[ ATTRACTIONS ]

The Aerostars are a precision aerobatic demo team whose aerial ballet captivates air show audiences large and small. They fascinate the crowd with a combination of graceful aerobatics flown in tight formation, spectacular breakaways followed by breath-taking opposing passes and awe-inspiring inverted maneuvers. The team performs in the Yak 52 TW, a former Soviet designed, Romanian built, WWII-type aerobatic trainer. The deep roar of their 400 horsepower, supercharged, nine cylinder radial engines singing in harmony is a true crowd pleaser. The Aerostar's performance is the embodiment of teamwork, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

THE PILOTS

Harvey Meek - Team Lead
After graduating college, Harvey joined the military where he served as a pilot with an operational fighter squadron in Europe, followed by a tour with a pilot training unit. During his military career, he held positions as Flight Safety Officer, F-18 Maintenance Test Pilot, Senior Instructor Pilot, Instrument Check Pilot, and Flight Commander. Harvey has over 25 years of global flying experience, holds Airline Transport Pilot Licenses in three countries, and at present, flies for a major international airline. He has flown a wide variety of military and civilian types, ranging from light aircraft, to F-18 Hornets, to the 747-400. Presently however, he most enjoys flying the Yak 52 TW.

Paul Hornick - Left Wing
Paul has 15 years of flying experience with over 5,000 hours of flight time in aircraft ranging from a Piper Cub to an Airbus A300. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, Flight Engineer Certificate, Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate with Single and Multi Engine and Instrument Ratings. Paul is currently employed by a major freight airline, flying domestically and internationally as a First officer. While as his current airline, he has held positions in the Engineering Test Flight Department, Flight Standards Department, and Flight Crew Training Department.

David Monrow - Right Wing
Dave was born in Minneapolis and grew up in an airline family. He soloed at the age of 16 and obtained his Private Pilot License on his 17th birthday. Dave is currently a B-767 Captain for a major airline with experience as a Check Airman, Certified Flight Instructor, Advanced aerobatic competition pilot and Certified Aerobatic Judge. Dave graduated from National University in San Diego and has over 21,000 hours of flying time.

THE PLANES

The Yak 52 TW is a tail wheel derivative of the famous Russian designed Yak 52 aerobatic training aircraft. Developed by the Yakolev Design Bureau, the Yak 52 quickly assumed its role as the standard trainer for most of the former Eastern Block countries. Although Russian designed, construction of the Yak 52 was sub-contracted to a Romanian aerospace manufacturer, SC Aerostar SA. To date, over 1,800 Yak 52's have been built by the Romanian company.

www.teamaerostar.com

See more exciting air show photos in the AirVenture photo gallery.