PRESS RELEASE
Wings Over Muskegon takes off on August 9-11 along with three new additions to the lineup. Debuting their comedy act at the Muskegon County Airport is Franklin’s Flying Circus featuring husband and wife team, Kyle and Liz Franklin. Son of legendary air show pilot, Jimmy Franklin, Kyle started flying at 8-years-old. A versatile performer who lists wing-walking and a motorcycle-to-airplane transfer act among his air show repertoire; Franklin has done it all to entertain air show spectators. In Muskegon, spectators will be amazed and awed by Kyle’s superb piloting skills as he creates the illusion of a non-pilot jumping into a Piper Super Cub and taking it for a crazy flight. YouTube videos of this act are widely circulated and many viewers think it’s real. While the flying is absolutely real, the routine exemplifies the command of the aircraft that Kyle demonstrates in every performance.
Along with Franklin’s Flying Circus, two fighter aircraft from different eras and different countries will take to the sky at the Muskegon County Airport. Deemed by many World War II Japanese pilots as the most daunting American fighter, the FG-1D Corsair was a Navy carrier-based aircraft that became the most capable fighter/bomber in the naval fleet at that time. Flying the Corsair, Louis Horschel, a Springville, NY native began flying in childhood. Making his first appearance in Muskegon, Horschel is in an elite class of pilots selected to fly in the U.S. Navy Legacy Flight program and the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight program. The primary enemy aircraft in the Vietnam War, the MiG-17F was the tightest-turning fighter until the F-16 Fighting Falcon entered the scene in 1974. MiG-17F production began in the 1950s, and it was one of the earliest production jet fighters in the world with an afterburner. Similar to Horschel, Randy W. Ball also started flying during his childhood. Ball spent four years restoring his MiG-17F and has flown well over 1,500 performances. Flying in 44 different types of aircraft, Ball’s piloting expertise will be on display at the Wings Over Muskegon Air Show.
Previously announced performers include the Farewell Tour of the U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, GhostWriter Airshows, Hot Streak II Jet Truck and local formation team, The Hooligans. Debuting this year is the Friday Twilight Show Presented by Howmet Aerospace. Gates will open at 5pm with live music from Yard Sale Underwear kicking off an exciting night of music along with dazzling aerial performances designed for twilight conditions.
A variety of tickets are available over the show weekend. General Admission tickets for the Friday Twilight Show Presented by Howmet Aerospace are a group-friendly bargain at $50 per car load, which also includes parking. For those desiring upgrades, there are a variety of club packages available to suit everyone’s tastes. Tasty fare from food trucks along with refreshing beverages, including beer, wine and cocktails, will be available for purchase. All tickets must be purchased online (including parking for Saturday and Sunday) at https://wingsovermuskegon.com/tickets/.
A family-friendly event, Wings Over Muskegon allows kids aged 15 years-old and younger into the event for FREE. The Michigan Flight Museum, in conjunction with the Muskegon County Airport and its professional management company, F3 Airport, are excited to continue the air show tradition in Muskegon after a successful launch in 2023. The non-profit Michigan Flight Museum assumes financial liability for the event and will use any proceeds to support the Museum and its flyable aircraft.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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