A third-generation pilot and second-generation airshow pilot, Kyle was born and raised in theairshow business. The Franklin aviationlegacy began with Kyle’s grandfather Zip Franklin, a World War II veteran, a rancher, and a self-taught pilot. Zip’s oldest son Jimmy Franklin started flying on his dad’s lap while he was still in diapers. 12 years later, Jimmy snuck out and soloed himself in the family PA-14. By age 19, Jimmy was performing airshows in his stock Waco UPF-7 after teaching himself aerobatics by reading Harold Krier’s book “Modern Aerobatics”.
The Franklins always considered themselves showmen first and pilots second. True to their commitment to showmanship and innovation, they launched the original Jet Waco in 1999. As if the unprecedented airplane and its jaw dropping performance weren’t enough, Kyle became the world’s first jet wingwalker – an act he continued to perform until the tragic loss of his father and Bobby Younkin in 2005. Kyle was also the only other person to ever pilot the original Jet Waco.
In 2016 Kyle met Liz Demond at EAA AirVenture, where they would cross paths again a year later. Kyle and Liz fell in love when she came to visit Kyle’s airport for tail wheel instruction and they have been married since 2019. Ever since Liz has become an essential part in the family’s flying business. Most notably her part as the pilot that Kyle steals the airplane from, in his comedy act.
Today, Kyle and Liz continue to wow and amaze crowds across the country and the world with their unique style of flying and showmanship. Over Kyle’s career he has created and performed over 12 different airshow acts in 6 different aircraft including, wingwalking, solo aerobatics, comedy acts, motorcycle to airplane transfers, stunt driving, ariel dogfight routines and many more. Kyle Franklin has become known as the “King of themed air show acts” and a legend in the airshow world. He has been flying airshows full time for over 25 years, and has won the coveted Bill Barber Award for Showmanship. Kyle with the help of Liz continues to re-invent himself to bring something new to the airshow industry and to keep up with ever changing pop culture.
