Pilot to give a little 'extra' air show performance

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kirsten Wicker
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  This year's Gulf Coast Salute Open House and Air Show will feature various civilian and military aircraft, but one of those performers gives a little 'extra' to his air show performance.

Tim Weber pilots an Extra 300S, mid-wing aerobatic aircraft built of carbon fiber composites, as well as traditional steel tubing, fabric and aluminum. It has a 350-horsepower engine and has a roll rate of more than 420 degrees per second. The Extra reaches maneuvering speeds up to 158 knots.

"It's gradual progression for a pilot to work up to an airplane like the Extra," said Weber. "It's extremely quick, it changes directions rapidly, has a high roll rate with great control and harmony ... it goes any way you point it, and in aviation, we measure performance of this type of aircraft by the roll rate."

Spectators also enjoy Tim's original music, written and performed by Tim himself and played over giant speakers, during his high-flying aerobatics. He is a self-taught musician who began playing guitar when he was 17 years old. His music is a little extra part of his flying performance he likes to share with air show enthusiasts of all ages.

"All my music is sort of an eclectic mix of country, blues, and rock and roll with some R&B," he said. "The music is fun for me ... I do all the writing, vocals and guitar in all the songs. My lyrics are inspired by  life - it's observations and ponderings."

Tim Weber began his journey in aviation when he was just 13 years old. The Phoenix, Ariz., native started out by trading work for flying lessons. It wasn't long before he had his first solo fight and began exploring the world of aerobatics.

"I didn't have too many lessons before I did my first solo flight in a glider," said Weber. "I was just 14 and there was no instructor in the back and I remember thinking 'I'm not even old enough to drive a car, but I can fly!' It was an exhilarating feeling being up there by myself."

He has flown a variety of aircraft to include the Russian YAK 55M and the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and is also a certified aircraft mechanic and maintains his own airplane.

"Lots of time goes into maintenance, particularly during the off season. I'll tear it apart and putting it back together so I can see every aspect of the aircraft," said Weber. "During the season, I will do routine maintenance like oil changes and the like. When you're flying upside down, 20 feet from the ground, pulling 4 g's, that's a lot of wear and tear and stress on the airframe. As a pilot, you want to know 100 percent that the airplane is properly maintained and the best way to know is to do it yourself." 

This year, Tim will bring along a certified aircraft mechanic to help him maintain the Extra in top condition while on the road performing in various air shows across the country.

"My equipment still looks brand new," he added. "It's immaculate and it stays that way because of how we care for it."

This is Tim's second appearance at Tyndall for an air show. He and his crew are looking forward to the opportunity to perform for this community.  

"We are really excited to come back to Tyndall," said Weber. "There is a great community of people here and Tyndall is a great base, so we're thrilled to perform this year."

For more information about Tim and his aircraft, the Extra 300S, visit http://timweberairshows.com.