HomeAugust 2015The Blue Stars

The Blue Stars

0815blueangelsIt’s a Bird…It’s a Plane… It’s Superman! (Close, it’s actually the Tzukit!)

Some of you might be wondering what that is and what it symbolizes. The Tzukit is the legendary airplane used by the Israeli Air Force Aerobatic team that trained generations of Israeli fighter pilots. A jet powered trainer that is used in the selection process in the IAF Flight School and for training cadets. It was developed from the French Fouga Magister that served the Israeli Air Force(IAF)  as both a jet combat plane and a trainer since 1960.

It just so happens that the Israeli air force is selling its fleet of Tzukit and Avi Maltzman is the man with a plan. The timing and opportunity will bring two of his passions together:  flying and sharing the glory of the Jews. Avi has a deep family history of flying –it “runs in his blood.” He is a second generation pilot —his uncle was a fighter pilot in the IAF and his father was in the Special Operations Forces in World War II. Having come from a military background Avi remembers looking up to the skies as a little boy and always knowing that is where he wanted to be. His son, who grew up in the U.S., decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the Israeli Air Force.

The IAF is one of the most powerful symbols of Israeli excellence. They train generations of Israelis to go on to be top CEO’s of major corporations, scientists, professors–truly productive members of the human race. The quality and type of person who can pass the test and fly these planes is what is so unique and special about the fleet of Tzukit.

Avi has come up with a very creative, effective and exciting way to promote solidarity with Israel—to form an aerobatic team here in Southern California, using the Tzukit used by the IAF. There are already over 60 air shows throughout the US—from the Miramar Air Show in San Diego to the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin. The team will participate in air shows, special events, such as Israeli and U.S. Independence Days, Memorial Day and other occasions. They will regularly offer flights to youth, donors and the general public during such events throughout the year—all are welcome to enjoy the incredible show.

Right now Avi is actively seeking funding for this project and hopes to find people that can fly this particular type of airplane: ex-Israeli pilots, even U.S. Navy fighter pilots and veterans with a valid pilot’s license and the appropriate credentials. The objective of his mission is to promote awareness and solidarity with the State of Israel using the Israeli Aerobatic Team (with the original IAF Aerobatic Team markings) flown by ex IAF pilots.

For more information please contact Avi Maltzman at:  avi@sparrowaviation.com.  

Tanya Schwied graduated from New York University, studied abroad in Israel, and currently works for the CEO and President of Jewish Federation & Family Services. 

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