For the past 13 years, Farmingdale State College (FSC) has proudly participated in the famous Jones Beach Air Show. Traditionally held during Memorial Day weekend, the high-flying display annually attracts between 300,000 and 450,000 spectators, who gather to watch the captivating showcase of military and civilian aerobatic performers.

Now known as the FourLeaf Air Show, this year’s event will take place July 4th weekend as a special part of the United States Semiquincentennial, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. FSC’s five-person flight team will perform among an elite group of top pilots from around the world, including the United States Navy Blue Angels, the United States Army Golden Knights, the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, and the American Airpower Museum Warbirds.

Flying five College-owned Piper PA 28 aircraft, the Farmingdale State College Flying Rams will demonstrate a show-opening fly-by and oval “racetrack” flight path over air show center. This year’s performers are all recent FSC graduates who joined the College as Certificated Flight Instructors (CFIs). While mentoring the next generation of pilots, they continue building professional flight experience. 

As the team performs, Aviation Center Director Janie Daly will provide an on-air voice-over announcing the pilots by name and illuminating the strong pro-pilot training FSC provides. 

“Seeing our talented aviation team take to the skies at the Jones Beach Air Show is a powerful reminder of what dedication, passion, and skill can achieve,” said Daly. “Our students represent the future of aviation, and we are proud not only of what they’ve accomplished, but of what lies ahead in their journey.”

FSC is home to the only four-year professional pilot degree program in New York State. Located fewer than two miles from the main campus, Farmingdale’s Aviation Flight Center serves as the primary hub for flight training with a fleet of 22 aircraft that the College owns and operates. The main campus houses a fully interactive air traffic control simulator that provides simulation in both tower and radar positions. Students can earn one of two Bachelor of Science degrees in aviation administration, or aeronautical science: professional pilot, with minors in Air Force ROTC, aviation administration, or aviation flight. A drone pilot certification course is also available.

Student Voices
Samantha “Sam” Alvarado, who graduation from the Aviation Administration Program in 2023 and the Professional Pilot Program in 2024, shared that she will be flying in the air show for the first time this year. 
“I'm a little nervous…but very excited,” she said. “I feel like people expect to see these big airplanes and think it must be hard to actually get into aviation. So, if they see our smaller airplanes, they might have a little more hope [if they are interested in getting into aviation].” 

Matthew Schweit, who graduated from FSC’s Professional Pilot Program in 2022, will be flying in the air show for the third time this year and looks forward to the larger expected crowd. 

“I don’t feel as nervous compared to my first year and I am definitely excited again. I'm always glad to be a part of the air show and helping the team,” he said. “And from previous years, seeing how many people were watching us from the beach, I can only imagine it's going to be a lot more [spectators] this year. Last year there was literally no beach to see there were so many people. I know this year will be huge.”
Schweit added that he also enjoys being a positive influence for future aviators.

“Right after we flew in the air show last year, we drove down to the beach to go watch the rest of it,” he said. “I met up with some family friends and their 12-year-old son told me he was interested in getting into planes just because he saw everybody flying. It was a great feeling.”

Spencer Chan, who graduated from the Professional Pilot Program in 2024, shared that being asked to participate in the air show for the first time, “feels like a culmination of every step along the way” and an opportunity to share his alma mater with others.

“FSC, in particular, uniquely gave me an opportunity to become a pilot,” he said. Because honestly, from the background I come from, it was such a foreign concept to become a pilot. So, for me to be part of the air show and be able to tell people that, ‘Hey, you can come to this College for a four-year degree and you get to become a pilot.’ I mean I think that's really important, especially for somebody like me.”

For David Veksenfeld, who also graduated from the Professional Pilot Program in 2024 and will be flying in the air show for the first time, there was a similar feeling of accomplishment. 

“Four years ago, I remember watching my flight instructors do the air show and, because I was still new to flying, I remember thinking how cool it was that they did that. I hoped that one day I could do it too. Now that I can, it feels pretty amazing.  It definitely feels like a combination of all this hard work that all of us have put in—to not only become a private pilot, but to become a flight instructor. It's a prize.”

John Finelli, who graduated from the Professional Pilot Program in 2023 and the Aviation Administration Program in 2024, shared that flying in the air show for the second time is another full circle moment. 

“I've always had an interest in aviation and I've been going to the show as long as I can remember. Since I was a little kid. So, it's definitely special to actually be flying in it,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m the lead this year so I’m responsible for handling any communications with air traffic control and the air show organizers. And I feel prepared. The College and the flight program here are top-notch. I think the best in the Northeast in terms of the professionalism that it provides…I’m glad to represent the College.”

For more information, please visit the Department of Aviation webpage. 

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