About E3 Aviation Association
E3 Aviation is built by pilots, for pilots. Our founding team includes an F-16 combat veteran and Viper Demo Team commander, a former Blue Angels pilot, the world aerobatic freestyle champion, and one of aviation’s most-watched bush flying creators on YouTube. Real credentials. Real cockpit time. Real experience.
Together with our ambassador roster — a Thunderbirds lead solo pilot, a Red Bull air race mechanic, a Delta Airlines mechanic turned CFII, a missionary bush pilot flying Kodiaks in tribal territory, and more — E3 delivers content and training grounded in thousands of combined flight hours across everything from a C-152 to an F-16.
What we cover: GA news and regulatory updates, aircraft reviews, safety briefings, instrument procedures, backcountry and bush flying, aerobatics, aircraft ownership, and pilot career development.
Our editorial standard: Every article is written from direct operational experience or verified against current FAA regulations and manufacturer documentation at the time of writing. We update content when rules change. We don’t publish speculation as fact but we also publish entrertaining content not meant as fact.
Whether you’re a student pilot working toward your PPL or a seasoned ATP — E3 is the crew you’ve been looking for.
John RAIN Waters
Co-Founder
E3 Aviation Founder, USAF Veteran, Former F-16 Combat Fighter Pilot - 180 Combat Missions & F-16 Viper Demo Team Commander & Pilot (2017-2019), Boeing 777 Pilot, CFII, C-152/C-172, T-6II, T-38C, King Air 350, F-16C/D, 777, "Afterburn Podcast".
Trent Palmer
Co-Founder
Trent Palmer is an avid aviator and content creator known for his engaging YouTube channel where he shares his passion for flying, specifically focusing on bush flying, aircraft modifications, and flight adventures. His channel, "@TrentonPalmer," showcases his life as a pilot, offering viewers a mix of educational content, pilot lifestyle, and the intricacies of flying in challenging environments. certifications.
Rob Holland
Co-Founder
Rob Holland is widely recognized as one of the world's most elite airshow performers and competition pilots. A multi-time US National Aerobatic Champion and World Aerobatic Freestyle Champion, his breathtaking precision and artistry have redefined the limits of what can be done in an airplane. Rob Holland Aerosport has built the largest social media following among civilian airshow performers, captivating audiences globally with his content.
Tyler "FEED" Davies
Co-Founder
Retired US Navy Veteran. Former US Navy Blue Angel Pilot (2016-2018). Forward Air Controller Airborne, Joint Terminal Attack Controller, Prior US Navy enlisted aviation electronics maintainer, F/A-18 A-F, T-45C, T-34C, MD-11 Pilot, J3, C-152/172, ATP, tailwheel, aviation enthusiast, mentor and public speaker.
Michelle "MACE" Curran
E3 Ambassador - USAF Combat Veteran, Former F-16 Fighter Pilot & Thunderbird Lead Solo Pilot, Motivational Speaker, Author, Founder Upside Down Dreams
Joe Costanza
Capturing the beauty of Aviation in my ‘41 J3 Cub (Sometimes Airbus) Outdoor and aviation photography and video specialist. The most amazing aviation photography.
Warren Cilliers
A&P, Master Technician and owner Cilliers Aviation. Classically trained Air Force mechanic with full FAA Certifications. Official Tech to the E3 Aviation Extra 300. Competition aerobatics pilot. RED BULL air race team tech.
Brian Johnson -Founder and CEO
ATP-rated pilot with expertise in seaplanes, aerobatics, backcountry flying, and more, has owned or flown over 100 aircraft—from agile Extra 300s, GameBird, Carbon Cubs to corporate jets. At E3, Brian drives operations and technology while creating top-tier educational content, engaging reviews, and entertainment for the aviation community.
Ryan Farran Missionary Bush Pilot
Flies missionaries in and out of the tribal locations including medical flights in Kodiaks. As a bush plan owner himself Ryan brings an awesome flair to the E3 Team.
Michael "THORNY" Brewer
F-15E Pilot, Thunderbirds Pilot 2019-2021, Airshow Pilot, Flight Instructor, Instructional Designer, Adjunct Professor, Keynote Speaker
Mel Williams
Delta mechanic - CFII. Through his determination to experience every aspect of aviation, Melvin Williams has earned the attention (and respect) of established aviators, future pilots, and fellow social media influencers. The self-professed aviation nerd’s passion for living full speed ahead is captivating.
Chad Barber
Chad Barber is a first generation ATP-rated aerobatic pilot, aviation entrepreneur, certified flight instructor, and industry game changer.
He has been flying since 2011 with over 4500 hours in over 50 types of aircraft and has held a dynamic variety of positions flying in various flight environments. Barberaviation.aero