DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A Pennsylvania Air Force commander and Pilot is set to lead a performance at the PA Air Show in Harrisburg next week.
According to a Representative from the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team, Major Taylor “FEMA” Hiester, of Robesonia, Pennsylvania, will lead the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team at the Air Show from May 23 to 25.
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The team said that Hiester is currently in his third year of command, having begun his journey to the cockpit of an F-16 at Reading Regional Airport, where he earned his private pilot’s license. He would go on to attend Penn State University’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, where he received his commission.
He would then graduate from undergraduate pilot training at Columbus AFB and be selected to fly the F-16 in 2017, per the team.
“As a kid who grew up learning to fly at the Reading Airport, dreaming to fly the F-16, it’s surreal to have the opportunity to serve as the Air Force’s F-16 demonstration pilot and perform for the place and the people that I call home,” said Hiester.
The PA Air Show called the F-16 the “Sports Car” of the U.S. military fighter jet community, saying the Demo Team will show off the jet’s full capabilities, including high-speed maneuvers at more than 600 mph.
Hiester has performed in more than 45 air shows around the globe.
Learn more on the PA Air Show’s website.
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