2023 Wings Over Houston Performers
USAF Thunderbirds
Returning to Houston in 2023!
The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The demonstration is a mix of six aircraft performing formation flying and solo routines. The four-ship Diamond formation showcases the precision and training of U.S. Air Force Pilots, as well as the gracefulness of the F-16. The two solos display the power and maximum capabilities of the mighty F-16 Fighting Falcon, a frontline fighter.
A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team
www.acc.af.mil/Home/Aerial-Events/A10DemoTeam/
The A-10 is the Air Force’s premier close air support aircraft, providing invaluable protection to troops on the ground. The Air Combat Command A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team, stationed out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, brings the aircraft to air shows around the country to showcase the unique combat capabilities of the A-10 “Warthog.” They perform precision aerial maneuvers while highlighting the mission and professionalism of the men and women of the United States Air Force. Additionally, the team brings attention to the Air Force’s proud history by flying formations with historical aircraft in the Air Force Heritage Flight.
Smoke & Thunder Jet Car
Bill Braack is constantly analyzing procedures and equipment, comparing the current to innovations. This habit served him well as a flight engineer in the Air Force Reserve, from which he recently retired after 20 years of service. He was also named Outstanding Airman of the Year for the Air Force Reserve Command. That was his part-time job; his full-time job was in healthcare marketing. He holds FAA ratings as a flight engineer and civilian pilot. Not only does Bill Braack drive the Air Force Reserve Jet Car, he also drives the nearly eighty-foot long tractor trailer that carries the car and its support vehicle from air show to air show. Bill and his wife and four children live in Castle Rock, Washington.
About the Jet Car
Engine: Westinghouse J34-48. Originally used in the North American Buckeye T-2A aircraft.
Horsepower: 10,000
Thrust: 6,000 pounds with afterburner
Chassis: 4130 Chrome-moly construction, 240-inch wheelbase
Front: Wheels 15-inch diameter, 5-inches wide
Rear: Wheels 15-inch diameter, 10-inches wide
Body: Aluminum and magnesium
Cockpit: Custom-built single seat designed and built to fit the driver
Weight: 2,300 pounds
Length: 26 feet
Fuel: Two 20-gallon fuel cells; 40 gallons of diesel fuel used
each performance
Acceleration Speeds: Approaching 400 mph
Safety Equipment: Two ring-slot parachutes (one 14 1/2 ft. and one 16 ft.); one on-board fire extinguisher system
Truck and Trailer: A 80-foot truck and trailer transports the JetCar and are part of the display. Additionally, the truck is equipped with a power unit that is used to start the JetCar.
C-17 Globemaster III
The massive Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is the newest and one of the largest aircrafts in the Air Force inventory. Weighing in at a maximum takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds and flying as fast as 590 mph the 200-foot-long C-17 will show off its impressive aerial capability. The C-17’s primary mission is to transport equipment, supplies and troops around the world. The 62nd Airlift Wing is the active duty wing on McChord Field. The 62nd Airlift Wing is joined by its Reserve partner the 446th Airlift Wing. Together, the two wings fly 50 C-17 Globemaster IIIs to provide combat airlift for America.
Mike "Spanky" Gallaway
www.facebook.com/mike.gallaway
Mike began flying aerobatics 25 years ago. It was the fear of stalls that convinced Mike to take an aerobatics course. Since then, Mike has been a regular at the US National Aerobatic Championships, having earned a place on two US Advanced teams and two Unlimited Teams.
Today, Mike flies about 12 air shows per year in his modified Extra 300/SX. His routine is filled with plenty of tumbles and snaps. He holds a surface waiver, so most of the action is close to the audience.
When Mike is not flying, you can see him on the announcer stand, in fact Mike has been the commentator for the Red Bull Air Race World Series since its inception. He has literally been around the globe with Red Bull, having narrated in 16 races. In addition to flying , Mike is a licensed skydiver having made over 250 jumps.
RE/MAX Skydive Team
www.facebook.com/Skydiveremax/
The Official Open to Wings Over Houston 2023!
The RE/MAX Skydiving Team is delivering it’s show-stopping performance to thousands of Texans this fall at some of our region’s grandest outdoor event venues. This year, the team will officially open the 2023 Wings Over Houston Airshow, October 14 & 15, with a skydive choreographed to the National Anthem.
According to RE/MAX of Texas, between the four jumpers, they have more than 100 years of jump experience and more than 15,000 jumps. These experienced jumpers will leap from a plane at 4,500 feet and experience a 120mph free fall. You can easily find these jumpers in the air by looking for Texan and American flags flying down with them.
US Coast Guard Air Station — Houston
www.facebook.com/USCoastGuardAirStaHouston
Air Station Houston will demonstrate the team work it takes to provide rescue services. Providing an all-weather 24/7 Search and Rescue (SAR) capability to the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast since 1963. With three MH-65D “Dolphin” helicopters, AIRSTA Houston’s AOR extends from the Colorado River to White Lake, Louisiana.
US Air Force Heritage Flight-P51 and A-10 Warthog
www.airforceheritageflight.org
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), the Heritage Flight program was founded in 1997. Heritage Flight performances of current fighter/attack aircraft flying with World War II, Korea and Vietnam era fighters dramatically display USAF air power history and honor the brave men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in the USAF. In 2010, the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was formed to keep this popular program flying.
138th Fighter Wing — Tulsa Air National Guard
The 138th Fighter Wing based at Ellington will open the show with a full afterburner take off as they depart on a training exercise.
Their mission statement: Maintain combat forces ready for mobilization, deployment and employment as needed to support national security objectives.
TORA! TORA! TORA!
TORA! TORA! TORA!
A Living History Museum.
Americas oldest civilian air show performance. 51 years and counting!
Many people have the opportunity to travel to visit a museum but rarely does the museum come to visit you. Attending an air show where “Tora Tora Tora” is performing is like having a 3-D museum come to visit you. “Tora Tora Tora” is the Commemorative Air Force’s recreation of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that signaled the beginning of the American involvement in World War II. Designed as a living history lesson, “Tora Tora Tora” is intended as a memorial to all the soldiers on both sides who gave their lives for their countries.
Wings Over Houston is proud to be considered it’s home air show.
Commemorative Air Force
Air Power Demonstration
Featuring famous battle reenactments with pyrotechnics simulating a near real experience.
Aircraft from Commemorative Air Force, Houston Wing-CAF, Tora! Tora! Tora!-CAF, Gulf Coast Wing-CAF, Vietnam War Flight Museum
John and Shane McGillis
Father and son duo, John and Shane McGillis, will take to the skies for their third time at the Wings Over Houston Airshow. No stranger to this show, John and Shane live in Houston. In fact, they are tenants of Ellington Airport! They will be flying a pair of Extra 330 LX aircraft. Both men have thousands of hours flying many different airplanes and helicopters, and are very excited to be fulfilling a lifelong dream of performing aerobatics together. John passed his love of aviation down to Shane, who is also sharing that bond with his young son.