Delta Pilot Exhibits Remarkable Aerobatic Talents at this Year’s Oshkosh

Capt. Jeff Boerboon (Delta) beside the Extra 330SC he flew in the Monday afternoon air show at this year’s Oshkosh.

Capt. Jeff Boerboon (Delta) stood out among the many notable aerobatic pilots at this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for his dramatic routines and overall precision. In one of his signature maneuvers, the “blender,” which Boerboon executed in his Extra 300SC, he combines multiple elements that make his airplane appear out of control.

“I climb with a series of rolls before descending into a tumble that transforms into an inverted flat spin,” Boerboon explained. “From the spin, I go straight down, eventually transitioning into another inverted flat spin before recovering by stabilizing and flying out of it.”

In addition to performing in more than 100 air shows, Boerboon is a celebrated aerial competitor. A 2003 and 2007 advanced national aerobatic champion, he also took first place in the 2010 U.S. unlimited aerobatic competitions. A former member of both the U.S. advanced and unlimited aerobatic teams, Boerboon is a two-time recipient (2009 and 2015) of the Charlie Hillard Trophy, which is awarded to the highest-scoring American at the World Aerobatics Championships. And these are just a few of his accolades.

“I feel very fortunate that I’ve had the chance to fly so many unusual and high-performance aircraft while getting to know so many wonderful people along the way,” Boerboon remarked. “We come from many different walks of life; but when you get to an air show, everyone becomes one big family.”

Boerboon’s passion for aviation and stunt flying began at an early age. His father, also a commercial pilot, annually took the family to EAA AirVenture, beginning when the younger Boerboon was just seven years old. “I model many of my performances after those of seven-time U.S. national aerobatic champion Leo Loudenslager,” he said, acknowledging a previous Oshkosh performer he witnessed as a child.

At the University of North Dakota (UND), Boerboon majored in airway science and aircraft systems management. As part of his curriculum, he took an aerobatic course, which included time flying a Mudry CAP 10B—a side-by-side, two-seat aerobatic trainer. Boerboon eventually became a UND aerobatic flight instructor and a member of the team that won the 1989 and 1990 NIFA SAFECON championships. He was later inducted into the UND Aerospace Hall of Fame.

After graduating, Boerboon became a pilot for Eagle Canyon Air in 1992, providing tours of the Grand Canyon. While later flying for former American Eagle carrier Wings West Airlines, he acquired an S-1S Pitts Special. In April 1999, Boerboon was hired by Delta and, three years later, competed in his first national championship flying his Pitts Special.

During these competitions, participants fly predetermined maneuvers and are graded for the precision of their lines and angles, the roundness of their full and partial loops, and the symmetry of these figures. Pilots compete in primary, sportsman, intermediate, advanced, and unlimited categories.

Boerboon continued to perform and compete and, from 2014 to 2017, flew the Jack Link’s Jerky Screamin’ Sasquatch—a 1929 Taperwing Waco powered by a Pratt & Whitney 985 Wasp Junior radial engine as well as a General Electric CJ-610 turbojet. He also envisioned and helped create the Yak-110—two joined Yak-55s with a General Electric J-85 jet engine positioned between the two fuselages. Boerboon premiered this unconventional aircraft at the 2018 EAA AirVenture.

At this stage in his aerobatics career, Boerboon participates in about four air shows per year, down from the 15 he previously flew. The U.S. National Aerobatic Championship takes place in September, and Boerboon plans to compete in an effort to make this year’s unlimited team.

The next World Aerobatics Championships will take place in Batavia, N.Y., in August 2026, and Boerboon hopes to once again qualify. He’s been working with a group of coaches and continues to participate in training camps. In addition, he flies at least two aerobatic flights a day whenever he’s at home.

Boerboon acknowledged that his wife, Maria, “has been my biggest supporter throughout my aerobatic pursuits. It’s an expensive sport, and she’s made many sacrifices, giving up many of the things she wants so I can compete.” Clearly, Maria is a critical member of his team.