Q: Who are the Bandits?
A group of highly-trained experienced formation pilots combining their love of flying and adding a lasting impression to any event.
Q: What is your mission?
The Bandits specialize in National Anthem flyovers. Our motto is “Flying For The Flag”.
Q: How many events do you do a year?
We fly over 40 events a year including all NC State football games, NASCAR events, Carolina Panthers and numerous veteran and community events.
Q: Where are you based?
We are based in the Raleigh, NC area and fly out of Raleigh Executive Airport.
Q: What are the qualifications of your pilots?
All pilots have an FAA Commercial pilot’s license; special formation training and an FAA Certified Formation Card.
Q: How many members are on your team?
We have ten pilots and five ground coordinators.
Q: Do you own your own planes?
Yes, each pilot owns and maintains his aircraft.
Q: How many planes do you fly in formation?
We have ten planes on the team but fly with a maximum of 6 planes in formation.
Q: What planes do you use?
We use a combination of Van’s sports aircraft and Russian YAK trainers.
Q: Do you have a fee for the flyover?
Yes, it is very expensive to operate these aircraft and we could do only a very few events if we did not get reimbursed for some of our expenses.
