The Heavy Metal Jet Team, the six-ship aerobatic civilian-owned jet team sponsored by United Bank Card, Inc. (UBC), has changed its name to Black Diamond Jet Team.
The change reflects the continual growth of the team and desire to take it into new and bigger directions, according to officials, who note the pilots, support staff, and sponsor for the team remain unchanged.
The Black Diamond Jet Team will add another MiG-17 aircraft to its 2012 season roster as an Opposing Solo. The team also uses five L-39s in its performances.
“Our amazing team is growing. Our performance, capabilities, pilots, crew and aircraft are all exceeding expectations. As we close out the 2011 season and begin preparations for our seven-ship act in 2012, we wanted a team name that reflected skill, challenge and expertise. This is why we selected the Black Diamond Jet Team,” said Lead Pilot Lt. Colonel Jerry “Jive” Kerby, USAF (Ret.). “Black Diamond Jet Team is bringing the same team members and dedication to an exciting 2012 season that promises to entertain air show fans throughout the country.”
“United Bank Card is very proud to continue our sponsorship of the Black Diamond Jet Team,” said Jared Isaacman, founder and CEO of UBC, who is also the Right Wing pilot for the team. “We wanted our fans, friends and members of our airshow family to see our name transition during the airshow season. We wanted to say goodbye to our old Heavy Metal Jet Team and usher in the new Black Diamond Jet Team at an airshow performance and not during the offseason.”
The two remaining 2011 shows for the Black Diamond Jet Team are the Cocoa Beach Air Show, from Nov. 5-6, Cocoa Beach, Florida, and the Stuart Air Show, from Nov. 11-12 in Stuart, Florida. The 2012 season schedule for the team will be released in December during the annual International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention in Las Vegas, officials add.
For more information: BlackDiamondJetTeam.com
