Fly High Aviation Media is proud to bring the following report from the Air Power Over Hampton Roads Air Show 2025, which took place at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia on 26th & 27th April 2025.

This year’s event carries a deep sense of loss as we remember the late Rob Holland, a legendary aerobatic pilot who tragically lost his life in a crash while attempting to land at Langley AFB just days before the show. His absence is felt profoundly by the aviation community, but his legacy of skill, passion, and innovation lives on.

Despite the somber circumstances, the air show went ahead as planned, honoring Holland’s memory with breathtaking aerial displays and heartfelt tributes. Thousands gathered to witness the precision of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the power of the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, the US Navy FA-18 Rhino demo team and the daring performances of civilian and military pilots alike. A special tribute to Holland included a smoke ring—one of his signature stunts—and a moment of silence for reflection. USAF Thunderbirds performed a missing man formation on Sunday 27th April 2025 in a further tribute to the late Rob Holland.

As we look to the skies today, let us celebrate the spirit of aviation and the fearless pilots who push the boundaries of flight. This show is not just a display of air power—it is a testament to resilience, passion, and the enduring legacy of those who dedicate their lives to the skies.

Fly High Aviation Media would like to thank JESSICA I. MCLAUGHLIN, 2nd Lt, USAF Chief, Media Operations 633d Air Base Wing Public Affairs Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, a special thank you to Col. Matthew R. Altman the commander of 633rd Air Base Wing, also the organizers, volunteer’s and Public Affairs Office, a very professionally organized event, thank you for all your help in making this event run smoothly. Harry Morrow FHAM.

Photography By: Harry Morrow & Andrew Robinson.

rob holland – 02

The recent Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show at Langley Air Force Base was overshadowed by tragedy, as renowned aerobatic pilot Rob Holland lost his life in a crash while attempting to land at the base just days before the event. Despite the somber circumstances, the show proceeded as planned, with thousands attending to celebrate aviation excellence and pay tribute to Holland’s legacy. While the air show continued, the tragic loss of Holland was deeply felt by attendees, many of whom expressed admiration for his contributions to the aviation community.

Rob Holland was one of the most accomplished aerobatic pilots in history, with a remarkable career spanning over two decades. Rob Holland was widely respected for his innovative aerobatic maneuvers and his contributions to both airshows and competitive aerobatics. He was a member of the U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team and the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team, representing the country in international competitions.

The APOHR event featured thrilling performances, including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, on Saturday 26th April the Thunderbirds paid a special tribute to Rob Holland, which included a smoke ring, a signature stunt of his, followed by a moment of silence for reflection. On Sunday 27th April the USAF Thunderbirds display team paid a further tribute to Rob Holland with a signature missing man formation.

In honor of Rob Holland, I have created a collection of images above from various years where I had the privilege of observing Rob Holland in action, including a check ride with the Black Daggers parachute team. Thank you Rob Holland.

INTERVIEWS – 03

In light of the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of aerobatic pilot Rob Holland in the previous days, the practice and media day scheduled for Friday, 25th April was understandably cancelled. The priority was managing the aftermath and accommodating the NTSB on site. Many of our interviews were planned for this day. We would like to extend our gratitude to Team JBLE for their professionalism during this challenging time.

AIRCRAFT ON STATIC DISPLAY – 04

Aircraft on static display, USAF display team Thunderbirds led the lineup before their performance later in the day. The static aircraft on show included several notable models. Among them was the USAF EA-37B Compass Call, based on a Gulfstream G550, from Davis Monthan AFB AZ. NASA’s N426NA Lockheed P-3B Orion, based at Wallops Island VA, complete with a friendly aircraft engineer and his new puppy, this aircraft was rumored to be moving to Langley AFB. The USAF Sikorsky HH-60W Jolly Green II came from NY ANG. VFA-106 contributed two F-18s from NAS Oceana. Both aircraft took part in the demo later in the day, while NAS Norfolk provided a Grumman E-2D Hawkeye from VAW-120. Two Northrup T-38C Talons were displayed by the USAF from Sheppard AFB TX, alongside a Raytheon T-6A Texan II from Laughlin AFB TX adorned with D-Day stripes.

Also in attendance was a North American P-51C Mustang of the Commemorative AF wearing “Tuskegee Airmen” colors, and a US Army CH-47F Chinook from Felker AAF VA. Dover AFB DE presented a USAF C-17A Globemaster III, while the NJ ANG showcased a pair of F-16C Fighting Falcons. An F-35A Lightening II from Vermont ANG, this was situated next to two F-22A Raptors from the 1st FW & 192nd WG. Seymour Johnson AFB sent an F-15E Eagle, and the MA ANG contributed two F-15Cs. Additionally, five T-38A & T-38C aircraft and one T-38A Talon in Grey splinter camouflage were present.

ATAC-Airborne Tactical Advantage Co displayed a Hawker Hunter F.58, usually based out of Newport News VA. Other exhibits included a scale replica of a Nieuport 28 and a Cessna 182T Sky lane from the Civil Air Patrol.

US ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHTS – 05

What a fantastic way to kick off the event! The U.S. Army Golden Knights always bring an impressive display of precision parachuting, and their use of the DHC-6 Twin Otter makes perfect sense for their operations. The Twin Otter’s versatility and reliability make it an ideal platform for skydiving teams like the Golden Knights—it’s capable of stable flight at jump altitude and provides a spacious, easily accessible drop platform for the parachutists. Seeing them descend from the sky with pinpoint accuracy, whether in freefall formations or under their signature bright parachutes, is always a breathtaking moment at air shows.

HONOR GUARD – 06

The Honor Guard significantly contributed to the opening ceremonies at Air Power Over Hampton Roads 2025, establishing a solemn and patriotic atmosphere for the event. As the National Anthem resonated across Joint Base Langley-Eustis, the Honor Guard maintained perfect formation, exemplifying the discipline and reverence characteristic of military tradition. National Anthem Performance: The anthem was rendered as part of the opening sequence, complemented by a flag drop from the U.S. Army Golden Knights, creating a dramatic visual effect. This ceremonial tribute reinforced the air show’s theme of honoring military heritage and air superiority, reminding attendees of the dedication and valor of those who serve.

BILL CULBERSON MIG-17 – 07

Bill Culberson put on an electrifying display in the MiG-17 (WSK Lim-5) at Air Power Over Hampton Roads 2025, thrilling spectators with high-speed passes and dynamic aerobatics. MiG-17 (WSK Lim-5) – A Polish-built variant of the legendary Soviet fighter, known for its agility and tight-turning capabilities.

Culberson executed Fly pasts & high-speed passes, showcasing the aircraft’s sleek design and afterburner roar, The Banana Pass is a signature curved, low-altitude pass that kept the crowd engaged, offering dramatic views of the aircraft’s profile. The performance included inverted passes, fast-paced rolls, and low-level high-speed runs, demonstrating the MiG-17’s impressive handling. The MiG-17 was one of the first Soviet jets to feature an afterburner, giving it enhanced speed and maneuverability. Culberson’s display honored the aircraft’s legacy while delivering a visually stunning, adrenaline-pumping performance

JACK ACES P-51 DEMO TEAM – 08

The Jack Aces P-51 Demonstration Team delivered an exhilarating aerobatic performance at Air Power Over Hampton Roads 2025, showcasing the raw power and elegance of the legendary P-51 Mustang. The performance featured three P-51 Mustangs—”Mad Max,” “The Little Witch,” and “Miss Kandy”—piloted by Louis Horschel, Ariel Luedi, and Marco Rusconi.

Their aerobatic sequences included tight formation flying with synchronized loops, rolls, and slot passes. They also performed sweeping, curved low-altitude banana passes that thrilled spectators, as well as slot rolls and slot loops that demonstrated the pilots’ exceptional mastery over their aircraft. The P-51 Mustang remains one of the most iconic warbirds in aviation history, and witnessing three of them in formation is a rare treat. The Jack Aces team pays homage to the Mustang’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of aerobatic performance. Their display was a stunning tribute to aviation history and skill.

RJ GRITTER – 09

RJ Gritter conducted a solo aerobatic performance in his Bellanca 8KCAB Decathlon – A high-wing aerobatic trainer with inverted fuel and oil systems, enabling advanced maneuvers.

Some of the signature moves included snap rolls & hammerheads, displaying the Decathlon’s agility and Gritter’s control over aerobatic techniques. Inverted passes and performing sustained inverted flight to demonstrate the aircraft’s capability, with smoke trails & spins, creating visual effects with red, white, and blue smoke trails.

RJ Gritter’s background in radio-controlled aerobatics informs his approach to full-scale airshow flying. His Decathlon is painted in a red, white, and blue scheme, contributing to the visual presentation of his performance.

US NAVY F-18 “RHINO” DEMO TEAM – 10

The U.S. Navy East Coast Rhino Demo Team from NAS Oceana put on a spectacular display at Air Power Over Hampton Roads 2025, flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet in a resplendent VFA-106 squadron color scheme.

Performance of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, a twin-engine, carrier-capable multirole fighter known for its power and agility, with VFA-106 “Gladiators” squadron, the Navy’s premier fleet replacement squadron for Super Hornet pilots.

The Rhino demo featured high-speed passes, showcasing the raw power of the Rhino’s engines, vertical climbs & rolls, demonstrating the aircraft’s superior thrust-to-weight ratio.

Carrier-Style breaks – Simulating real-world naval aviation maneuvers, including signature “Banana Pass” – A sweeping, curved low-altitude pass that highlights the aircraft’s sleek profile.

The Rhino Demo Team is one of the most exciting acts in the airshow circuit, bringing the power, precision, and presence of naval aviation to audiences across the country. Their striking squadron colors make their Super Hornet even more visually impressive, reinforcing the pride and tradition of VFA-106.

NAVY LEGACY FLIGHT – 11

The Navy Legacy Flight at Air Power Over Hampton Roads 2025 was a breathtaking tribute to naval aviation history, pairing the F/A-18F Super Hornet with the legendary F4U Corsair in a stunning formation, the two aircraft flew in tight formation, symbolizing the evolution of naval aviation, the slow pass allowed spectators to admire the contrast between past and present,

The Legacy Flight Program honors the service and sacrifice of naval aviators, bridging generations of aircraft and pilots. Seeing the Corsair and Super Hornet together in the sky is a rare and powerful sight, reminding audiences of the technological advancements that have shaped military aviation.

TITAN AEROBATIC TEAM – 12

The Titan Aerobatic Team, formerly known as Aeroshell, is renowned for its tight formation aerobatics and high-energy performances delivered a thrilling three-ship routine at Air Power Over Hampton Roads 2025, the team use the North American AT-6 Texan, a classic WWII-era trainer with a distinctive radial engine roar, showcasing their North American AT-6 Texan aircraft in a dynamic display of precision flying and dramatic smoke effects.

The trio executed synchronized loops, rolls, and formation passes with remarkable precision, their use of ground smoke effects added an extra layer of drama, a visually stunning addition, enhancing the spectacle with thick plumes of smoke.

F-22 RAPTOR DEMO – 13

Capt. Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau and the F-22 Raptor Demo Team delivered an electrifying performance at Air Power Over Hampton Roads 2025, showcasing the unmatched agility and raw power of the F-22 Raptor, with a breathtaking use of flares to punctuate the display. F-22A Raptor – The world’s premier air superiority fighter, known for its stealth, speed, and maneuverability. Capt. Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau, the 2025-2026 F-22 Demo Team pilot, bringing precision and flair to the demonstration, showcasing the Raptor’s ability to pivot mid-air in ways no other fighter can, powerful vertical climbs, the jet rocketed skyward, disappearing high above before diving back into the routine, signature “Tail Slide” a gravity-defying maneuver where the Raptor momentarily slides backwards before regaining control.

The F-22 Raptor Demo Team is known for pushing the limits of aerial performance, and Le Tourneau’s display was no exception. The flare deployment added a cinematic touch, making the routine even more visually stunning.

KYLE FRANKLIN – 14

Kyle Franklin brought his “Ben Wobnoski Comedy Act” to Air Power Over Hampton Roads 2025, delivering a hilarious and skillful performance in his Piper Cub.  A classic, lightweight aircraft that Franklin uses to create the illusion of an out-of-control flight. 

Franklin, disguised as “Ben Wobnoski,” pretends to be an inexperienced raffle winner who suddenly finds himself piloting the Cub, the routine starts with awkward taxiing, exaggerated bouncing, and near-misses, keeping the audience on edge, As the act progresses, Franklin transitions into “expert aerobatics”, revealing his true skill. 

Kyle Franklin’s **Ben Wobnoski Comedy Act** is one of the most sought-after airshow performances in North America. His ability to mix humor with high-level flying skills makes it a crowd favorite, proving that “flying badly” is actually one of the hardest acts to pull off. 

T-33 “ACE MAKER” – 15

The Lockheed T-33 “Ace Maker” is a renowned jet trainer with a sleek design, showcased at Air Power Over Hampton Roads 2025. This aircraft has been celebrated for its exceptional performance and versatility, serving as a primary training platform for many of the world’s air forces. The T-33’s origins date back to the late 1940s and early 1950s when it was developed from the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. At the Air Power Over Hampton Roads 2025 event, the T-33 captivated audiences with its impressive aerial maneuvers, wonderful banana passes, demonstrating the advanced capabilities that have made it a staple in aviation history. Near the end of the T-33 performance “Ace Maker” was joined on the runway by Hayden Proffitt’s Thunder Jet Truck went head-to-head in a thrilling race at Air Power Over Hampton Roads 2025, delivering an unforgettable spectacle of speed and power.

The Ground Competitor: Thunder Jet Truck – A high-speed, flame-spewing jet-powered truck driven by Hayden Proffitt. In the air the aircraft: Lockheed T-33 “Ace Maker”. The T-33 and Thunder Jet Truck lined up for a side-by-side acceleration showdown. As the countdown hit zero, both machines launched forward, with the Thunder Jet Truck erupting in flames from its afterburner, the T-33 soared overhead, maintaining a steady climb while the jet truck blazed down the runway at incredible speeds. This race was a perfect fusion of aviation and motorsports, showcasing the raw power of jet propulsion in both air and ground vehicles. The Thunder Jet Truck’s fiery acceleration contrasted beautifully with the smooth, controlled flight of the T-33, making for a visually stunning and adrenaline-pumping event.

USAF “THUNDERBIRDS” – 16

USAF Thunderbirds Air Power Over Hampton Roads 2025 Joint Base Langley-Eustis April 26-27, 2025. The Thunderbirds are the official aerial demonstration team of the U.S. Air Force, embodying the skill and dedication of Air Force pilots. Their precision flying and dramatic formations make them a highlight of any airshow, and their performance at Langley was exemplary. USAF Thunderbirds fly F-16 Fighting Falcons – Renowned for their agility, speed, and precision.

Thunderbirds Performance Highlights: Diamond Formation, demonstrating their world-class close formation flying, Opposing Passes, high-speed, head-on passes that captivated spectators, Vertical Rolls & Climbing Maneuvers, showcasing the formidable power of the F-16, Missing Man Formation, a solemn tribute, honoring fallen aviators. The USAF Thunderbirds presented a deeply moving tribute at Air Power Over Hampton Roads 2025, Honoring Rob Holland: Holland, an esteemed aerobatic pilot, tragically passed away on April 24, 2025, while approaching Langley Air Force Base. His contributions to the air show community were unmatched, making this tribute especially significant. Concluding the Sunday airshow day with a Missing Man Formation in honor of the late Rob Holland.

Until next time,
Harry Morrow, FHAM
Editor, Fly High Aviation Media

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