Jerry “Jive” Kerby and Wild Blue

PFLUGERVILLE TX – MARCH 19, 2014 – Every wonder why a retired Air Force Lt. Col. who’s flown some of the most powerful jets around would want to get into an RV-8 for an airshow act?  We wondered that very thing, and caught up with Jerry “Jive” Kerby at the Ft. Worth Alliance Air Show last fall to ask that question.  Jerry was performing as the Flight Lead for the Black Diamond Jet Team, but we had seen him fly his RV-8 named “Wild Blue” at Oshkosh earlier in the summer.  You can tell he has a great time in that plane.  He says, “Wild Blue is a little RV-8 that wants to be a fighter jet.”  Like Jerry, we’re betting that with him at the controls that dream might just happen.

To see this story, go to: http://www.liveairshowtv.com/video.php?vid=171

This story was a collaborative effort in conjunction with the Baylor University Film and Digital Media Department.  Senior Rhett Gill is working with LiveAirShowTV this semester as an independent study.  Rhett had to get up to speed on the world of aviation and airshows, and he caught on quickly.  Watch for another story from him very soon.

As the air show season gets off the staring line, LiveAirShowTV is on board.  Watch for reports from Wings Over South Texas/NAS Kingsville, as well as Sun ‘n Fun in April.  Our schedules for live broadcasts are still in the works.  As soon as the shows are locked in, we will announce them.  Keep up with daily news on Facebook and Twitter. It’s going to be a great air show season, and we look forward to seeing you on the ramp!

Heavy Metal Jet Team is Expanding and Recruiting Pilots and Crew Members

North America’s newest civilian jet team is adding more jets and is looking for additional pilots and crew members for the remainder of the 2011 air show season and 2012.

Clinton, NJ (July 11, 2011) – Heavy Metal Jet Team, the North American air show circuit’s newest aerobatic jet team sponsored by United Bank Card, Inc (UBC), is already expanding its fleet of aircraft. The team currently flies with a five-ship of L-39’s, but it will soon be bringing its T-33 as well as a MiG-17 as solo demos and into the full team act.  With the return of the T-33 and the addition of the MiG-17, the team is currently recruiting Pilots and Maintenance Crew Members. 

“We are fortunate to have the opportunity to expand the number of jets we bring to shows during our first season with Heavy Metal Jet Team,” states Team Lead and Pilot Lt. Colonel Jerry “Jive” Kerby, USAF (ret.).  Kerby continues, “However, with the expansion of assets comes the need to continue to recruit the most talented pilots to fly the aircraft and the best maintenance crew members to keep them flying.”

The aircraft used by the team are owned by JDI Holdings, LLC and will be based in Pennsylvania and Florida.  Kerby, who is also the Warbird Manager for JDI Holdings, will be accepting resumes from qualified candidates via email at jive@heavymetaljetteam.com

The criteria for pilots include being available for a minimum of 15 air show weekends (Thursday – Sunday) per year at multiple locations in North America.  All pilots applying must possess a minimum Level 2 (250’) Statement of Aerobatic Competency in solo and formation jet aerobatics.  Pilots with recent formation jet team experience, military flying experience, and a type-rating in L-39 aircraft are preferred. Responsibilities will vary with team requirements and needs.

The maintenance crew member criteria also includes being available for a minimum of 15 air show weekends (Thursday – Sunday) per year at multiple locations in North America.  Preferred skills include a degree in Aviation or related field with a minimum of two years experience in Aviation, an A&P License, and military aircraft maintenance experience.  Responsibilities would include, but not be limited to, prepping, fueling, launching, and recovering demonstration jets during air show weekends.

For those interested in applying, please send resumes and a letter of interest via email to Lt. Colonel Jerry Kerby, USAF (ret) at jive@heavymetaljetteam.com.  Please no phone calls. 

Heavy Metal Jet Team is a dynamic five-ship jet team fully sponsored for 2011 by United Bank Card. To inquire about the booking the team and for more information about Heavy Metal Jet Team, please contact LM Sawyer at 813-964-6259 or lunar@heavymetaljetteam.com 

United Bank Cardis a premier payment and transaction processing organization based out of Hampton, New Jersey.  As founder and CEO, Jared Isaacman has led United Bank Card from a fledgling start-up in his parent’s basement ten years ago, to a 10 billion dollar payment processing company serving business owners around the nation. Ranked by the Nilson Report as one of the largest payment processors in the United States, United Bank Card currently handles the merchant accounts for over 130,000 business locations. It is consistently recognized as a leader in innovation, United Bank Card is a five-time consecutive Inc. 500 company (2005-2009) and was ranked on Deloitte’s 2008 “Technology Fast 50” list.   For more information on United Bank Card please visit www.unitedbankcard.com.

Heavy Metal Jet Team Announces 2011 Schedule

The United Bank Card, Inc sponsored air show team will begin its first season on the North American air show circuit in Florida this weekend.

Lancaster, PA (Friday, March 11, 2011) – Heavy Metal Jet Team, North America’s newest civilian jet team sponsored by United Bank Card, Inc. starts its first season today at the TICO Warbird Air Show at the Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville, FL. The team arrived on Wednesday, March 9 and will be performing in the show Friday-Sunday, March 11-13.  It’s just one of 18 shows the team will be attending in 2011.

“We’re pleased to be debuting at the TICO Warbird Air Show at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum,” states Team Lead Lt Colonel Jerry “Jive” Kerby, USAF (ret).  “The volunteers and employees of the museum have been incredibly supportive of Heavy Metal Jet Team since the team was announced in November of last year.  We even conducted several of our first training missions out of the facility and airport and are excited to return for our first show.”

The team’s schedule is as follows:

Mar 11-13       TICO Warbird Air Show                                              Titusville, FL               

Mar 26-27       Florida Int’l Air Show                                                   Punta Gorda, FL        

Apr 16-17        Coastal Carolina Air Show                                          Wilmington, NC       

May 6-8           Defenders of Liberty Open House & Air Show          Barksdale AFB, LA    

Jun 4-5            Sun Fun Festival Air Show                                         Myrtle Beach, SC      

Jun 10-12        Spectale Aerien International de Bagotville                Bagotville, QB

Jun 25             Wings & Wheels At Wendover                                   Wendover, UT           

Jul 2-3             National Cherry Festival                                             Traverse City, MI       

Jul 15-17         Gary’s South Shore Air Show                                    Gary, IN                     

Jul 23-25         Praire Air Show                                                           Peoria, IL                    

Aug 17             Atlantic City Air Show                                                 Atlantic City, NJ

Aug 20-21       Lancaster Community Days                                       Lancaster, PA

Sep 3-5           Canadian International Air Show                                Toronto, ON   

Sep 10-11       Wings Over Pittsburgh                                                Pittsburgh, PA

Sep 17-18       Ocean City Beachfront Air Show                               Ocean City, NJ

Oct 8-9            The Great Georgia Air Show                                      Peachtree City, GA   

Nov 5-6           Cocoa Beach Air Show                                              Cocoa Beach, FL       

Nov 11-12       Stuart Air Show                                                          Stuart, FL     

Heavy Metal Jet Team is dedicating its 2011 season of 18 shows to the Make-A-Wish^® Foundation and is working with local chapters at the air shows and other venues where the team will be appearing to raise awareness of the organization’s workand promote its efforts to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Heavy Metal Jet Team is a dynamic five-ship jet team led by Jerry “Jive” Kerby with featured performer Dale “Snort” Snodgrass.  To inquire about the booking the team or for more information, please contact LM Sawyer at 813-964-6259 or lunar@heavymetaljetteam.com

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, with 64 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 200,000 wishes in the United States since its inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish^®.

United Bank Cardis a premier payment and transaction processing organization based out of Hampton, New Jersey.  As founder and CEO, Jared Isaacman has led United Bank Card from a fledgling start-up in his parent’s basement ten years ago, to a 10 billion dollar payment processing company serving business owners around the nation. Ranked by the Nilson Report as one of the largest payment processors in the United States, United Bank Card currently handles the merchant accounts for over 130,000 business locations. It is consistently recognized as a leader in innovation, United Bank Card is a five-time consecutive Inc. 500 company (2005-2009) and was ranked on Deloitte’s 2008 “Technology Fast 50” list.   For more information on United Bank Card please visit www.unitedbankcard.com.

Heavy Metal Jet Team Announces Complete Pilot Roster for 2011 Air Show Season

North America’s newest five-ship civilian jet team members introduced at the International Council of Air Shows annual convention

Las Vegas, NV (Tuesday, December 7, 2010) – Heavy Metal Jet Team, the new five-ship aerobatic civilian-owned jet team sponsored by United Bank Card, Inc (UBC), is introducing its full line-up of pilots to members of the air show industry this week at the annual International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) convention in Las Vegas, NV.  The Lancaster, PA-based jet team will include three veteran military pilots, two active-duty military pilots, and two civilian world record holders.  Joining the previously announced Heavy Metal Jet Team pilots Lt. Colonel Jerry “Jive” Kerby, USAF (ret.), Jared “Rook” Isaacman, and Captain Dale “Snort” Snodgrass, USN (ret.) are Doug “H-Dog” Demko, Major Sean “Stroker” Gustafson, USAFR, Major John “Slick” Baum, USAF, and Lt. Commander Michael “Buick” Eberhardt, USN (ret.). 

“We are fortunate to have such exceptionally talented pilots joining the Heavy Metal Jet Team for its premiere air show season,” states Lead Pilot Lt. Colonel Jerry “Jive” Kerby, USAF (ret.).  Kerby continues, “It’s exciting to be working with a group of pilots who have such high levels of professionalism and skills both as aviators and as performers.” 

Joining Kerby, Isaacman, and Snodgrass on the Heavy Metal Jet Team are the following pilots:
Doug “H-Dog” Demko who is one of the current record holders of the fastest time around the world Eastbound having broken the previous record in 2009.  Major Sean “Stroker” Gustafson, USAFR, who has just completed his second and final year as the Slot pilot of the USAF Thunderbirds in the #4 jet.  Major John “Slick” Baum, USAF, who has also completed his second and final year as a member of the USAF Thunderbirds having flown as the Left Wing pilot in the #2 jet.  Lt. Commander Michael “Buick Eberhardt, USN, (ret.), a former F-14 and A-4 pilot who is currently one of the Collings Foundation’s TA-4 civilian instructor pilots as well as a veteran air show pilot with the Geico Skytypers.

The Heavy Metal Jet Team Web site, which went on-line on Monday, December 6, has more information about each of the pilots.  www.heavymetaljetteam.com

Heavy Metal Jet Team is a dynamic five-ship jet team led by Jerry “Jive” Kerby with featured performer Dale “Snort” Snodgrass.  It is fully sponsored for 2011 by United Bank Card. To inquire about the booking the team and for more information, please contact LM Sawyer at 813-964-6259 or lunar@flyjivefly.com

United Bank Card is a premier payment and transaction processing organization based out of Hampton, New Jersey.  As founder and CEO, Jared Isaacman has led United Bank Card from a fledgling start-up in his parent’s basement ten years ago, to a 10 billion dollar payment processing company serving business owners around the nation. Ranked by the Nilson Report as one of the largest payment processors in the United States, United Bank Card currently handles the merchant accounts for over 130,000 business locations. It is consistently recognized as a leader in innovation, United Bank Card is a five-time consecutive Inc. 500 company (2005-2009) and was ranked on Deloitte’s 2008 “Technology Fast 50” list.   For more information on United Bank Card please visit www.unitedbankcard.com.

Heavy Metal Jet Team to Dedicate 2011 Air Show Season to the Make-A-Wish Foundation®

The United Bank Card, Inc sponsored air show team will be flying its first season in honor of the Make-A-Wish Foundation to promote its efforts on behalf of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Lancaster, PA (Thursday, December 2, 2010) –Heavy Metal Jet Team, sponsored by United Bank Card, Inc, will be dedicating its first season on the North American air show circuit in 2011 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The team’s members and United Bank Card representatives will be working with local Make-A-Wish® chapters at the air shows and other venues where the team will be appearing to raise awareness of the organization’s work and promote its efforts to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

The founder and CEO of United Bank Card and one of the pilots for Heavy Metal Jet Team, Jared Isaacman, is a long-time supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, completing two round-the-world flights, including one record-breaking flight, to promote the organization as well as raise funds to grant wishes.

“It’s exciting to have the opportunity for Heavy Metal Jet Team and United Bank Card to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation in such a large public forum as the air show industry,” Isaacman said. “Since air shows are family-oriented events, it just seemed right for Heavy Metal Jet Team and United Bank Card to also promote a worthy cause like the Make-A-Wish Foundation that touches the lives of so many children.”

Heavy Metal Jet Team and United Bank Card will work closely with event organizers and the Make-A-Wish Foundation at each venue to highlight the nonprofit organization’s mission. The five-ship jet team’s pilots and crew members will also be available for speaking engagements and appearances on behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation during 2011. Scheduling for the team for the 2011 air show season will begin at the International Council of Air Shows annual convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, December 6-8, 2010.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, with 64 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 200,000 wishes in the United States since its inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.

Heavy Metal Jet Team is a dynamic five-ship jet team led by Jerry “Jive” Kerby with featured performer Dale “Snort” Snodgrass. It is fully sponsored for 2011 by United Bank Card. The full team roster will be announced on Monday, December 6 when the team’s Web site goes live at the start of the International Council of Air Shows’ convention. To inquire about the booking the team and for more information, please contact LM Sawyer at 813-964-6259 or lunar@flyjivefly.com

United Bank Card is a premier payment and transaction processing organization based out of Hampton, New Jersey. As founder and CEO, Jared Isaacman has led United Bank Card from a fledgling start-up in his parent’s basement ten years ago, to a 10 billion dollar payment processing company serving business owners around the nation. Ranked by the Nilson Report as one of the largest payment processors in the United States, United Bank Card currently handles the merchant accounts for over 130,000 business locations. It is consistently recognized as a leader in innovation, United Bank Card is a five-time consecutive Inc. 500 company (2005-2009) and was ranked on Deloitte’s 2008 “Technology Fast 50” list. For more information on United Bank Card please visit www.unitedbankcard.com.

CONTACT:  LM Sawyer  813-446-5145  lunar@flyjivefly.com