Click on a question below to see the answer, or scroll through the list. For questions about pricing or scheduling, please see the booking link.

Q: Why does Tiger Squadron use former Soviet-bloc aircraft instead of American aircraft?

A: When the Iron Curtain came down, a large number of exciting and well-built Soviet-bloc aircraft became available at a very reasonable cost. For many pilots, their ruggedness, comparatively low ownership costs and fine flying qualities were preferable to much more expensive and high-maintenance Western equivalents. Some of our pilots have owned or flown those Western equivalents but prefer these aircraft. There’s also a large social aspect to this hobby, and the camaraderie of the RedStar Pilots Association is nearly unmatched. A large number of Red Star pilots are former or current United States Air Force, Navy and Marine pilots. back to top

Q: Isn’t it disrespectful if you fly over an American serviceman’s funeral displaying Chinese and Russian markings?

A: No, the aircraft are inert machines that have no political alliances or point of view. They are aircraft of a design that is reminiscent of WWII radial-engine aircraft and are flown by Americans who are keeping a unique part of history alive. The American pilots of Tiger Squadron are performing the symbolic maneuvers such as the "missing man" and the aircraft are the visual and aural tools by which those maneuvers are accomplished. The markings on the aircraft represent their original origins, as they are a living part of history, but they are not displayed to promote, nor do they show any agreement or alliance with, the political beliefs they represented in their original use.

Another way to look at it is that the freedom and sacrifices these servicemen and their families made allowed Americans to own military hardware of countries that do not share our political views. They are spoils of the Cold War, and their continued use to pay respect to American servicemen is representative of that victory. back to top

Q: My loved one was a civilian pilot. Would a missing man (or other) flyover be appropriate for their service?

A: Absolutely, anyone with a love of flying, aircraft or warbirds would be deeply moved whether or not they were a pilot or in the military. Tiger Squadron recently did a very moving flyover for a civilian pilot's service on the beach. back to top

Q: Other than air shows and memorial services, for what other types of events do you do flyovers?

A: Everything from Little League opening ceremonies and parades to motor races and Concourse d’ Elegances. Tiger Squadron performs at any event where the ambience of vintage warbirds flying over in tight formation adds to the event. back to top

Q: Can you do aerobatics at our event?

A: No, there are FAA restrictions on aerobatics that prevent us doing aerobatics at flyovers or air shows. back to top

Q: How does the smoke thing work?

A: Most of our aircraft are equipped with smoke systems that inject special smoke oil into the exhaust. The pilots control the system, and smoke is an integral component of many of our performances. back to top

Q: How low can you fly?

A: In waivered airspace (an air show), as low as the air show organizers allow. For events in congested public areas, the FAA minimum altitude is 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a 2,000-foot radius of the aircraft. This is low enough to be clearly seen and heard and to make an impact on your event. back to top

Q: How many planes can be in a flyover?

A: Quite a few. In addition to our 6 main aircraft, and depending on the type of event, Tiger Squadron has a number of additional Red Star pilots who are actively training and are qualified to do flyovers in non-waivered (air show) airspace. Qualified pilots from outside the Southern California area are also available. back to top

Q: How can we coordinate the timing of your passes with events on the ground?

A: Coordination can either be accomplished with radios or with cooperation of the nearest airport’s control tower. The ground team can call the tower by phone, and the tower will pass the information to us. back to top

Q: How many passes can you do?

A: That’s up to you. Depending on your time and budget, there are a number of formation configurations for a 4-ship formation, so that each pass can be unique, such as: Fingertip (finger four), Diamond, Echelon, Echelon Break, Close Trail, Element Passes (2 planes at a time). Formations larger than 4 aircraft can have additional unique configurations. back to top

Q: Can I get a ride?

A: In non-waivered (air show) airspace, we can have passengers in the back seats of our aircraft during flyovers. This provides a number of opportunities for VIPs or other special participants of your event that we can discuss with you. back to top

Q: Can you provide aircraft and pilots for movies or photo shoots?

A: Yes, our aircraft are certified for exhibition and commercial use in movies or television, and our commercial pilots are qualified to fly them for you. Aircraft can fly with temporary paint schemes to suit your production’s needs. back to top

Q: What is the RedStar Pilots Association?

A: The RedStar Pilots Association (RPA) is a Federal 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation registered in the state of Virginia. The association’s mission is to promote and preserve the safe operation, display and enjoyment of all aircraft—jet to prop, aerobatic, sport, warbird and utility—especially those originating in the current and former Communist bloc nations. The RPA strives to function as a clearinghouse for information related to maintenance and safe operation of aircraft. Through their designated check pilots, instructor pilots, and the national FAST organization, they develop performance standards, principles and techniques which they disseminate to members in order to promote safe formation flight and the safe operation of their aircraft.

RPA is an FAA-sanctioned signatory to the Formation And Safety Team body known by the abbreviation FAST. This position allows them to train, qualify and manage civilian formation pilots in the United States and Canada for the safe conduct of formation flight displays in the U.S. and Canadian airshow industry. Pilots the world over benefit from formation training at all levels while the public interest is maintained through their efforts to reinforce flight safety. Membership is open to all pilots, aircraft owners and enthusiasts. Here’s their website: www.flyredstar.org.

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If this page hasn’t answered your question, please call Craig Ekberg at 310-990-1111.