PILOTS & CREW
Smoke On Aviation, LLC is a dedicated team of volunteer pilots who commit their time to performing formation flights for veterans, Missing Man (funerals)
and various other events. Safety is our top priority, and we adhere to a rigorous training program that follows FFI procedures.
Dave S. “Kicks”
Dave, a co-founder of Smoke On Aviation and daytime UPS pilot, has been flying since the age of 15, amassing over 14,000 hours and earning his FFI lead status. He co-built an RV8 with McQ and enjoys flying it, but often switches to other aircraft so McQ can partake in the formation fun. Dave’s motto: “Lead is always in position. Smoke On!”
Jeff S. “Peewee”
Jeff, the other co-founder of Smoke On Aviation, is a manufacturing engineer and entrepreneur. With about 400 hours of flight experience, he primarily pilots his RV9A, “The Mistress.” The mistress first took flight in fall 2019 and, as Jeff likes to remind everyone, “the plane is really my wife’s; I’m just the mechanic.”
Derek J “WiseGuy”
Stay tuned for Derek’s profile!
Curt R. “Geno”
Curt, a former UPS pilot, now relishes his retirement. He began flying in 1974, logging over 19,000 hours since. In 2015, he purchased his RV8 and has flown it for 400 hours. Curt also recently earned his FFI Wing card.
Michael G. “Yips”
Michael, a FedEx ground driver, is the mastermind behind the YouTube channel Yips in Formation. In his three years as a pilot, he’s flown over 500 hours, 430 of which were in his RV6A. Michael bought the RV6A shortly after earning his pilot’s license and recently received his FFI Wing Card. He quotes Breaker Morant: “Shoot straight, you bastards; don’t make a mess of it.”
Phil M. “JP”
Phil, a retired USAF and current UPS pilot, boasts 33 years of flying experience and over 14,000 hours. In 2019, he purchased his RV8 and has flown 100 hours in it. Although new to Smoke On, Phil has formation flying experience from his military days. His advice for flying and formation: “Just don’t suck.”
Wayne M. “TBD”
Stay tuned for Wayne’s profile!
Tom C. “Taz”
Stay tuned for Tom’s profile!
Ed M. “86”
Stay tuned for Tom’s profile!
Bob A.
Bob, a retired airline pilot with a wealth of experience and a founding member of our team, was an invaluable asset to our ground crew. While he didn’t fly formation with us, he was in the process of building an RV9A before he “flew West.” Bob’s dedication and contribution to our team will always be remembered and cherished.