Look! Up in the Sky! It’s The Falcon RV Squadron

Many remember seeing the formation of planes that soared above us during the Fourth of July parade. More photos on social media than ever include photos of these little-known planes. Don “DAR” Roberts has led a formation team over the PTC parade since 2004. This year, Don and 14 fellow pilots from the Falcon RV Squadron delighted the crowds and photo-bombed lasting memories with a stunning aerial display. On August 7^th, the Falcon RV Squadron flew over City Hall in Peachtree City during the flag-raising ceremony on Purple Heart Day, adding an extra touch of patriotism, followed by an evening flyover with another stunning formation at the Battle of the Bubble game between Starr’s Mill and McIntosh.

Unpaid and unseen except from the sky, these pilots add spirit and community to many official and unofficial social events around Fayette and Coweta Counties.

Many of these pilots—mostly retired military and commercial aviators—fly experimental aircraft they built themselves using kits from the Vans Aircraft RV series, named after designer Richard VanGrunsven. After proving their planes are airworthy, these skilled pilots train rigorously to fly within just five feet of one another in intricate formations, each piloting their own aircraft. Worldwide, there are over 11,400 RV aircraft in the air.

Completely volunteer-based and 100% free to the public, each flight represents hours of preparation and personal expense. Pilots donate both their time and fuel—over $200 per hour per plane, with environmentally safe smoke oil consuming a gallon a minute on each aircraft.

From their “Hearts of Hope” COVID-era flyovers to high school graduations and holiday parades, the Falcon RV Squadron is committed to uplifting our community from above.

Founded in 2002 with only 3-4 flying aircraft, the Falcon RV Squadron now boasts over 65 aircraft and 100 members in the local area, with 30 pilots certified in formation flying.

“Connecting people and sharing our love of flying is what we do,” said Don Roberts, the leader of the 4th of July flyovers, for over 10 years. “We’re honored to fly over Peachtree City and show our love for our city and country.”

 Next time you see a cool formation of planes, you can thank many members of the Falcon RV Squadron, including this year’s Fourth of July pilots:  

Don “DAR” Roberts, Ed “McFly” Martin, Mark “Straggler” Strahler, Jim “Magoo” Matthews, J.R. “Jedi” Pigg, Greg “Greese” Reese, Brian “Sarge” Eberle, Dan “Karnac” Kornacki, A.J. “Fumes” Pope, Justin “Bongo” von Linsowe, Dave “Torque” Romuald, Bob “Waldo” Walden, Doug “Hollywood” Hallberg, and Ralph “Trapper” Trapaga.