Berks native to lead F-16 Viper Demonstration Team at Harrisburg air show
U.S. Air Force Maj. Taylor Hiester was tapped to lead the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team in 2024, leading a team of nine hand-selected and highly trained specialists, the Air Force says.
He's been an F-16 pilot since 2017, eventually becoming an instructor pilot at Shaw Air Force Base near Sumter, South Carolina.
He grew up in Robesonia and graduated from Conrad Weiser High School and his first flying lesson was nearby at Reading Regional Airport in Bern Township.
'As a kid who grew up learning to fly at the Reading Airport, dreaming to fly the F-16, it's surreal to have the opportunity to serve as the Air Force's F-16 demonstration pilot and perform for the place and the people that I call home,' said Hiester.
On May 24 and 25, he will lead the demonstration team, piloting the F-16 Viper over Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown for the 2025 Air Dot Show Central Pennsylvania.
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He will be joined by his family at the air show, the Air Force said.
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