More than 30,000 spectators made Buckeye Air Fair 2024 a huge success. The 2025 Air Fair will feature an airshow, vintage and military aircraft, action-packed demonstrations, Aviation Academy exhibitions and so much more.

Airshow Performers
Jon Melby Airshows
Jon Melby first learned to fly at the age of eight, when he created a pile of leaves in his lawn, climbed onto the roof of his two-story home, and jumped like a bird into the leaves! At the age of 12, he had the opportunity to meet the legendary airshow pilot Bob Hoover at a local airshow. Bob Hoover’s sincerity and great personality gave Jon the inspiration to pursue his dream of flying.

With the wide variety of performers and aircraft on the airshow circuit today, Jon has chosen to concentrate on flying freestyle maneuvers in a modern bi-plane. The bi-plane has a classic look, but Jon keeps the audiences attention with his aggressive performance style. He takes time prior to the show to mingle with the crowd to meet and greet them. This allows him to build a relationship with the crowd, which in turn, makes the crowd feel as if they are part of his performance.

GhostWriter Airshows
Nathan was born into the airshow world, his first flight at two weeks old on his mother’s lap. Raised in up-state New York, the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum was his childhood playground and a major influence from day one. Fascinated by the thrill and excitement at the weekly airshows, Nathan’s approach to safely demonstrate aircraft for the crowd’s entertainment was developed.

In 2016, with a well-established airshow career, Nathan re-named the Chipmunk, GhostWriter, in reference to his skywriting. Today, Nathan fly’s GhostWriter in an action packed routine full of loops, rolls and verticals, held tightly in front of the crowd. When night falls and the stars come out, he lights up the sky with 200lbs of wing mounted pyrotechnics and special effect lighting, as he dances across the sky.

Red Thunder Airshows

Our precision aerobatics thrill airshow crowds across America as our two Russian warbirds perform exciting displays of breathtaking maneuvers. Our aviation professionals put on crowd-pleasing shows in big Russian Yak 50 airplanes with unmistakable radial engine sound, smoke, tight formation flying and jaw-dropping solo maneuvers.

Karl Gashler and Barry Hancock will please crowds with their stunning show. Between the two pilots they have over 22,000 hours of flying time with over 40 aircraft types.

Aerial Extreme Skydiving Team
Formed in 1998 the Aerial Extreme Skydiving Team is one of the busiest parachute demonstration teams in the country. Performing over 30 times a year in the United States and abroad, the team has over 1,000 shows to its credit. Extreme Skydiving has performed in over 20 countries with a total of 40,000 skydives.

The team was started by its team Captain, former Army Officer, Tom Talbott. After his time in the military, he set out to put together a world class performance team that is made up of former special operations soldiers and world class skydivers. Together they hold numerous national and world records in the sport.  Over the years the team has developed and pioneered several of the lighted suits, smoke and pyrotechnic devices used by skydiving teams throughout the world.

GO EZ Aerobatics
Kyle Fowler began following in his father’s footsteps at a very young age. Kyle moved forward with his dreams of becoming an Aerobatic Pilot by the age of 12. Then at the age of 21, his dreams began to manifest. Kyle obtained his private pilot’s license, with Eric Hansen of Team Rocket, and began his journey toward his Airshow career.

Currently, Kyle successfully manages his aviation time between flying a PA-31 Navajo Chieftain, a Kodiak and his unique 1986 Long EZ. When he is not evolving as a pilot, Kyle divides his time between his love of airshows, and his pride and joy, his family. Kyle’s family is incredibly proud of his accomplishments and will always be his biggest fans.

Brett Hunter
Born in April of 1969 in Abilene, Texas, Brett Hunter’s passion for flight took off early, with fond memories of flying his father’s Piper Tripacer. This fascination with aviation became the cornerstone of his life, leading him to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Airway Sciences from Ohio University. With experience in over 150 aircraft types, from gliders to four-engine transports, Brett is a decorated member of the aviation community. His accolades include being a two-time member of the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic World Team and Unlimited Champion aerobatic competitions across the Midwest and Northeast.

Brett’s journey wouldn’t be complete without the love and support of his family. Residing next to the grass strip at Red Stewart Airfield in Waynesville, Ohio, Brett shares his life with his wife, Deborah, and their two daughters, Amanda and Jessica. He credits them with being the foundation of his success, offering encouragement through every flight and competition.

Commemorative Air Force
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring our aviation heritage through education, inspiration and living history experiences. By acquiring, restoring and preserving historic aircraft, the CAF brings the past to life, allowing visitors to witness firsthand the remarkable machines and brave individuals who shaped the course of aviation history. The CAF teaches future generations about the sacrifices and achievements of those who served, ignites a passion for aviation and history in young and old alike, and pays tribute to the heroes who flew and fought for freedom.

The CAF's fleet of airworthy warbirds, collectively known as the Ghost Squadron, recreates the sights and sounds of the past, reminding us of the lessons learned from pivotal moments in American military aviation history. CAF will be flying the F6F Hellcat, A6M3 Zero and the PBJ Mitchell for the Buckeye Airshow.

Jeff Overby, Buckeye Air Fair Announcer
Jeff Overby became hooked on aviation in 1996 after attending local fly-in. He was offered a ride and that is all that it took to get him hooked on aviation. He enjoys the unlimited freedom, speed and feeling of G-Force as he regularly takes to the skies.

He has owned several airplanes from Cessna’s, Float & Ski equipped Piper Super Cub, and several aerobatic models including Extra, Pitts and Harmon Rockets. While attending an airshow with his aerobatic flight instructor he was asked to be the announcer and the crowd enjoyed his high energy and knowledge of the sport.

Jeff now travels from his home base of Phoenix, AZ with wife Melissa and two children Trevin and Lindsey, entertaining crowds at some of the largest airshows in the United States. He is honored to be a part of the Buckeye Air Fair and hopes to meet you at an airshow soon.

Schedule of Events:
9 a.m. - Gates Open
Noon - School Day Flight Demonstrations Presentation of Colors
1 p.m. - Airshow Performers Meet and Greet Seminar
2 p.m. - Learn to Fly Seminar
4 p.m. - Exhibit Halls Close Event Closes

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