Jon Melby Airshows

With the wide variety of performers and aircraft on the airshow circuit today, I chose to concentrate on flying freestyle maneuvers in a modern high performance bi-plane.

The bi-plane has a classic look, but I try to keep the audience attention with an aggressive performance style. My belief is to keep the “show” like watching a movie at the theatre…right in front of the audience.

I really enjoy taking time prior to the show to “mingle” with the crowd to meet and greet them. This allows me to build a relationship with the airshow fans, which in turn, makes them feel as if they are part of my performance.  Many times, after I fly I ask children if they saw me wave to them, and they say “Yes!”.  Which I think makes it more personal. 

As I fly my routine, I can narrate from the cockpit the different forces I am feeling. As an example, check out the Fox-10 In-flight Video in the videos section.

I also describe the basics of how I fly the airplane, allowing pilots and non pilots alike to enjoy hearing while seeing what I am doing.

Many people, including Television reporters, ask me why I am an airshow pilot. It’s a very good question and I answer them with this:

“Being an airshow pilot allows me to give back to aviation, something that I am truly passionate about. Also, it allows me the great opportunity to demonstrate what an airplane can do. Believe me, I too am amazed at what an airshow airplane can do. I’ve always been an airshow fan, so being real with and in front of the crowd is what makes this all so special.“

After my performance, I am always available to answer questions and sign autographs as being “approachable” is the key to my special relationship with the crowd.  It’s not fully about what I do in the air, it’s also how I react with the crowd on the ground.  That, to me, is what an airshow pilot is all about.