Does Mike Goulian ski all winter?

Many people ask us what we do in the winter between air show seasons. The answer is “get ready for the next one!” After the Extra 330SC is given a complete overhaul, we head to Florida and start practicing and working on new figures for the new season. We also work on a new music and narration track at the same time. This year, Rob Holland Ultimate Airshows and I did a lot of training together in St. Augustine. Each day, we would fly multiple flights in the aerobatic “box” over the airfield while the other coached from the ground via radio. We worked on new maneuvers but also changing around the current maneuvers in our show to make it more interesting. It’s all in the name of continuous improvement. Back on the ground we reviewed and discussed the flight, watched it on video, and started prepping for the next flight. Then we switched roles. We did this every day until we were flying the new routines safely.

Check out the video posted here and in our video gallery to see what it is like getting a new air show routine off the ground and in the air!



Visit Team Goulian & Our Partners at Sun ‘n Fun 2013

Drawings, Specials, Autograph Sessions, Hospitality, Seminars and more!

Join us next week in Lakeland, FL at the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In. You can meet the Goulian Aerosports team and check out Whelen’s latest aviation lights at our outside display/hospitality center near the warbird ramp all week (see map below).

Don’t miss out on Whelen’s product give-a-way:

Whelen will be raffling off their state-of-the-art LED landing light [plus a basket full of Goulian and Whelen merchandise]. Two chances to win. Raffle tickets may be found at the Whelen booth (Hangar A – 072) and at our outside display next to Foxtrot taxiway (see map below). No purchase necessary.

Whelen’s Show Special & Hospitality:

Visit Whelen’s booth (Hangar A) or the outside display to check out their newest LED lights – Whelen is offering a great show price on their new LED Orion lights (Position / Anti-Collision Lighthead – easily retrofitable to the Whelen legacy strobe products). Also! Make a Whelen purchase at Sun ‘n Fun and you may be eligible to enjoy Mike Goulian & Whelen’s exclusive VIP hospitality! Stop by for details.

Goodyear Seminar & Goulian Drawing:

Visit Goodyear Aviation’s booth (Hangar B) to sign up for one of their aviation tire seminars scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. This seminar is open to aviation fleet owners, maintenance shop owners, maintenance managers/IAs, and flight school operators. Attendees will be entered in a special drawing. Stop by their booth for details – or email us.

Air Show Schedule:

Mike’s performing in the air show on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Be sure to watch! Air show hours: 3:00pm – 6:00pm.

Full Goulian Schedule:

Tuesday

   
10:00am - 5:00PM Goulian's "Whelen Extra" on display at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
2:00pm - 2:45pm Mike's interview on Sun 'n Fun Radio 1510 A.M. - tune in!

Wednesday

   
10:00am - 5:00PM Goulian's "Whelen Extra" on display at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
1:00pm - 1:45pm Autographs at Goodyear Booth Hangar B - #064

Thursday

   
10:00am - 5:00PM Goulian's "Whelen Extra" on display at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
12:00pm - 12:45pm Autographs at Lycoming Booth Hangar D - #39
1:00pm - 1:45pm Autographs at Goodyear Booth Hangar B - #64

Friday

   
10:00am - 1:00PM Goulian's "Whelen Extra" on display at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
TBD (PM) Mike Goulian performing in Air Show  
TBD (PM) Autographs after Mike's performance at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway

Saturday

   
10:00am - 1:00PM Goulian's "Whelen Extra" on display at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
12:00pm - 12:45pm Autographs at Lycoming Booth Hangar D - #39
TBD (PM Mike Goulian performing in Air Show  
TBD (PM) Autographs after Mike's performance at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway

Sunday

   
10:00am - 1:00PM Goulian's "Whelen Extra" on display at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
TBD (PM) Mike Goulian performing in Air Show  
TBD (PM) Autographs after Mike's performance at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
     

Our outside display is starred on this map – come visit us!

Please visit the Whelen booth in Hangar A (A-072) and the Goodyear Aviation booth in hangar B (B-064)!



I WANT TO DO WHAT YOU DO

More often than not the e-mails we receive through our web site asks one of the following questions: “how do I get started”, “how do I become an air show pilot”, “how do I become a Red Bull Air Racer”, and last but not least, “how do I get a sponsor”. There are many avenues to get there, but I will share with you my thoughts on “making it” in the sport flying world.

GETTING STARTED
That’s an easy one. To start on your aerobatic flying career, simply go to www.iac.org and find an aerobatic flight school near you. I’m sure that once you do your first roll and see the world from a different perspective, you’ll be hooked. However, the journey is just beginning, and it’s not going to be an easy road to the top. The real answer to the question “how do I get started”, is that you need to have a dream and an undying passion for the sport in which you have started.

I personally started my flying career in a Decathlon trainer, but the more advanced two-seat Pitts and EXTRA are good too. They are certified and offer a good platform in which to learn.

GETTING TO THE TOP
Well, I think there is no such place as “the top”. It’s all about your perspective. For me, being invited to fly at EAA AirVenuture Oshkosh back in 1998 was a huge thrill. Then, my inclusion in the Red Bull Air Race was another real thrill for me. I’m excited and honored to be living a life in the air and I don’t take it for granted for one second.

To get to the top ranks of World Aerobatic Competition or air show flying, you’re looking at approximately ten years of practice and training. Maybe more. There is simply no easy way to get to the top except for old fashioned blood, sweat, and tears. It costs a lot of money and will take a lot of time. In fact, to get to “the top”, you’ll have to give up EVERYTHING for the next decade. That’s it, you can’t do anything else. Eat it, breathe it, sleep it, and live it. If you don’t give up everything to chase your dream, you won’t realize that dream. However, the kid in the next state or country who is just a little bit more hungry than you to “get there”, will make it. So don’t give up.

Money helps, but it’s not vital. Many people have made it in the sport by working like crazy at night while flying acro during the day. It’s a longer road, but one worth traveling. That reminds me of the winter of 1995 when I ran out of money and my parents couldn’t afford to help me make the bank payments on my EXTRA 300S. There was only one thing left to do…. put the payments on my credit card. I was not going to let a lack of money keep me from my dreams. So I built up about 20K worth of credit card debt over the next six months. That September I won the US Nationals and started making money flying air shows. After about a year, I had paid off my debt. Those are the kinds of tests that one will be faced with along the way. As the saying goes, “if it were easy, everyone would do it”.

RED BULL AIR RACING
To be in the RBAR, you have to become an aerobatic champion first. It’s that simple. To handle an aircraft like it’s an extension of your mind, flying MUST be second nature. You can only get that instinct through many hours of low level acro flying. Being invited to be in the RBAR is the ultimate honor and one not to be taken lightly. It’s an unforgiving game. BUT, it’s worth the wait!!!!

HOW DO I GET A SPONSOR
Most people say to me, “I need a sponsor and then become an air show pilot”. From my experience, the sponsors come last. First, you need to show courage and determination by becoming a winning aviator. Second, your flying and your attitude must be mature enough to handle the privilege and responsibility that comes with flying the colors of a company.

I took my first aerobatic lesson in 1985 and “signed on” with my first title sponsor in 2004. To me, the 19 year wait was worth it!

WHAT NOW
Well, that’s my two cents on getting started towards a life of sport flying. Now, all that’s left is to make a decision on whether it’s right for you. If you feel this is “your destiny”, you must “go for it” with all of your drive, determination, and passion. Again, it’s not an easy road. But, if you persevere, you’ll be rewarded with a life of adventure!!



VIDEO: How Does He Do That: The Entry

For me, I love the anticipation of the beginning of my air show performance. Sitting on the “perch” high above the air show, you see the entire layout beneath you as you prepare for the next 12 minutes of 100% adrenalin. Come along for a short ride as we enter the “Box” at Alliance Ft. Worth Air Show. Thanks for “strappin In”!!

If you cannot see the video above, please click here.



Team Goulian’s AirVenture/Oshkosh 2012 Schedule

Join us at AirVenture (Oshkosh, WI) July 23 – 29 for any of our functions listed below. Have a chance to meet Mike at one of his many autograph sessions, watch him fly the air show on Monday, Wednesday or Saturday, and check out our outside exhibit with Whelen.

We’ll be based at the Whelen Exhibit Center, exhibit #488 (across from Vintage Area Red Barn). You can’t miss it – look for our large semi-trailer with Mike’s airplane displayed on the side. Our Extra 330SC will be on display on and off all week in front of this exhibit.

Also – don’t miss out on a great drawing that Whelen will hold – you can win a new LED (Parmetheus) landing or taxi light for your aircraft and Goulian merchandise! Sign up at our outside Exhibit Center (#488) or inside Hangar A, booth # 1088/1089.

Date/TimeEventLocation
Monday, July 23rd
3:00pm - 5:00pmMike performing in the air showat ConocoPhillips Plaza
Tuesday, July 24th
11:45am - 1:00pmAble Flight Wings Pinning Ceremonyat ConocoPhillips Plaza
12:00pm - 12:45pmFord - autographsnear ConocoPhillips Plaza - in front of large Ford tent
1:00pm - 1:45pmLycoming Exhibit - autographsAt the big tent, just west of ConocoPhillips Plaza on the main road
Wednesday, July 25th
10:00am - 10:45amWhelen / Goulian Exhibit - autographs/meet and greetOutside Exhibit #488 - across from Vintage Red Barn - near show center
11:00am - 11:45amGoodyear Booth - autographsHangar B - Booth # 2131
3:00pm - 5:00pmMike performing in the air showat ConocoPhillips Plaza
Thursday, July 26th
1:00pm - 1:45pmLycoming Exhibit - autographsAt the big tent, just west of ConocoPhillips Plaza on the main road
2:00pm - 2:45pmWhelen / Goulian Exhibit - autographs/meet and greetOutside Exhibit #488 - across from Vintage Red Barn - near show center
Friday, July 27th
11:00am - 11:45amChampion Booth - autographsHangar A - Booth # 1015
1:00pm - 1:45pmLycoming Exhibit - autographsAt the big tent, just west of ConocoPhillips Plaza on the main road
Saturday, July 28th
10:00am - 10:45amWhelen / Goulian Exhibit - autographs/meet and greetOutside Exhibit #488 - across from Vintage Red Barn - near show center
11:00am - 11:45amGoodyear Booth - autographsHangar B - Booth # 2131
3:00pm - 5:00pmMike performing in the air showat ConocoPhillips Plaza


New! Goulian T-Shirt

Brand new t-shirt for 2012!
Great design on the back (see image). Small blue airplane and GOULIAN design on the front left chest.
White, 100% cotton.

Sizes available: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large.

Please choose your size from the drop down menu below.

$20.00

Size



2012 Air Show Autograph Card

New for 2012 is our Goulian Aerosports/Goodyear air show autograph card. A beautiful 8″ x 10″ card that Mike can personalize for you! The card includes details about Mike and his Extra 330SC aircraft. The back side of the card has our 2012 air show tour schedule. There is no cost for the card – we just need to cover our shipping and handling costs.
Shipping and handling: $7.00 – USPS Priority Mail, within the USA (Outside USA, please inquire if there is any additional postage.)

Name to whom Mike should sign:


Meet and Greet at RI Air Show Saturday June 16th

We hope that you’re planning to watch the RI Airshow at the Quonset State Airport this weekend. There will be a great line-up of performers (riairshow.org for information). Please stop by to say hello to our team after the show on Saturday.

We will have our hospitality trailer/chalet on the flight line next to the VIP chalets and we will be stationed behind the trailer to open the gate for you to come in. Be sure to be there after the Thunderbirds land (between 4:00 – 4:30pm) to come in. Meet Mike Goulian, see our aircraft up close and chat with the team.

You can’t miss our trailer (see image below).
We look forward to seeing you!

Team Goulian



Visit the Goulian Team at Sun ‘n Fun 2012

Join us at the end of March in Lakeland, FL at the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In. You can meet the Goulian Aerosports team at our tractor-trailer display all week (see map below)!

Don’t miss out on some fun give-a-ways:
Whelen will be raffling off their state-of-the-art LED landing light [plus a basket full of Goulian and Whelen merchandise]. Two chances to win. Raffle tickets may be found at the Whelen booth (Hangar A – 072) and at our outside exhibit next to Foxtrot taxiway (see map below). No purchase necessary.

Goodyear will be raffling* off a ‘photo shoot ride’ where a lucky winner can ride in our photo-ship (Bonanza) to take up close and personal images of Michael flying alongside. The winner will take his/her ride on Saturday night after the air show. No rain date scheduled.
*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. US Residents, 18 years or older.

Mike’s performing in the air show on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Be sure to watch!

Full Goulian Schedule:

Tuesday

   
10:00am - 5:00PM Goulian's "Whelen Extra" on display at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
12:30pm - 12:45pm Mike's interview on Sun 'n Fun Radio 1510 A.M. - tune in!
1:00pm - 1:45pm Autographs at Lycoming Booth Hangar D - #039 - 042

Wednesday

   
10:00am - 5:00PM Goulian's Extra on display at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
11:00am - 11:45am Autographs at Goodyear Booth Hangar B - #064
1:00pm - 1:45pm Autographs at Lycoming Booth Hangar D - #039-042

Thursday

   
10:00am - 1:00PM Goulian's Extra on display at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
TBD (PM) Goulian performing in Air Show  
TBD (PM) Autographs after Mike's performance at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway

Friday

   
10:00am - 1:00PM Goulian's Extra on display at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
TBD (PM) Goulian performing in Air Show  
TBD (PM) Autographs after Mike's performance at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
4:00pm - 5:15pm Thunderbirds Performance  

Saturday

   
10:00am - 5:00PM Goulian's Extra on display at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
1:00pm - 1:45pm Goulian and Tucker Autographs at Lycoming Booth Hangar D - #039-042
4:00pm - 5:15pm Thunderbirds Performance  

Sunday

   
10:00am - 1:00PM Goulian's Extra on display at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
TBD (PM) Goulian performing in Air Show  
TBD (PM) Autographs after performance at Whelen display next to Foxtrot taxiway
4:00pm - 5:15pm Thunderbirds Performance  
     

Please don’t forget to visit the Whelen booth in Hangar A (A-072) and the Goodyear Aviation booth in hangar B (B-064)!

Our outside display is circled on this map – come visit us!



Goulian Announces Goodyear Will Co-Sponsor 2012 Air Show Season

Goulian Aerosports has announced that Goodyear Aviation will join Whelen Engineering as co-title sponsor of Goulian’s 2012 air show season.

“We’re honored and thrilled to have Goodyear Aviation join our family of sponsor partners,” said Mike Goulian, who also serves as Goulian Aerosports’ president

Rendering of the top of Goulian's 2012 aircraft.

“I have relied on Goodyear tires on both my air show planes and the planes we have operated in our flight school for the last 20 years. Goulian Aerosports is very proud to partner with such a legendary and respected brand like Goodyear.”

Goodyear Aviation will become “one of the cornerstones of our air show program, along with some of the industry’s most prestigious aviation manufacturers, including Whelen Engineering, Champion Aerospace, Lycoming and Hartzell,” according to Goulian.

“Mike Goulian’s air show performance is an impressive display of airmanship that combines the precision flying of his competition experience with modern air show aerobatics,” said Bert Aertssen, general manager, global aviation, Goodyear. “He is one of the sport’s luminaries and we are proud to sponsor his 2012 air show season.”

Goulian is a past U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, as well as the winner of the 2008 Budapest Red Bull Air Race. Most recently, he became one of only seven aviators in history to be awarded all three of the airshow industry’s top honors: the ICAS Sword of Excellence, the Art Scholl Memorial Showmanship Award, and the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship.

Rendering of the side view of Goulian's 2012 aircraft.Goodyear developed the world’s first aviation tire in 1909. Since then, Goodyear has been at the forefront of the development of safe, reliable tires used in every segment of the aviation industry. Goodyear Aviation’s tires appear on much of today’s global airline, military and general aviation aircraft fleets.

The sponsorship between Goodyear Aviation and Goulian Aerosports will be highlighted by the Goodyear Advantage Tour, which will stop at several top air shows throughout North America in 2012. Aviall Services, Inc., a leading distributor for a wide range of aviation products, and one of the largest Goodyear Aviation Tire Distributors in the world will also sponsor the tour.

“The Goodyear Advantage Tour will give flight schools, MROs, corporate flight departments and pilots the opportunity to enjoy an ‘all access’ VIP experience at some of our nation’s top air shows while learning about Goodyear Aviation tires,” noted Goulian. “For our guests, a day spent with the Goulian Team at the Advantage Tour event will be a memory for a lifetime.”

More information about the Goodyear Advantage Tour to come!