Steve Stavrakakis - Wild Thing Airshows

“Tribute To The American Vet”
Known Internationally as the Wild Thing, veteran Airshow Performer Steve Stavrakakis knows his way around the Airshow Industry and the aerobatic box! Growing up in California’s agricultural Central Valley, Steve was addicted to TV’s “Twelve O’Clock High” and Bud Fountain’s Gold Coast Airshows. While no one in his immediate family was a pilot, this adrenalin junkie spent most of his teen years racing motorcycles and dreaming of flying. When the motorcycle racing took its toll on his knees, he decided it was time to pursue his other dream; flying.

Due to his heritage, he was affectionately referred to as “the Greek Air Force” by fellow pilots that couldn’t pronounce his name. Several unique aircraft and performances later, he finally purchased his dream Zlin, a Z-50, from the Romanian Aerobatic Team. He was quickly dubbed the “Wild Thing” by the media due to his European Extreme style of flying. In 1993, Steve upgraded to the flagship of the Zlins, a Zlin 50 LS/LX. Perfecting the trademark Czech Lomcevok maneuver into a full three forward somersaults, Steve made his mark in the industry and hearts of his Wild Thing fans worldwide.

Dedicated to honoring the men and women of our armed forces worldwide, Steve’s “Tribute to the American Vet” aerial performance is filled with graceful flying, colored wingtip smoke, and very moving narration that grabs you by the heart, and makes you want to join Steve in thanking each and every one of our service personnel!