The Pilots

In Memoriam  ·  Feb 11, 1942 – Jan 24, 2023

Ed Hicks

“Outlaw”

Slot · Founding Member

Edward Irvin Hicks was a founding member of the Lima Lima Flight Team and flew the most demanding position of the six-ship diamond — the slot, tucked directly behind the lead with aircraft on three sides. Born in Seguin, Texas and a graduate of the University of South Carolina, Ed attended pilot training at Moody Air Force Base, spent six years as an instructor pilot at Laredo AFB, and flew fighters at Grissom AFB. He went on to a 32-year career as a captain with Delta Air Lines. Ed was a member of Warbirds of America and the Single Action Shooting Society. He went west on January 24, 2023, at the age of 80 — his legacy lives on in every formation Lima Lima flies.

In Memoriam  ·  – December 12, 2021

Jo Martin

Right Wing · Position 3

Jo Martin flew the right wing — position three — with Lima Lima from 1994 to 1997, bringing the precision and discipline of a retired United Airlines captain and USAF pilot to one of the world's most demanding civilian formation flying programs. She embodied the quiet excellence and deep commitment that has defined Lima Lima across five decades. Jo went west on December 12, 2021.

In Memoriam  ·  – January 12, 2021

Peter Jacobs

Formation Member

Peter Jacobs brought the rare pedigree of a Blue Angel to the Lima Lima Flight Team, having flown as aircraft number seven with the Navy's legendary demonstration squadron. His situational awareness and precision — honed at the very highest levels of military aviation — made him an exceptional formation pilot and a natural fit within Lima Lima's six-ship diamond. Peter went west on January 12, 2021.

In Memoriam  ·  – December 24, 2021

Rudy Malnati

Formation Member

Rudy Malnati was a beloved figure in both Chicago's culinary world and the national air show industry. A passionate aviator and dedicated Lima Lima pilot, Rudy brought the same warmth, generosity, and energy to the flight line that he brought to everything he touched. The Chicago Sun-Times memorialized him fitting when he passed on Christmas Eve 2021, after a long battle with cancer. Susan and John Rippinger and the entire Lima Lima family remember him with deep affection.