Aerobatic team Aero Shell to dazzle Published March 17, 2011 By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tyndall Air Force Base is scheduled to host the 2011 Gulf Coast Salute Open House and Air Show March 26 and 27. Among the list of performers is the Aero Shell Aerobatic Team, consisting of four pilots, all from local southern states. The team flies the North American AT-6 Texan, also known as the "Pilot Maker." This aircraft, initially established in 1938, was originally used to train members of the United States Army Air Corps who would go on to fly fighter jets in World War II. Today, 22 countries still utilize this plane for training purposes. But, for the Aero Shell team, it is an instrument used to dazzle and awe fans, with its maneuvering capabilities. The team began performing for shows more than a quarter of a century ago. "All of the team members have been doing this kind of flying for many years," said Mark Henley, lead pilot. "We practice at the first of the year in the off-season, but when we go from show to show, we also practice the day before each show. We fly about 20 to 25 shows a year, mostly in the eastern half of the United States." Henley has been a member of the team for 14 years, but had been a pilot long before he joined the team. "This year I will be flying lead but I have been flying right wing for most of my other years," Henley said. "I became a pilot at an early age because I grew up in a flying family. By my mid-twenties I had already started flying air shows." The group performs a large percentage of their shows on military installations. "We really enjoy flying on military bases," said Henley. "We get to show what these old antique airplanes can do compared to the modern military airplanes." For a closer look at the team, visit http://www.naat.net.