2025 Civilian Airshow Acts

Rob Holland

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Rob Holland — an extraordinary air show performer who was scheduled to take part in the upcoming National Cherry Festival Air Show. Rob tragically lost his life in an accident at Langley AFB in Virginia. Our hearts are heavy with grief as we mourn the loss of a remarkable talent and a cherished member of the air show community.

Rob was not only a world-renowned aviator, but also a passionate and inspiring presence. His breathtaking performances and unwavering dedication to his craft left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of witnessing his talent.

On behalf of the National Cherry Festival, we extend our deepest condolences to Rob’s family, friends, and fellow aviators. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time. Rob’s legacy will continue to soar — both in the skies and in the hearts of those he inspired.

A tribute to Rob will be given during the 2025 Air Show performance.

Matt Younkin

Matt Younkin is a renowned airshow performer known for his one-of-a-kind aerobatic routines in the vintage Twin Beech 18, a classic aircraft not typically associated with aerobatic displays. Matt transforms the iconic Beechcraft into a dynamic aerial performer, defying expectations with loops, rolls, and low-altitude passes that showcase both the pilot’s skill and the airplane’s surprising agility. His signature act, often set to dramatic music and lighting effects during twilight shows, combines precision flying with a nostalgic homage to aviation’s golden age, earning him widespread acclaim and standing ovations at airshows across the country.

Carrying on the legacy of his father, legendary airshow performer Bobby Younkin, Matt brings a unique blend of technical expertise and showmanship to every performance. Having grown up immersed in aviation, Matt has developed a deep connection to the Twin Beech, making his routines as heartfelt as they are impressive. With over a decade of professional airshow experience, Matt’s ability to seamlessly blend vintage aircraft charm with cutting-edge aerobatics has made him a favorite among aviation enthusiasts and a standout figure in the airshow community.

Bob Carlton

Bob Carlton’s Foxjet is a unique and innovative aircraft that combines the sleek design of a high-performance sailplane with the power of a jet engine. Modified by Bob himself, the Foxjet is capable of executing graceful glider maneuvers alongside dynamic, jet-powered aerobatics. This combination allows for a performance that is both elegant and thrilling, with seamless transitions between silent soaring and roaring jet-powered climbs. The aircraft’s advanced design and engineering reflect Bob’s deep expertise and creative approach to pushing the boundaries of aviation.

With decades of experience and over 2,000 flight hours in a variety of aircraft, Bob Carlton is a seasoned and celebrated airshow performer. Known for his precision flying and groundbreaking routines, Bob has captivated audiences across the airshow circuit with his unique act. His Foxjet performance showcases loops, rolls, inverted passes, and low-level maneuvers, enhanced by dramatic smoke effects and choreographed music.

Mike Terfehr

Michael L. Terfehr joined the Fight Jets Inc team in 2018 as an additional PREMIER Jet Demonstration Pilot. Michael currently performs full aerobatic displays in the MiG 17F, MiG 15, CT-33 Silver Star (AKA T-33 Shooting Star), and L-39 Albatross throughout North America, Canada, and Central America.

Michael owns and operates through Fighter Jets Inc, his MiG-17F and L-39, based in Traverse City, Michigan, where he resides. Traverse City is an excellent base location for airshows across the Midwest and Canada!

Bill Stein

Bill Stein is a veteran air show performer with over 7,000 hours in aerobatic and formation flying. Since 1995, he has performed at air shows across the United States, combining extensive experience in competitive aerobatics with a commitment to safety and precision. Bill holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate with single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument ratings, as well as a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) rating. He has also served as a judge at the Advanced World Aerobatic Championships and is an FAA-designated Aerobatic Competency Evaluator (ACE).

Bill flies the Zivko Edge 540, a high-performance aerobatic aircraft capable of extreme maneuvers with exceptional responsiveness and structural strength. His Edge 540 features an innovative, color-shifting paint scheme that changes appearance depending on lighting and viewing angles, making it one of the most visually unique aircraft on the air show circuit.

In addition to his solo career, Bill has flown with the Red Baron Stearman Squadron and was a founding member of The Collaborators formation team. He continues to mentor new performers and contribute to the air show community through leadership and training.