Patriots Jet Team
The Patriots Jet Team is a civilian aerobatic formation team that performs in air shows across the western United States of America. The team operates as a six-ship team, flying the Czech-built Aero L-39 Albatros. The Patriots are based in Byron, California.[1]
| Patriots Jet Demonstration Team | |
|---|---|
![]() Patriots at 2009 Aviation Nation | |
| Active | 2003–present |
| Country | |
| Branch | Civilian |
| Role | Aerobatic jet demonstration team |
| Size | 7 demo pilots, 25+ volunteers |
| Home Airport | Byron Airport |
| Colors | Red White Blue Black Silver |
| Website | patriotsjetteam |
| Insignia | |
| Patriots Four Ship logo | ![]() |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | 2 - Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 *Note – aircraft not currently used in demonstrations |
| Trainer | 8 – Aero L-39C Albatros (two seat) *Note – two aircraft are spares |
| Transport | 1 – Sabreliner 60 1 – Sabreliner 60SC Transports for additional crew |
The team began flying demonstrations in 2003 with two L-39 aircraft. In the 2004 airshow season, a third L-39 was added. With the success of the 2005 season, the Patriots added a fourth jet for the 2006 season. In 2010, the Patriots Jet Team expanded to a six-ship aerobatic formation team.[1]
The team is owned by Randy Howell, a former United Airlines pilot.[2] It is sponsored by companies including Hot Line Construction, Inc. and supported by a ground crew of more than 25 volunteers.[3]
Fleet
| Aircraft | In fleet |
|---|---|
| Aero L-39 Albatros | 8 |
| Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 | 2 |
| Rockwell Sabreliner 60 | 1 |
| Rockwell Sabreliner 60SC | 1 |
| Total | 12 |
References
- "The Patriots Jet Team". 2011. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
- Miguel, Ken (March 29, 2010). "Privately-owned fighter jets take to East Bay skies". KGO-TV. Archived from the original on October 11, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
- Bartholomew, Ben (August 2, 2011). "Soaring With The Patriots". The Wheatland Citizen. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2011.

