Photo credit: Jerod Flohr
APPLE VALLEY – ‘Fast and loud’ is how Apple Valley Airshow featured pilot Jerod Flohr describes the Vietnam war era fighter jet A-4 Skyhawk. Flohr will be honoring veterans who flew them, Saturday, with an aerobatic performance at the airshow.
“We showcase the mighty A-4 Skyhawk and wish to honor the veterans who flew these machines into combat as well as give their friends, family, and loved ones a glimpse of what it looked like and sounded like for them to be in the air in one of these amazing aircraft,” said Flohr. “The type of aircraft was originally designed as a nuclear bomber, then was used as an attack aircraft in the Vietnam war…then was used for decades at the famous Top Gun.”
Flohr says the A-4 Skyhawk was also used by the US Navy Blue Angels as their aircraft of choice from 1974-1986. From there it was used in the training command by the Navy and Air Force for various roles from advanced training to adversary roles.
“So come see it, there’s a ton of history wrapped up in this beautiful aircraft,” said Flohr.
Flohr is a civilian professional pilot with a “passion for aerobatics and warbird aircraft”. He’s been a flight instructor for 17 years and focuses mainly on specialty “niche” areas of aviation – aerobatics, tail wheel, bush flying, turboprop/jet training and formation.
RELATED: Top Gun flight instructor performing at the Apple Valley Airshow Oct. 8
“I am currently type rated to fly a Gulfstream G550, Citation Mustang, Phenom 300, Marchetti S-211, Embraer 145, and a T-28,” said Flohr. “That, along with instructing in aircraft like the AT-6 Texan certainly keeps me on my toes and reminds me that there is always something to learn and improve upon in aviation.”
When he’s not providing flight instruction – he’s performing in airshows.
“Airshows are a wonderful family event. A place where you can meet and be around other passionate people at the highest level of their craft,” said Flohr. “All we really want to do is inspire kids – and their parents, to chase their goals and passions, live the best life you can and maybe even be an inspiration to others.”
About the Apple Valley Airshow
The 19th Annual Apple Valley Airshow and NAPA® Auto Parts Car Show is Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Apple Valley Airport. The schedule includes performances from Dawn Patrol RV Formation Team, the Undaunted Airshows formation aerobatics team, Air Racer Tony Higa in the Pitts, Air Racer and aerobatics pilot Vicky Benzing in her 1940 Boeing Stearman biplane, John Collver in his AT-6/SNJ “Wardog”, Rich Piccirilli with Just In Time Skydivers and Paratroopers jumping from the C-53 Skytrooper D-Day Doll.
On the ground will be experimental and vintage airplane static displays, military vehicles, and the NAPA® Auto Parts Car Show “Show and Shine” contest.
There will also be a STEM Expo tent, where families can learn to fly a plane, build an airplane or a rocket.
The Apple Valley Airport is located at 21600 Corwin Rd, Apple Valley, CA. For more information about the Apple Valley Airshow visit www.applevalleyairshow.com.
