We had the chance to catch up with legendary air show pilot Bill Stein and learn more about his time in the air show world. Check out the interview below and don’t miss him in June at the show. Click here to get your tickets now!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself outside of air shows?

I am all about flying. Air shows have been my primary job for 25 years. Before I began flying, I worked in Silicon Valley for many years. Now when I have free time, I do technology and business consulting for high-tech companies.

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a pilot?  What inspired you to become a pilot?

I was nine years old when I knew I wanted to be a pilot. I went to an air show on a grass strip and they had great performers - several Air Show Hall of Fame guys. I also took my first plane ride and rode in a helicopter that day.

What planes have you flown, and do you have a favorite plane to fly?

I have flown just about all the different types of Pitt Specials and Stearmans. I have also flown several antique airplanes, including my Globe Swift which I have owned for the last 30 years..

My Edge 540 is my favorite. There’s nothing like hopping in my Edge and making it do unnatural things.

What’s your dream plane to fly and why?

My Edge is my dream plane. It does everything I want it to do. I’ve been really happy with it. If I had to add anything, maybe a little more power and more speed.

In your shows you currently fly the Edge 540. Before you started flying this plane, did you use another plane?

I started flying air shows in a Pitts Special, and I also was a member of the Red Baron Squadron formation team flying Boeing Stearmans. I started flying shows full time in my Edge 540 about 15 years ago.

Tell us about your Edge 540 and what makes it so unique.

It is a strong and stout aircraft, which is important. It can handle an unthinkable amount of G-forces, +/-21. It has a John Roncz designed airfoil. It allows airflow to stay attached as long as I want it, and then I can depart it for crazy looking snap rolls and tumbles.

Your plane changes color - which is awesome. Can you tell us more about that?

The paint on the Edge is PPG Harlequin. Based on the light and angle it changes color. Its primary colors are purple and green, but other colors are blue and yellow.

I saw this color on a car at a Hot Rod show and knew it would look great on the Edge.

How long have you been flying the Edge 540?

I have been flying this Edge for 22 years.

Tell us about your performance and what fans can expect to see in June.

It will be a high-energy act. I will keep the announcer busy. One of the big parts of my act is making it seem like the airplane is not flying with the end-over-end tumbling.

What is your favorite maneuver?

I get to pick my sequence, so I enjoy it all. I jokingly say that landing would be my least favorite.

Do you change your sequence each year or is it fairly similar?

It is similar, but some parts are changed because you don’t want a duplicate show every year. I keep the things that I do well and remove some of the things that hurt.

What does training for the air show season look like?

Right after the air show season ends, the Edge goes in for its annual inspection where it is taken apart and each piece is inspected. It is normally done in January or February. I begin training about a month or a month and a half before my first show of the season. Training is mostly physical to be able to handle all of the G-forces.

What is your favorite maneuver to see performed at an air show?

I open my show with a Knife and Spin. Recently, I have been seeing more people copying that, which is cool to watch.

Do you help train other aerobatic pilots?

Yes, I’ve done a lot of that. I have helped train many performers who are currently flying in air shows.. I have also trained many members of Formation Teams that are flying shows today.

Can you tell us more about the Formation Teams that you’ve been on?

I was on the Red Baron Formation Team where we flew the Beoing Stearman, which was used as a trainer during WWII. It is the same type of plane Carol Pilon will do her wingwalking on at the show.

I have also been on other teams including The 4CE Formation Team with Rob Holland and Matt Chapman, and the Collaborators..

Formation flying is like a ballet in the sky. It's very fun, but very different from a solo sequence.

Have you ever been to Columbus, Ohio before?

I have been to Columbus before. Back in college, I was in Columbus for the Regional Programming Competition for Computer Science. We ended up coming in second place in the competition.

Have you ever flown at an air show in Columbus before?

I have never flown in an air show in Columbus before. I am looking forward to it. I am happy to be flying in a show that’s being brought back and getting such great recognition.

Finally, what’s a piece of advice you want to give to anyone who is considering a career in aerobatics?

It takes a lot of practice, so approach it smartly and take your time.