F-22 Raptor Demo Team receive COMACC qualification
U.S. Air Force Maj. Paul “Loco” Lopez, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team pilot, completed a qualification performance for U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Holmes, Commander of Air Combat Command, to certify his capabilities as a demo team pilot at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Dec. 18, 2017.
The demonstration team looks to educate current and future U.S. Air Force generations on the importance of airpower superiority, while enhancing community and international relations.
In March 2018, the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team will begin their demonstrations for the 2018 show season.
“We are excited to get the 2018 demonstration team out on the road,” said Lopez. “We are going to showcase the best demo possible during our tour.”
The 13-member team will start the 2018 season at the Yuma Air Show at Marine Corps Air Station, Arizona. The team will continue to showcase the fifth-generation aircraft through 25 demonstrations in 21 locations around the country, as well as in Santiago, Chile and Alberta, Canada.
“We are excited to showcase American airpower,” said Tech. Sgt. James Fleming, F-22 Raptor Demo Team chief. “We hope to make the American public proud of what their Armed Forces bring to the fight.”
The team, which consist of four dedicated crew chiefs, three avionics specialists, a weapons loader, aircrew flight equipment specialist, public affairs specialist, team chief, team superintendent and demonstration pilot, will take the opportunity to engage with communities to help instill confidence in the Air Force and the F-22 Raptor during their tour.
For more information about the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team or their show schedule, visit http://www.acc.af.mil/Home/Aerial-Events/F-22A-Demo-Team/.
