Big Papa Airshows

Ben “Big Papa” Ausbrooks is a retired Unites States Marine Corps F/A-18 fighter pilot who now enjoys sharing the thrills of aerobatic aviation for airshow spectators. With over 4000 combined flight hours in tactical jet aircraft, jet training aircraft, and general aviation piston driven aircraft, Big Papa’s passion for flying is now displayed through his aerobatic routine in his 1999 Steen Super Skybolt. He highlights the basic, intermediate, and advanced aerobatic capabilities of an aircraft that even a low time private pilot can learn to fly and be able to purchase for less than the price of a new car. Big Papa enjoys interacting with the airshow crowds, encouraging young kids as well as adults to pursue aviation as a hobby or career, and cheering on all the other performers alongside the spectators during the airshows. Outside of flying airshows, Ben is a full time T-45C Goshawk simulator instructor teaching advanced jet training to U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps student aviators.

The Steen Super Skybolt is powered by a Lycoming IO-540, 6 cylinder, 300hp engine and a 3-blade Hartzell Composite Aerobatic propeller. The Skybolt has the classic biplane look with modern design and is a fully aerobatic capable aircraft of +6g/-4g and gyroscopic maneuvers!