Lake Cumberland Air Show

NextGen Eagles

Two biplanes from NextGen Eagles perform aerobatics at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show, leaving smoke trails.
AviatAviat EagleAerobatic1970's
Flown By: NextGen Eagles, on September 21, 2024
Recorded At: Lake Cumberland Air Show
Video By: Eric Stemen
Photos By: Eric Stemen
Article By: Eric Stemen

NextGen Eagles Aerobatic Team Round out the 2024 Lake Cumberland Airshow As The 10th Act

The NextGen Eagles: Bringing the Christen Eagle Back to the Spotlight

The NextGen Eagles Aerobatic Team took to the skies in a vivid demonstration of precision, artistry, and heritage at this year’s Lake Cumberland Air Show. As the world’s only Christen Eagle aerobatic team, they delivered a thrilling performance that connected seasoned aviation fans with first-time spectators, blending timeless aerobatic tradition with a new-generation approach.

A Legacy of Christen Eagles in Aerobatic History

The Christen Eagle II holds a storied place in air show history. First introduced in the late 1970s as a challenger to the Pitts Special, this iconic biplane quickly became a favorite of elite teams. The Eagles Aerobatic Team (1979–1995) and the Iron Eagle Aerobatic Team (1992–2014) showcased the Eagle’s dynamic capabilities, leaving crowds spellbound and paving the way for future performers. Now, the Next-Gen Eagles proudly carry that legacy forward, honoring the designs, maneuvers, and spirit that made the Christen Eagle a legend.

Meet the NextGen Eagles Aerobatic Team

Team Lead – Leland Kracher
Leland’s passion for flight began as a child attending air shows. He took his first flight lesson at age 13 and never looked back. Inspired by the Iron Eagles Aerobatic Team and years of virtual practice, Leland brings to the cockpit a lifelong love for aerobatics, a strong connection to air show culture, and a keen desire to share the thrill of aviation with audiences of all ages.

Wingman – Tom Braymer
Growing up in an aviation family, Tom soloed at 16 and soon acquired a Pitts S-1S, igniting his passion for aerobatics. A seasoned competitor, Tom claimed the Intermediate National Champion title in 2015. His extensive flight experience, from prop planes to passenger jets, brings versatility and depth to the team’s performance. Tom’s journey even includes ferrying the Iron Eagle 2 to its new home, tying him to the very history the team celebrates.

Crew Chief – Jeremy Meyers
With 34 seasons of air show attendance and active duty experience in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft maintenance specialist, Jeremy brings unparalleled expertise to the team’s operations. His global aviation background and role as a top-notch photographer and production consultant ensure everything runs smoothly on the ground. Jeremy’s breadth of knowledge and meticulous attention to detail help the Next-Gen Eagles present a flawless show.

Two biplanes from NextGen Eagles perform aerobatics at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show, leaving smoke trails.

Two biplanes from NextGen Eagles perform aerobatics at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show, leaving smoke trails.

The Iconic Christen Eagle II

Designed by Frank Christensen and available in kit form, the Christen Eagle II revolutionized homebuilding and raised the bar for quality in custom aircraft. With its distinctive bubble canopy, nimble handling, and vibrant paint schemes, the Eagle II’s agility and beauty have mesmerized fans for decades. Its storied past includes thrilling performances from pioneering aerobatic teams, and it now inspires today’s pilots to carry on its proud tradition of dynamic aerial displays.

The Next-Gen Eagles Performance

From tight formation flying to heart-stopping opposing passes, every maneuver performed by Leland and Tom highlights the Eagle II’s capabilities. With minimal wingtip separation, the duo creates a breathtaking spectacle of color, smoke, and sound. Their show rekindles the crowd’s appreciation for the artistry of aviation, forging an emotional connection that resonates long after the planes have touched down.

NextGen Eagles perform aerial maneuvers at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show against a blue sky with clouds.

NextGen Eagles perform aerial maneuvers at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show against a blue sky with clouds.

Show Details at Lake Cumberland Air Show

About Lake Cumberland Regional Airport (https://www.lcra.net/)
Lake Cumberland Regional Airport, located in Somerset, Kentucky, provides a vital hub for general aviation in the region and proudly hosts the Lake Cumberland Air Show, celebrating local aviation heritage.

About The Lake Cumberland Air Show (https://www.lakecumberlandairshow.com/)
A bi-annual event spotlighting aviation’s past and present, the Lake Cumberland Air Show entertains families, attracts visitors, and fosters an appreciation for the wonders of flight.

About Air Show Announcer Luke Carrico (https://www.lukecarrico.com/)
Luke Carrico’s enthusiastic commentary and professional delivery bring the excitement of every performance to life, transforming spectators into active participants in the aerial adventure overhead.

Eric Stemen – Aero Insight Media
Two biplanes from NextGen Eagles performing aerial stunts at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show, trailing smoke.
NextGen Eagles perform aerobatics at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show, leaving smoke trails against a cloudy sky.
Two stunt planes leave smoke trails at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show, NextGen Eagles performance.

Two biplanes from NextGen Eagles performing aerial stunts at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show, trailing smoke.

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