The people behind every unforgettable flight.
Pilots, builders, presenters, and lifelong aviation enthusiasts—working together to make flight and STEM memorable for elementary students, primarily grades 2–5.
Meet the crew.
Each member brings a different perspective and the same commitment to helping grades 2–5 students see what is possible.
Founder & Captain
Dennis Michael
Dennis began flying R/C model aircraft as a teenager in 1973. He founded Litespeed Airshow, shapes the program’s vision, and leads the stories and demonstrations that connect aviation with students.
Pilot & Builder
Caleb Gomez
Caleb joined Litespeed in 2017 and brings hands-on experience with R/C airplanes, drones, electronics, and aircraft construction to each demonstration.
Pilot & Builder
Nathan Myers
Nathan joined the team in 2005, when the program was still in its infancy. His background in aircraft structures brings precision, technical understanding, and years of teamwork to the show.
Pilot & Builder
Taylor Paine
Taylor joined Litespeed in 2015 after years of flying R/C aircraft. His aviation management background supports the careful preparation behind every performance.
Junior Pilot
Braxton Wehner
Braxton is a third grader at an Owasso elementary school. At eight years old, he is already becoming one of Litespeed’s star performers, bringing focus, enthusiasm, and impressive flying skill to the team.
Board Member & Technical Director
Tom Vintalaro
Tom serves on the Litespeed Airshow board of directors and pilots the Chick-fil-A drone during the stunt segment. He also runs the show’s sound and visual systems, helping every assembly stay coordinated, clear, and engaging.
Junior Pilot
Parker Smith
Parker is a sixth grader in the Catoosa school system. He pilots the limbo segment and flies the NORDAM F-35 “boy jet” in the boys-versus-girls race, bringing skill, energy, and competitive fun to the show.
Built for the gym. Prepared for the moment.
The flights may look effortless, but every assembly depends on preparation, aircraft knowledge, clear communication, and a crew that trusts one another.
That work gives students a fast-moving experience that remains safe, understandable, and centered on a positive message.
01
Aircraft are prepared and checked before the audience arrives.
02
Pilots and presenters coordinate every demonstration as one team.
03
Every flight supports a clear STEM or character lesson.
Different skills. One shared mission.
The team combines aviation experience with the patience and clarity needed to make complex ideas memorable for elementary school children.
Aviation craft
Piloting, building, maintenance, and a practical understanding of how aircraft behave.
Clear communication
Technical ideas translated into language students can follow, remember, and share.
Purpose in every flight
A show designed to reinforce curiosity, perseverance, respect, and healthy choices.
