Gene Soucy airshows

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Since 1968 when he made his air show flying debut, "Mr. Airshow," Gene Soucy has appeared in more than 2,700 air shows on four continents. His spectacular performances have included the Pitts Special S-1S, demonstrations in the homebuilt BD-4 and Bellanca Decathlon, and thrilling comedy routines in Piper Cubs and Cessna 150s.

A three-time U.S. and Canadian National aerobatic champion, Gene has won many individual titles during his multifaceted career including the "Hilton Masters of Aerobatics" and the "Fond du Lac Cup." A captain employed with a United States airline, Gene, a member of the Screen Actors Guild, has worked as a stunt pilot on major motion pictures and television movies.

In 1988, Gene began extensive modifications on a Grumman Ag Cat. When completed, this bi-plane, normally used for crop spraying, had become "Showcat," his new air show airplane. Teresa Stokes, the top stuntwoman wing-walker in the world, joined him then and continues to wow crowds with her daring act. Stokes also enjoys flying aerobatics, is a pilot with multi-engine, instrument and commercial ratings, and is an internationally acclaimed aviation and space artist.

For his championship precision, high-energy solo act, Gene flies his 330 HP Extra 300XS, thrilling his audiences with stunts such as gyroscopic tumbling and the inverted ribbon cut. The German-built 330XS achieves climb rates topping 3,400 fpm and a cruise speed in excess of 200 mph. With wings, tail and control surfaces constructed from state-of-the-art carbon fiber materials and a steel tube fuselage, the Showcat is capable of roll acceleration and roll rates one would expect to find in an advanced jet fighter. Powered by a Lycoming AEIO-580 330hp engine swinging an MT composite three-bladed constant speed propeller, the 300 XS is the perfect match for Soucy's aerobatic demands.