Two Individuals, One Aerobatic Team Selected for Induction into ICAS Foundation Air Show Hall of Fame

LEESBURG, Va.: Aerobatic pilot John Mohr, air show announcer M.A. “Sonny” Everett, and the formation and aerobatic flying Red Baron Pizza Squadron recently earned selection into the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Foundation Air Show Hall of Fame, bringing the total number of Hall of Fame air show pioneers to 59.

The new inductees will be recognized at a formal banquet ceremony during the 48^th ICAS Convention on Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel in Las Vegas. 

“We had an unprecedented number of nominees this year, which made the selection process that much more challenging, but we are honored to present our latest inductees,” said Air Show Hall of Fame Chairman, Steve Oliver. “These honorees have our deepest respect for all they have contributed to the air show industry, for the example they set for others, and the inspiration they have given future generations.” 

The ICAS Foundation created the Air Show Hall of Fame in 1995 as part of its mission to honor and recognize those who have had a significant impact on the North American air show industry.

Mohr spent 38 years mastering energy management, sequence optimization, aerodynamic ground effect and other aerodynamic tools of world-class air show performers to optimize the performance of his Stearman biplane and enhance his J-3 Cub comedy routine. He soloed a J-3 Cub at the age of 14 and experimented with radio-controlled aircraft as a kid while he learned about the mechanics of aircraft from his father and grandfather.  He has been a captain for a major U.S. airline for many years. 

The Red Baron Pizza Squadron grew out of a promotion by the Schwan Food Company originally scheduled for a single year. Beginning in 1979, barnstorming pilots dressed in period clothing cruised the U.S. in 300 horsepower Stearman, making appearances and towing banners to promote the newly created Red Baron brand. The popularity of the program caused the company to revisit and eventually extend the run. Key to the success of the Squadron was the passion of their maintenance crew with its highly skilled specialists. Fifty-five pilots (16 of which performed in air shows) and dozens of maintenance and support personnel served with the Red Baron Squadron over 29 years, from 1979 to the end of 2007, and became a lasting part of its culture and legacy.

Everett comes from a family of fliers and has had a lifelong interest in air shows. As an announcer blessed with a voice with depth and clarity, his narration style has been described by spectators as taking them on a trip, adding the right script at the right time to enhance an event.  Everett’s skills are not limited to announcing.   He has taken aviation photos and video for years with an eye for beauty and balance. He is a published writer, having authored “Fliers,” a coffee table book of early air show acts and personalities. And, Everett was featured in the cult favorite air show movie from the 70s called “Cloud Dancer.” Sonny is a retired U.S. Airways captain who now resides in central Florida.

Click Here for full 2015 Air Show Hall of Fame inductee biographies (PDF, 248kb)