The new civil jet aerobatic display team "Heavy Metal Jet Team" will expands with one MiG-17. At the present, the team flies five L-39s and one T-33 plane, that missed from the last few air shows, because of the maintenance problems, but soon the T-33 will be ready for demonstrations. Four L-39s and the T-33, are painted in arctic camouflage paint schemes, as the fifth L-39 is painted in gloss black with Soviet star insignia. MiG-17, a former Soviet Cold Era fighter, will join to the team for 2012 show season, so the Heavy Metal Jet Team recruits new pilots and maintenance crew members. Soon in 2012, the team must fly with seven aircraft, as the T-33 and MiG-17 will fly solos.
The criteria for pilots include being available for a minimum of 15 air show weekends (Thursday – Sunday) per year at multiple locations in North America. All pilots applying must possess a minimum Level 2 (250’) Statement of Aerobatic Competency in solo and formation jet aerobatics. Pilots with recent formation jet team experience, military flying experience, and a type-rating in L-39 aircraft are preferred. Responsibilities will vary with team requirements and needs.
The maintenance crew member criteria also includes being available for a minimum of 15 air show weekends (Thursday – Sunday) per year at multiple locations in North America. Preferred skills include a degree in Aviation or related field with a minimum of two years experience in Aviation, an A&P License, and military aircraft maintenance experience. Responsibilities would include, but not be limited to, prepping, fueling, launching, and recovering demonstration jets during air show weekends.
The Heavy Metal Jet Team is based at Lancaster, PA and was formed at the end of 2011.
