16,000 flight hours: Veteran pilot returns to Florida air show
Jeff “Linedog” Linebaugh will perform aerobatics in a former French military trainer at the November 7-8 event in Punta Gorda.
By Rafael Delgado ·
Jeff “Linedog” Linebaugh will fly a Socata TB-30 Epsilon at the Florida International Air Show in Punta Gorda, Florida, on November 7 and 8, 2026. The aviator is bringing his “High Voltige” routine to the event, which takes place at Punta Gorda Airport.
The TB-30 is a two-seat, piston-powered aircraft that the French Air Force used to train pilots. Linebaugh uses the plane’s handling characteristics to execute tight loops, rolls, and inverted maneuvers. The term “Voltige” translates to aerobatics in French, a descriptor that matches the precision of the display.
Linebaugh began his aviation career early, earning his solo flight qualification at age 16, prior to obtaining a driver’s license. He completed pilot training and instructor training with the U.S. Air Force. During his time at Randolph Air Force Base, he received the Instructor Pilot of the Year and Top Instrument Pilot of the Year awards.
After leaving military service, Linebaugh spent five years instructing for Japan Airlines. He then flew for a major airline for three decades, retiring as a Boeing 767 captain. His career log contains nearly 16,000 hours across more than 85 aircraft types. Half of those hours were spent teaching other pilots.
The air show features a diverse lineup of performers. FighterJets, Inc. will operate a MiG-17 and a TA-4J Skyhawk. Aerobatic pilots Aaron Deliu and Kevin Coleman are also scheduled to perform. Franklin’s Flying Circus and The Chuters round out the flight demonstrations. The event includes static aircraft displays, a STEM Pavilion, and family activities.
Gates for the show open at 9 a.m. each day. The Florida International Air Show is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by volunteers. The group organizes the event to combine aviation entertainment with educational opportunities for the community.
Visitors can find ticket information and current performer schedules at www.floridaairshow.com. The organization notes that performer schedules are subject to change.
