Tom Larkin – Minijet Airshows

When a jet screams across the flight line, you usually expect a massive piece of military hardware. Tom Larkin is here to change that. Flying the SubSonex JSX-2—better known as the MiniJet—Tom brings a high-energy aerobatic display to Abbotsford that proves you don’t need a massive airframe to make a huge impact.

By keeping the action tight and close to the crowd, this MiniJet airshow provides a fast-paced, “in-your-face” performance that larger jets simply can’t match.

The Pilot: From F-15s to the JSX-2

Tom “Lark” Larkin isn’t just a hobbyist; he’s a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot with a resume to match. Having flown the F-15C Eagle and served as an instructor in the T-38, Tom knows exactly how to push an aircraft to its limit. Today, he’s a Captain for a major airline with over 10,000 hours of flight time.

The most compelling part of Tom’s story is how it started. Despite a childhood fear of heights and motion sickness, he was inspired by a mini jet at an airshow and decided to face his fears head-on. He earned his pilot’s license in just 62 days and went on to become a top graduate in fighter lead-in school. He now uses his MiniJet performances to inspire the next generation to tackle their own fears and chase their goals.

The Machine: The SubSonex JSX-2

The star of the show is the SubSonex JSX-2, one of the smallest and most unique jets in the world. Weighing only 500 pounds empty, this experimental aircraft is a mechanical marvel that looks like something out of a secret agent movie.

Key Technical Specs:

  • Engine: A PBS TJ-100 turbojet producing 250 lbs of thrust.
  • Speed: Capable of reaching nearly 300 mph.
  • G-Loads: Built to handle a staggering +/- 6G.
  • Design: Features a distinctive “Y-tail” and a custom smoke system that allows the crowd to track every high-speed twist and turn.

The Performance: Tight, Fast, and Loud

Because the MiniJet is so small and agile, Tom can keep his routine “in the lap” of the audience. Unlike heavy fighters that need miles of airspace to turn around, the MiniJet stays right in front of the crowd for the entire display.

What to watch for:

  • The High-Speed Whistle: Listen for the unique sound of the PBS TJ-100 engine as Tom executes a low-level, high-speed pass.
  • Precision Aerobatics: Watch for tight loops, vertical rolls, and snaps that showcase the aircraft’s incredible power-to-weight ratio.
  • The Vertical Climb: Watch the MiniJet point its nose at the clouds and accelerate straight up, proving that size doesn’t limit performance.
  • The Short-Field Finish: Watch how quickly this jet can transition from 200 mph to a dead stop on the runway.

MiniJet Twilight: A Fire-Breathing Spectacle

The excitement doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. During Abbotsford Airshow’s Friday Night Twilight Show, the MiniJet transforms from a sleek racer into a jaw-dropping pyrotechnic marvel.

Equipped with specialized lighting and wing-tip pyrotechnics, Tom Larkin slices through the darkness, trailing showers of sparks and brilliant flames. This night routine is an absolute fan favorite, turning the MiniJet into a glowing comet that lights up the Abbotsford sky.