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IFA –
Proud Sponsor of Stars of Tomorrow
Stars
of Tomorrow Background
Whether a pilot or not, people love to watch airplanes zipping through skies,
performing aerial stunts. It’s exciting, exhilarating, and awe inspiring. And,
for some, just the motivation they need to take up the sport of flying.
Stars of Tomorrow is
designed to do just that while working to assure the continuation and safety of
aerobatic flying. Sean Tucker and Mike Goulian, both title holders in aerobatic
competition, started Stars of Tomorrow in 2003, because they want to pass on
aerobatic skills both as a means of attracting more persons to flying and to
encourage pilots interested in aerobatics to concentrate on safety as well as
showmanship.
Stars of Tomorrow
2005 performed at Wings Over Pittsburgh, Dayton Airshow, Muskegon Air Fair, and EAA
AirVenture.
IFA sees this type of
program and aerobatic training as an important way to introduce the benefits and
pleasure of aviation to greater numbers.
Meet the Stars of Tomorrow
2005
A group of pilots is
chosen to participate in Stars of Tomorrow for one season. They are “chosen not
only for their exceptional flying skills, but also for their passion for this
art-form and their humanity, “ says Tucker and Goulian.
2005 Stars of Tomorrow
pilots are
Nick Nilmeyer (Morgan Hill, CA),
Jessy Panzer (Lincoln, NE), and
Eric Tucker (San Luis Obispo, CA).
 Nick Nilmeyer,
Morgan Hill, California
Update:
It is with very heavy
hearts we share the news that Nick was tragically killed on March 21, 2006, when
landing his aircraft after a practice session. To learn more,
click here.
Nick, a 22-year old
college student, is the team captain for Stars of Tomorrow 2005. Nick was the
youngest member of the first Stars of Tomorrow in 2003 and returns to further
develop his flying skills and growth in aviation. An avid swimmer, Nick played
water polo in high school – and still enjoys playing with a local club. Nick
started his aerobatic flying in a Christen Eagle and now flies the Extra 300.
Nick has over 1000 hours.
 Jessy Panzer,
Lincoln, Nebraska
Jessy is a 26-year-old
graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ. Following
completion of college, Jessy worked as a contract flight instructor at the US
Air Force Academy, training soon-to-be Air Force pilots on the Private Pilot
syllabus. In 2003, she began flying air ambulance missions in the Lear 35 –
earning her type rating, ATP and Captain’s epaulets. Not one to pass on a
challenge, she earned her commercial and CFI ratings in helicopters in 2004.
With seven aerobatic contests under her belt, Jessy flies the One Design.
 Eric Tucker,
San Luis Obispo, California
Eric is recognized by many
as the young voice that narrated the performances of his father, Sean D. Tucker,
at airshows throughout the country. Now 23-years-old, Eric is a senior at Cal
Poly – San Luis Obispo, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. In addition to being
a Certified Flight Instructor, Eric was also the “Rookie of the Year” snowboard
instructor at Steamboat Springs in 2000. A world traveler fluent in Spanish,
Eric enjoys putting his language skills to work on his journeys. Continuing a
family biplane tradition, Eric flies a Pitts S-2C.
Stars of Tomorrow 2005
Photos
Sean Tucker and 2005
Stars of Tomorrow
2005 Stars
of Tomorrow in formation
From top to bottom: Eric, Jessy, Nick
Sean D. Tucker in
the Oracle Challenger flying with 2005 Stars of Tomorrow
2005 Stars of
Tomorrow
Nick, Jessy and Eric
during “down time”
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