PERFORMER BIOS & PHOTOS
Nathan Hammond
Nathan Hammond hails from Rhinebeck, New York, where his fascination with aviation and career path in aerospace were ignited by the aircraft and airshows of Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. At just 16, he soloed his first airplane, and by 17, he had obtained his pilot license. Now with over 8,000 flight hours under his belt, Nathan has piloted everything from the 1917 Curtiss Jenny to Cessna Citations. His journey with air shows began in 1998 when he started flying the DeHaviland Chipmunk, now known as the GhostWriter, swiftly mastering the intricacies of skywriting and air show performances.
Today, Nathan commands the GhostWriter in both daytime and nighttime air shows across North America and continues to leave his mark in skywriting. In addition to his commercial pilot rating, he holds an airframe and power plant mechanic certification.
Originally designed as a trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force, Mr. Hammond’s 1956 deHavilland Chipmunk has been specially modified for air show aerobatics and skywriting. Nearly 3,000 man-hours over a two year period were spent on developing the GhostWriter into the finest example of a Super Chipmunk. It now boasts a cruising speed of 150 mph, and a range of more than 500 miles. It will climb at a rate of 2,500 feet per minute, with a ceiling of 17,500 feet. If you recognize the airplane, that's no surprise. Previously, GhostWriter developed a well-established career in the air show and skywriting industry as the Pepsi SkyDancer for 25 years. In 2016, Nathan K. Hammond took the controls and has been captivating audiences with the smooth lines and raw horsepower of the unparalleled Super Chipmunk ever since.
Jeff Boerboon
Jeff Boerboon is a remarkable aviator with over 20 years of air show flying experience. His journey in the world of air shows began in 2003 with his debut performance in the Pitts S-1S, setting the stage for a career marked by innovation, dedication, and unparalleled showmanship. In 2004, Jeff acquired a Yak-55M, a plane that later became integral to his visionary Yak 110 project. Transitioning to the Extra 330SC in 2009, Jeff participated in numerous air shows, with his first AirVenture appearance in 2011 following his victory at the 2010 U.S. National Unlimited Aerobatic Championships.
In 2012, Jeff joined forces with John Klatt as a wingman for the Air National Guard aerobatic team, showcasing teamwork and precision. The Jack Links Screamin' Sasquatch (Jet Waco), a groundbreaking aircraft, was introduced in 2014; Jeff played a pivotal role in developing its air show sequence and he performed with it for several years, displaying unmatched aerial innovation.
In 2016, Jeff's innovative concept of combining two Yak-55 airplanes with a jet engine culminated in the creation of the Yak 110. This extraordinary aircraft made its first flight in fall 2017, and its air show debut in spring 2018 at the Mountain Home Air Show. Since its debut, Jeff has performed over 100 shows with the Yak 110 across the U.S., Canada, and Australia, captivating audiences with its unique design and his expert piloting. At the 2023 Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, Jeff honored aviation legend Bob Hoover by shutting down both M-14P radial engines mid-flight, feathering the props, and performing a big loop and an 8-point roll, echoing Hoover's iconic maneuvers.
Jeff Boerboon exemplifies the qualities of a consummate perfectionist, placing the highest priority on safety in every aspect of his flying. His performances with the Jet Waco and Yak 110 have showcased his dedication to entertaining millions with precision and flair. Jeff is not just a performer; he is a passionate advocate for aviation. He regularly interacts with airshow crowds — especially young enthusiasts — sharing his love for flying and inspiring the next generation of aviators. He ensures the Yak 110 is accessible early at airshows for media and public engagement, promoting the event and fostering a deeper appreciation for aviation innovation. As a mentor to new airshow pilots and a current Aerobatic Competency Evaluator (ACE), Jeff promotes airshow safety and excellence through mentoring and evaluating performers.
Britt Lincoln
Britt Lincoln learned to fly on her family’s ranch in Montana. Her grandfather, a crop duster and FAA Wright Brothers Award recipient, taught her to fly in their Piper Super Cub on the family’s grass strip. She is a fourth generation pilot. Britt began her aerobatic training and competition in 2019 and is the 2023 U.S. Advanced National Aerobatic Champion, placing 1st at the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships. She is the first female to win the Advanced category in 30 years.
Also in 2023, Britt competed in the World Aerobatic Championships as a member of the U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team. Team U.S.A. brought home third place, and individually Britt placed seventh (the highest score from the U.S.) out of 50 of the best pilots competing from around the world. In 2025 Britt will again represent the U.S. at the advanced level with her teammates in the World Aerobatic Championships.
In addition to flying in competition, Britt enjoys demonstrating aerobatics at airshows. Her airshow style is a high-energy performance that combines precision stops and maneuvers — a tribute to her competition background — with added artistic and gyroscopic elements for a well-rounded airshow sequence. She very much enjoys crowd interaction, inspiring the younger generation, and sharing her passion and love of aerobatics with others.
NextGen Eagles
The NextGen Eagles are the world’s ONLY Christen Eagle aerobatic team flown by new-generation performers, Leland Kracher and Tom Braymer. From their signature, minimal wingtip separation, to breath taking opposing passes - the NextGen Eagles fly their one-of-a-
kind, nostalgic, and engaging show connecting with all ages and backgrounds. With lots of smoke and beautiful colors, this show is not one to miss!
NextGen Eagles: Leland Kracher
Ask anybody in his family and they will tell you Leland has always been looking up at airplanes. With his late mother a flight attendant and his grandfather as airplane obsessed as he, Leland was no stranger to an air show throughout his youth. Always having dreamt to fly, on Christmas 2005 his parents fulfilled that dream with gift certificates to the local flight school, and two days later he took his first lesson at the age of 13. Leland went on to solo on his 16th birthday and has been flying ever since.
Between flight lessons in his teenage years, Leland continued to develop his passion for aerobatics and formation flying, spending countless hours flying virtual airshows on Microsoft’s Flight Simulator X in a Christen Eagle formation act, emulating the Iron Eagle Aerobatic Team. These virtual shows led him to the opportunity to travel with the Iron Eagles learning the ins and outs of the airshow industry as a teenager, highlighted by attending 2010 EAA Airventure at Oshkosh with the team.
Outside of flying, Leland earned his degree in Audio Engineering & Music Production, with a minor in Marketing, and has established himself as a sound designer for recording studios and artists across the country. Only in his early 30s, Leland is a new-generation performer with a long history and passion for air shows, ready and excited to connect with everyone from the youngest fans to the experienced veterans!
NextGen Eagles: Tom Braymer
Tom’s journey to being a pilot was inevitable. Growing up in an aviation family, he spent his youth immersed in the world of flight; from watching planes at the local airport to assisting his dad in building kit aircraft. After soloing at 16 he spent the next few years working to save funds, and at the age of 21, he purchased his Pitts S-1S. Wasting no time after buying the Pitts, he competed in his first IAC competition just 3 months later.
Now a seasoned competitor, Tom has competed in Primary to Advanced and in 2015 achieved his highest accolade as the Intermediate National Champion. Though he didn’t travel with the team like Leland, Tom too has a connection to the Iron Eagles. Having ferried many Eagles & Pitts across the country, he was chosen as the ferry pilot to take Iron Eagle 2 to its new home when it was retired from airshows. Though aerobatics is his passion, Tom's flying career extends beyond biplanes. As an airline captain, he has accumulated over 5000 hours in 50 different types of aircraft, from relaxing sunset cruises in Piper Cubs to safely transporting passengers across the country in jets.
Sean D. Tucker
Sean D. Tucker is a living legend of the aerobatic world. Earning his pilot license at 17, he quickly took to the skies and became a crop duster for the first few years of his career — even starting his own crop dusting business. He has been involved with the IAC and the EAA since the mid-1970s and has been the co-chairman of the EAA’s Young Eagles program since 2013. Mr. Tucker has also been performing airshows since the 1970s, and his sponsorships included Randolph Sunglasses (1993–1995), MCI (1996–2001), and perhaps most famously, Oracle (2000–2018).
Sean Tucker has a list of recognitions and awards that is unprecedented. Through his incredible talent and hard work, Mr. Tucker has earned honorary membership with the United States Navy Blue Angels, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, the United States Army Parachute Team, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, and the Brazilian Smoke Squadron. Mr. Tucker won the The Art Scholl Memorial Showmanship Award in 1992, and in 2003 he was named one of the 25 "Living Legends of Flight" by the National Air & Space Smithsonian.
Following his 2008 induction to the National Aviation Hall of Fame and his 2007 induction to the International Council of Air Shows Foundation Hall of Fame, Mr. Tucker received the 2010 EAA AirVenture Freedom of Flight Award and the 2016 Lloyd P. Nolen Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award. In 2017 he was the second recipient and first non-namesake recipient of the R.A. "Bob" Hoover Trophy (chosen by Hoover himself).
Though Sean Tucker flew his last solo performance at the 2018 Wings over Houston air show, he is still active in the air show realm, with the EAA and Young Eagles, and with aviation and aerobatics in general. In May he flew his first contest since 1988, the 2025 NorCal Classic in Tracy, California.
Northern Star Aeroteam
Drawing on their heritage as veteran RCAF pilots, Brent Handy, Todd Farrell and Greg Hume-Powell are the Northern Stars. Flying the classic Pitts Special in tight, precision formations and wringing it out with exciting freestyle maneuvers, the Northern Stars are getting great reviews!
The show starts off with a dramatic opposing pass followed by Brent's fast paced, surface-level aerobatics before being joined by Todd & Greg for precise loops, rolls and much more in tight, military style formation with billowing airshow smoke.
Northern Star Aeroteam: Brent Handy
From Wyevale, Ontario, Brent started flying gliders at 17 years old and never looked back. After graduating from Sault College's Aviation Technology program, Brent enrolled in the RCAF where he served as a CF-18 fighter pilot and Hawk instructor pilot before being selected to fly as Opposing Solo for the renowned Canadian Forces Snowbirds in 2012/13. After a year sabbatical living aboard a small sailboat and travelling the Bahamas and Cuba with his family of four, Brent re-enrolled in the RCAF and continues to serve as an instructor pilot on the CT-156 Harvard II.
After flying with the Snowbirds, Brent has remained on the airshow circuit performing surface-level unrestricted aerobatics in the Pitts S-2B and is now an accredited Aerobatics Competency Evaluator with over 11 years in airshows.
Brent is taking a 2 year leave of absence from the Northern Stars to return to the Canadian Forces Snowbirds to be the Team Lead for the 2024/2025 show seasons.
Northern Star Aeroteam: Todd Farrell
Todd joined Brent on the airshow circuit in 2017 when the Northern Stars were born. Also beginning his flying career in gliders, Todd has logged thousands of hours in over 40 aircraft types and built the foundation of his aerobatic flying in the RCAF. He served as an instructor pilot on the CT-155 Hawk and flew humanitarian support and combat missions around the globe as a pilot of the C-17 Globemaster. Todd is currently an airline Training Captain on the Airbus A320.
Not only does Todd have an impressive flying resume, but he also brings a touching story of determination to the show. Early in fighter pilot training, he was diagnosed with stage four cancer but emerged victorious after doctors told him he may never fly high performance aircraft again. Today Todd flies airshows to demonstrate that anything is possible, no matter what the odds. His goal is to inspire all to reach for the "impossible".
Northern Star Aeroteam: Greg Hume-Powell
Hailing from West Vancouver, British Columbia, Greg joined the Northern Stars in 2021. Continuing the theme of a lifelong passion for flight, Greg also earned his first set of wings in the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program in 1997. A 20 year veteran of the RCAF, Greg flew the venerable Sea-King helicopter where he participated in several multi-national deployments, highlighted by Counter-Piracy operations off the coast in Somalia in 2009. He then was posted to the Big 2 in Moose Jaw, SK, as a CT-156 Harvard instructor pilot in 2011 before joining the Canadian Forces Snowbirds as the Outer Right Wing for the 2016 season, moving to the Opposing Solo and Lead Solo positions for the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
Greg currently flies the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with Air Canada, now having amassed over 8000 hours throughout his career. He lives in Cookstown, Ontario with his wife and 3 awesome kids.
Northern Star Aeroteam: Mario Hamel
Mario’s first steps in aviation were made at the helm of a Schweizer 2-33 glider 42 years ago. A graduate from RMC in 1989, Mario obtained his RCAF pilot wings in 1990. After 3 years as a flight instructor, standard pilot and maintenance test pilot on the CT114 Tutor, Mario joined the world-famous Canadian Snowbirds demonstration team as Snowbirds #2 for the 1994 and 1995 seasons. Having tasted airshows, Mario left the Canadian Forces and co-founded the Northern Lights Aerobatic Team flying for six seasons in the Extra 300, then moving on to the Aero Vodochody L39.
After a 10-year hiatus Mario rejoined the Airshow industry in 2012 performing in the YAK52W with Yak Attack Airshows until 2021. Now with Time Flies Airshows flying the Pitts Model 12 and the Salto aerobatic glider, Mario is part of this most unusual dual act flying aerobatics and formation behind and along side the CJ-6A.
Mario has logged well over 500 airshow performances in various locations as Canada, USA, Mexico, El Salvador, Germany, Thailand and China. He even flew an airshow for a moving cruise ship somewhere in the Caribbean sea 50 miles from the nearest shore. Returning to his love for precision formation aerobatics Mario began flying with the Northern Stars Aeroteam in 2024. Married since 1989, he has two grown children, one grandchild, and makes Montreal his home.
