AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - March 2024 - 30

BRIEFING
INDUSTRY /
AeroShell team is now Titan
New name, sponsorship after 40 years
BY NIKI BRITTON
THE AIRSHOW DEMONSTRATION team known to fans for decades as the AeroShell
Aerobatic Team has announced it will replace its distinctive orange-and-white
livery with new colors and fly as the Titan Aerobatic Team sponsored by Titan
Aviation Fuels. For nearly 40 years, pilots of the North American aerobatic team
have entertained airshow audiences with their eye-catching, tight-formation
aerobatic spectacles in World War II-era North American AT-6 Texans.
The team was founded in 1984 by Alan Henley and Steve Gustafson and began
flying under the AeroShell Aerobatic Team name in 2001.
" AeroShell has been a wonderful sponsor and absolutely awesome to work
with all these years, " Gustafson said. " We have nothing but great things to say
about their support, their products, and all the good people that represent them
around the world. It's been a wonderful relationship, and I'm proud to say we're
parting on good terms. "
This change of title sponsors is significant for the team following a more
than 20-year relationship with AeroShell; however, the team assures fans that
performances will continue to bring the same breathtaking excitement spectators
have come to anticipate and enjoy over the years.
" We just do what we do and try to give the fans and show promoters a great
experience with a great show, " Mark Henley, team lead, said. " We love it, and it's
very special to be able to open a new chapter even after all this time. "
" Having our brand associated with this team is a perfect match, " Titan Aviation
Fuels Chairman Buddy Stallings said. " These 'gentlemen pilots' represent all the
qualities we want to promote at Titan: precision operations, a high-quality product,
30
AOPA PILOT / March 2024
Members of the Titan Aerobatic
Team pose in their new uniforms.
From left to right: Mark Henley,
Bryan Regan, Steve Gustafson,
Jimmy Fordham.
professional service, and extraordinary work
ethic. We're thrilled to be flying with them. "
Alan Henley's twin brother Mark joined
the team in 1997 and became team leader after
Alan was injured in a nonaviation accident in
2008. Henley is joined by right wing pilot
Bryan Regan; left wing pilot Steve Gustafson;
and Jimmy Fordham, who flies the slot, or
trail position.
" We've known Buddy and the Titan
company for many years, " Henley said. " We
are excited about our new relationship and are
looking forward to representing all the great
folks that make this company such a quality
organization across America. "
The Titan Aerobatic Team will debut its
new colors in March 2024, marking its fortieth
year in airshows, with new liveries, uniforms,
and promotional swag. The team will be
joining the DC Flyover in May 2024, where
aircraft representing chapters of general
aviation will fly over the National Mall.
niki.britton@aopa.org
TITAN AEROBATIC TEAM
AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - March 2024

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