A Native Californian, Gregory “Wired” Colyer took his first flight at the age of 7 in a Cessna 172 with Dr. Lee Schaller out of the Schellville airport in Sonoma, California, Hooked ever since, Greg has been licensed since the age of 18 after learning how to fly while serving in the U.S. Army from 1982-1987.

Since leaving the service he has been employed by the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller at Oakland ARTCC since 1988. His passion for flying never left him as he continued to fly as a hobby, mostly in Beech T-34 mentors, until he imported a Russian L-29 Delfin in 2003 along with a few of his friends.

After flying numerous other ex-military aircraft, it was flying Kay Eckhart’s T-33 in 2007 that decided Greg’s next aircraft. One of his favorite aircraft as a youngster, the Shooting Star held a special place in his dreams, so he set his sights on America’s first operational Jet Fighter and Trainer, and his search began. He acquired his T-33 in 2008, and named it the “Ace Maker.” Then promptly founded the 501(c)(3) non-profit T-33 Heritage Foundation to help in the preservation of the type.

He holds a commercial pilot certificate with instrument, single and multi engine ratings as well as being a certified flight instructor. He is type-rated in the Aero Vodochody’s L-29 Delfin, L-39 Albatros and the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star. An unrestricted, surface level aerobatic waiver and FAST lead formation card round out his qualifications.

Greg stays in shaped for flying high performance aircraft by competitive cycling and an occasional Ironman Triathlon.

Greg would like to acknowledge and say thanks to his ACE Wayne Handley and Randy Howell of the Patriot Jet Team for their coaching, advice and support. A special thanks to Steve Hinton for his help, insight and expertise in the Shooting Star.