The Abbotsford International Airshow (AIA) is a premier event that showcases the incredible skills of some of the world’s best airshow pilots. These pilots perform breathtaking manoeuvres, leaving spectators in awe of their precision and bravery. 

But have you ever wondered what goes into creating a stunt flying routine for the airshows? And who can you expect to see performing at AIA 2025? This blog post will provide you with all the answers.

How Do Airshow Pilots Create Their Routine?

Creating an airshow routine is an art form that combines creativity, skill, and strategy. Here’s how pilots develop their breathtaking performances:

• Conceptualization: Pilots start by conceptualizing a routine that showcases their unique skills and style. The most important part of conceptualization is choosing the music they will use for their routine. The music is what sets the mood for the audience. 

• Choreography: The routine is choreographed to include a mix of high-energy manoeuvres, graceful aerobatics, and dramatic stunts. The idea is to let the pilots’ personalities shine through the choreography. 

• Feedback and Refinement: Pilots often seek feedback from peers and mentors. They refine their routines based on this input to ensure maximum impact and safety.

Which Airshow Pilots Will Perform at AIA 2025?

The Abbotsford International Airshow 2025 promises an exciting lineup of talented airshow pilots who will dazzle the audience with their incredible performances. Here are three of the star pilots to watch out for:

Melissa Burns

Melissa Burns is renowned for her dynamic aerobatic routines that combine precision with flair. At the young age of 22, she became the youngest female member of the USA Unlimited Aerobatic Team in history. Since then, Burns has been part of many competitions and events, always raising the bar of what’s possible in aerobatic aviation.

Burns’s unique style captivates audiences. Her performances blend technical prowess with artistic expression, making her a favourite at airshows worldwide. 

During the Abbotsford International Airshow 2025 you will be able to see Melissa Burns do what she does best in her Edge 540 airplane, a high-performance aerobatic aircraft widely known for its exceptional aerobatic capabilities. 

Nate Hammond (Ghostwriter)

Nate Hammond brings a blend of nostalgia and raw flying skill to the skies with his modified 1956 de Havilland Super Chipmunk, known as GhostWriter. More than just a vintage aircraft, GhostWriter is equipped with a 300-horsepower engine and a custom smoke system that helps paint the sky during Hammond’s spellbinding flight demonstrations.

What makes Nate stand out in the airshow circuit is his precision and dedication to aviation performance. His routines feature a mix of low-level aerobatic displays, dramatic smoke-on turns, and crowd-thrilling aircraft maneuvers. But perhaps his most unique trick? Skywriting! Hammond uses GhostWriter to spell out messages in the sky—turning aviation into art.

Nate represents the perfect mix of experience, enthusiasm, and innovation in stunt flying. Expect his 2025 performance to be both high-octane and heartfelt.

“Wingwalker” Sam

Prepare to be captivated by the dynamic aerial duo of Sam and Mike Tryggvason, whose passion for flight takes them to exhilarating heights. With Mike at the controls of the modified Grumman “Showcat” biplane, Sam steps out onto the wings, combining technical skill with artistic flair to deliver a breathtaking performance.

Wingwalking is not for the faint of heart. Sam is securely harnessed to the wings of the “Showcat,” experiencing speeds up to 150 mph and G-forces of up to 4G. The routine is a symphony of synchronized movements, with Mike executing loops, rolls, and even inverted flight, all while Sam maintains her poise and precision. Moving to different positions on the aircraft—even onto the top wing—requires exceptional daring and coordination.

Beyond their aerial acrobatics, Sam and Mike are accomplished professionals in their own right. Sam is a satellite collision avoidance engineer, supporting the continuation of science missions in space. Mike is an airline pilot and mechanical engineer who has built rockets and designed experimental equipment operated on the International Space Station. Their unique blend of high-flying performance and scientific expertise makes them a standout act at airshow events, inspiring audiences and promoting STEM education.

Get Your Tickets!

The Abbotsford International Airshow 2025 is set to be an unforgettable event, thanks to these incredible airshow pilots. Don’t miss the chance to witness their spectacular aviation performances and experience the thrill of the skies! Get your tickets today!