Thunder Over Louisville: T-33 Ace Maker

By Carmelo Turdo

By Leo Cachat

Thunder Over Louisville featured several other jet aircraft performers following the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron.  One of those, the Ace Maker T-33 flown by Gregory Colyer, flew graceful barrel rolls and smoke-on approaches that provided a dramatic presentation of the post-war era jet trainer.  The aircraft tours regularly as part of the T-33 Heritage Foundation's efforts to preserve the type.  Colyer also flies the L-29 and L-39 series of jet trainers and holds multiple commercial and CFI ratings.  He also provides training for those transitioning to these jets.  The Aero Experience presents a sample of the airshow routine flown during the Friday practice session at the Louisville riverfront: