T-33 Shooting Star Triumphs Over Challenges to Reach Pacific Airshow Gold Coast

The iconic T-33 Shooting Star, piloted by Greg ‘Wired’ Colyer, will soon make its majestic arrival into Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, having overcome considerable logistical challenges to grace our skies, being disassembled in the USA and reassembled at Temora, New South Wales.

Colyer, a native Californian with a flying passion ignited in his youth, has flown the T-33 for more than 16 years. With close to 3000 hours on the type he is the most experienced current T-33 pilot in the world!

“There were many challenges! First a T-33 is not a simple aircraft to disassemble nor put back together,” said Greg, detailing the complex process of transporting the historic jet to Australia. 

His team, including Jim Dale and Steve Sherman, along with Steve’s grandson Kyle, spent three weeks meticulously dismantling the aircraft to fit it into sea containers, taking extensive care to avoid any damage during transit.

However, the journey was not without its hurdles.

“Firearms and Tobacco agents seized the aircraft, claiming we were illegally shipping weapons of war. That delayed us about eight months with all the paperwork, permits, etc — not to mention a big additional cost,” Greg recounted.

Once the bureaucratic challenges were overcome, and the T-33 safely arrived in Australia, the same dedicated team then reassembled the aircraft — a process that took nearly six weeks of intense work. Notably, the T-33 Shooting Star has never flown in Australian skies before. Greg conducted the historic shakedown flights, marking the first time in history that the ‘Ace Maker’ has taken to the air Down Under.

On the technical side, maintaining a vintage aircraft like the T-33 involves a meticulous approach, given its age and operational history.

“The T-33 is a very robust and dependable airframe and easy to maintain. I also have the largest collection of spare parts to keep them flying — from engines to fuel pumps, landing gear, electronics, valves to brakes,” said Greg. For the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, Greg has specifically installed a smoke system in the jet, designed to produce vibrant smoke trails that will enhance the aerobatic display, adding a dramatic visual element to the performance. 

Reflecting on his experiences, Greg, founder of Ace Maker Aviation, shared his most memorable flight.

“My most memorable flight was my first in the jet — we just melted together.

 “Then my first airshow season, I flew Fleet Week in San Francisco, my hometown show in front of millions of spectators — nothing like buzzing the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf in a fighter jet!” 

Greg believes vintage military aircraft will always have a place at airshows.

“They are a flying museum. It allows people to see and hear the aircraft of yesterday in the sky where they belong,” he said.

The T-33 was designed by the legendary Kelly Johnson, head of the US Government’s Skunk Works where iconic cold war era spy planes like the U-2 and SR-71 were designed and built. It holds a special place in Greg’s heart, representing not only a piece of US aviation history but also his childhood dream realised.

The T-33, currently hangared in Ballina, is set to be a highlight at Pacific Airshow Gold Coast and its presence is thanks to the dedication of many, including local support from the Temora Aviation Museum and the hangar owner Benn Connell in Temora, where the aircraft was reassembled.

Looking ahead, there are hopes to have Australian flying legend and former RAAF fighter pilot Matt Hall, type-rated to fly the T-33, ensuring its legacy continues in the skies of southeast Queensland and beyond!

Also known as the ‘Ace Maker’, the T-33 earned its nickname due to its extensive use as a training aircraft where many Korean and Vietnam War fighter ace pilots honed their flying skills in jet operations. 

Originally developed from Lockheed’s P-80 Shooting Star — the first jet fighter used operationally by the United States — the T-33 Shooting Star served for more than 50 years primarily as an advanced trainer. It trained thousands of military pilots in jet flight fundamentals throughout its service life.