Redline Airshows

Few performances combine precision, speed, and teamwork quite like Redline Airshows. This dynamic father-and-son aerobatic team delivers an exhilarating formation routine that keeps two aircraft just feet apart while executing breathtaking manoeuvres with flawless precision. Flying a pair of highly modified Van’s RV-8 aircraft, Redline fills the sky with graceful formation flying, opposing passes, synchronized aerobatics, and vibrant smoke effects that leave audiences cheering from start to finish.

The Team: A Family Tradition of Excellence

Redline Airshows is led by Ken and Austin Rieder, a father-and-son team from Cincinnati, Ohio who share a lifelong passion for aviation. Together, they have developed one of North America’s premier formation aerobatic acts, combining thousands of hours of flight experience with the trust and communication that only years of flying together can create.

Ken, an airline captain, aerobatic instructor, and accomplished aircraft builder, has logged more than 13,000 flight hours over a 35-year aviation career. Austin began flying as a teenager, soloing in a glider at just 14 years old before earning his powered aircraft licence at 16. Having spent much of his flying career on his father’s wing, the pair perform with a level of precision that few formation teams can match.

The Aircraft: Van’s RV-8

Redline’s striking Van’s RV-8 aircraft may be experimental by design, but they deliver world-class aerobatic performance. Powered by 200-horsepower engines and capable of speeds exceeding 230 mph, the tandem-seat aircraft combine exceptional agility with outstanding reliability, making them the perfect platform for close-formation aerobatics. Their compact size allows the team to perform tight, energetic routines while colourful smoke trails highlight every perfectly coordinated manoeuvre.

The Performance: Precision in Perfect Harmony

Every Redline performance showcases the remarkable trust between pilot and wingman. Watch as the two aircraft fly in close formation, execute opposing passes, graceful loops, precision rolls, and dynamic crossover manoeuvres that demand split-second timing and unwavering concentration.

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or experiencing your first airshow, Redline Airshows delivers an unforgettable display of skill, teamwork, and family tradition that perfectly demonstrates the artistry of formation aerobatics.