Propel Forward

12/12/2025

A closer look at our 2026 Headline Performer — Randy Ball and the MiG-17F from FighterJets Inc.

Last night we announced our headliner for Pistons & Props 2026, and today we’re excited to share photos of this incredible aircraft up close. Randy Ball’s afterburning MiG-17F is one of the most powerful and iconic Cold War fighters ever to hit the airshow circuit, and it’ll be lighting up the Janesville skies next August.

This aircraft is known for:
• High-energy passes at incredible speeds
• A roaring afterburner rarely seen at Midwestern shows
• Stunning vertical climbs and tight turn performance

12/11/2025

The 2026 Pistons & Props Airshow is taking shape, and today we’re excited to announce our Featured Headline Performer: Randy Ball and FighterJets, Inc. with the legendary MiG-17F.

Randy Ball’s MiG-17F demo is one of the most respected and powerful classic jet performances flying today — showcasing high-speed passes, tight turns, and the raw Cold War-era power of this incredible aircraft. We’re thrilled to bring this level of performance to Southern Wisconsin for our first full airshow.

Want early access to tickets?
Sign up for our email list at pistonsprops.com
We expect ticket sales to open in April, and we’ll be offering a limited presale at over 40% off — available only to our email subscribers. If you want the best pricing and first chance at tickets, make sure you’re on the list.

And this is just the beginning — we’ll start announcing additional 2026 airshow performers every week starting in mid-January.

Big things are coming. Stay tuned!

12/11/2025

Pistons & Props is wrapping up in Las Vegas this week for our third year at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention. This week two of our organization has been attending airshow educational sessions, connecting with event organizers and performers from across the country, and continuing to build the future of our show. A full thank you to the ICAS organization for once again hosting a great convention and the opportunity to connect with air show organizers!

We’re excited to share that, while we finalize our first full airshow for 2026, we have already begun securing performers for our 2027 show. The momentum continues to grow, and we’re thrilled about what’s ahead for Southern Wisconsin.

And stay tuned — we have a big announcement coming later today.

More updates to come as we continue expanding Pistons & Props and prepare for an incredible 2026 season.

12/07/2025

Today we pause to remember over 2,400 American lives lost on December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor. This date changed the course of history and continues to remind us of the courage, sacrifice, and resolve of the Greatest Generation.

Many of the warbirds that visit Pistons and props represent the very era shaped by Pearl Harbor, and sharing these aircraft with our community is both an honor and a responsibility.

We remember the men and women who served, those who never returned home, and all who carried the weight of that day forward.

12/07/2025

What a night at the Janesville Jolly Jingle Parade!

Tonight marked our first public appearance announcing the return of the Pistons & Props Airshow — coming back bigger than ever August 28–30, 2026!

Our float even featured a projector showcasing a few of our 2026 performers. Names will be revealed soon, but for those with eagle eyes… you may have caught a sneak peek!

A huge thank-you to everyone who cheered us on tonight. The excitement in the crowd fuels our volunteers as we work to bring Janesville an unforgettable three-day airshow experience next summer.

More big announcements coming soon!

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from the Pistons & Props Airshow Team!!!

As we head into the holiday, we want to extend our warmest Thanksgiving wishes to you and your families. We are especially grateful for the veterans in our community — thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued support of our mission.

We are also thankful for our volunteers, sponsors, partners, and everyone who helps Propel Forward bring world-class aviation experiences to Southern Wisconsin.

Enjoy a safe, relaxing holiday weekend with your loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving!

11/24/2025

Sponsor Opportunities Now Open for the 2026 Pistons & Props Airshow!

The 2026 airshow is shaping up to be our biggest event yet — and we’ve already locked in two major sponsors for next year.
More exciting announcements are coming soon…

Whether you’re a small business or a large regional brand, we offer multiple sponsorship levels designed to fit your goals, budget, and visibility needs.

Why get involved?
• Align your brand with one of Wisconsin’s fastest-growing aviation events
• Reach thousands of attendees across three action-packed days
• Sponsor an airshow performer
• Or upgrade to a private flight-line chalet for the ultimate VIP experience

Email [email protected] to explore available packages.

Big things are coming for 2026 — and this is your chance to be part of it!

Pistons and Props - The ultimate air and car show event featuring aviation displays and automotive excellence

11/20/2025

Craig High School students are hard at work rebuilding the Pistons & Props Rocket Launcher for the 2026 Airshow.

This afternoon the students wrapped up the underside design, selected their motor and electronics layout, and divided into three focused build teams:
• Motor Systems
• Container & Structure
• Legs & Aesthetics

Propel Forward continues to expand our outreach educational programming, and projects like this are a perfect example of hands-on learning in action. We love seeing students take on real engineering challenges and bring fresh ideas to the events challenges.

More updates to come as the rocket launcher construction is completed—and as the student rocket-building class begins!

11/14/2025

🚀 Calling All STEAM & Career Educational Partners — We Need You for 2026! 🚀

Propel Forward is actively recruiting additional educational partners for our expanded STEAM & Career Day, returning April 30th, 2026 to the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport and Blackhawk Technical College.

After a successful first year serving 200+ students from Janesville and Beloit, the program is growing — with more space, more hands-on zones, and up to 400 students rotating through aviation, technology, trades, arts, and career exploration experiences.

We are seeking organizations and groups who can provide interactive, hands-on educational booths designed for 6th–8th grade students in areas such as:
• Science & Technology
• Engineering & Trades
• Arts & Design
• Math & Problem-Solving
• Aviation, Manufacturing, Public Safety, and Career Pathways

If your organization or know of an organization that can offer a hands-on activity, student engagement, and a STEAM- or career-focused learning experience, we want to hear from you.

👉 To participate, please email: [email protected]

We will send the information sheet and sign-up details.

This event is not open to the public — it is a dedicated education day for area schools and students. Please join us the Pistons and Props 2026 Airshow at our public educational area!

The STEAM & Career Day program is free for all participating students, made possible through proceeds from Pistons and Props and our community partners.

If you’d like to help support or donate to this initiative, please reach out to [email protected].

Together, we can inspire the next generation of innovators, creators, and community leaders!

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Veterans Day 2025 🇺🇸

Today we pause to honor and thank all who have served — and especially the veterans on our Propel Forward board and the hundreds of local veterans who have stood beside us over the past two years to make Pistons and Props possible.

Your dedication, teamwork, and community spirit have shaped this event from the ground up, ensuring that it remains true to its purpose: honoring service, inspiring youth, and strengthening our community.

We are proud to once again have a portion of the proceeds from Pistons and Props Airshow 2026 to go directly to help local veterans through the Rock County Veterans Donation Trust that offers emergency assistance and providing vital support to those in need right here at home.

👉 Learn more or support the fund here: https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/veteran-service-office-home/emergency-assistance

To all who have served — and continue to serve our community — we thank you!

10/21/2025

The Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport Board has officially approved the return of the Pistons & Props Airshow at today’ board meeting.

A huge thank-you to the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport Board and the airport management team for their continued help and support in bringing the airshow back. Our volunteers and partners are hard at work, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport.

Save the dates: August 28–30, 2026.

10/17/2025

We’ve started working with the 8th grade class at St. John Vianney School in Janesville on a fun educational project!

The students are taking on the challenge of redesigning and rebuilding the Pistons & Props kids’ rocket launchers as part of our ongoing education efforts between airshows.

It’s awesome to see their creativity and ideas taking shape — here are a few photos of the start!