dedicated air and ground crews make the success possible
The Golden Knights Aviation Team, known as “Team 6” is responsible for operating and maintaining the Golden Knights’ fleet of aircraft. The Golden Knights rely on a dedicated ground and air crew to maintain the aircraft used during performances and competitions. Currently, the Golden Knights utilize the C-31A Troopship, and the UV-18 Dehaviland Twin Otter.
C-31A Troopship
The C-31A F-ship is the primary support aircraft for the Golden Knights’ Black and Gold Demonstration teams. It is modified with two large doors that are used for jump operations. The Golden Knights have accumulated more than 27,000 hours of flight time on the C-31 since 1985, and it is widely considered one of the most reliable cargo and transport aircraft in the world.
UV-18 Dehaviland Twin Otter
The UV-18 Dehaviland is the primary support aircraft for the Golden Knights’ Competition and Tandem teams. This Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft is powered by two Pratt and Whitney PT6-27 turbine engines, and is capable of dispersing up to 14 parachutists very quickly from take off. The performance capabilities of the UV-18 Dehaviland allows for multiple training jumps to be conducted during the duty day, which allows the Golden Knights Competition teams to prepare more efficiently for national and worldwide competition.
Maintenance And Support Teams
The Golden Knights support team is comprised of a maintenance officer NCOIC (Noncommission Officer In-Charge) and four enlisted military flight engineers. Soldiers are assigned to the Golden Knights maintenance and support teams only after a thorough review of their service records, performance history and the completion of an interview.
Aviation Team Members
Download each team member's bio - PDF format
Additional Information About the army Golden Knights
History and the creed
Golden Knights are Army Soldiers first, but they also have a unique history and creed that sets them apart.
Join The Golden Knights
Spots on the Golden Knights team are highly competitive and candidates must show a skill and dedication far beyond the average skydiver in order to earn a place.
Meet The Team
The Golden Knights organization is made up of five different sub-teams, or sections: the demonstration team, the tandem team, the competition team, the aviation team, and the headquarters.
DEMONSTRATION Team
The demonstration section consists of 26 members who travel around the United States, performing at various events in support of Army recruiting.
tandem Team
The tandem section provides Soldiers, heads of state, celebrities and other VIPs the opportunity experience the thrill of skydiving.
competition Team
The competition section travels around the world to jump in various skydiving competitions.
aviation Team
The aviation team is comprised of the pilots, crew chiefs, and mechanics responsible for flying and fixing the team's two Fokker C-31 Troopships and three DeHaviland Twin Otters.
headquarters Team
The headquarters team organizes and provides logistical support for jumps and events. They are also responsible for getting the word out to the public whenever the Golden Knights are scheduled to perform.
Schedule Of Events
Want to see the Golden Knights in action? Check the calendar below for a listing of upcoming events. Check back periodically for updates.
Request The Golden Knights
If you would like the Golden Knights to come to your area, contact us now to make a request. Please note, that our tandem operations are conducted in conjunction with air shows and larger media events. Coordination for these operations is the exclusive responsibility of the air show or media event representative or organizer.
Please download our support manual as it provides specific contact information and requirements the team needs.
Download Support Manual