The Pipe Dream Team:
Sure, anyone can sneak onto a dock in San Francisco and dive into the Bay. But to do this twice, with home built aircraft, in costume and in front of 20 000 screaming fans requires a team. After taking a few seasons off to get our heads, together once again the flame of Team Fliegen is lit. Each team member dropped his work, family, wives and loved ones immediately answering the call.
Sure, we've built aircraft before. Sure, we've jumped off docks together. This year is different. We have the Team, we have the Plan but this year we have a Road Trip. Nothing is going to hold us back. We are building a plane, we are going to fly and we are going to swim. We are Team Fliegen and nothing can stop us!
So, just who are these mad men?
Daryl "Captain Courage" Fox
Secret Fact: Daryl Fox is possibly a distant cousin of Otto Von Lilienthal.
Ken "Nose Dive" Cleaver
Ken is a world traveler, ex-airframe mechanic and holds the record for the only team member to outdistance the pilot at the San Francisco Red Bull Flugtag 2003. When not building aircraft from plumbing, Ken climbs mountains, hikes deserts, runs marathons and generally makes us all look like the lazy out of shape broken down couch potatoes we are.
Secret Fact: Ken Cleaver once dated Amelia Earhart's sister.
Brad "Snoopy" Filkins
Brad is our expert safe cracker and PVC man. He has never been arrested for setting up espionage equipment on air force bases and wouldn't be caught dead wearing a pink tank top while assembling ABS plastic fittings into aircraft wings. Brad is a two-time flugtag veteran and was the primary source of potential energy for the Courage Cannon.
Secret Fact: Brad Filkins is the illegitimate father of Niel Armstrong.
Brian "Slick" Reed
Many men have precision [or some other fancy adjective] skill with power tools. Many others have the iron resolve necessary to jump fearlessly into the Bay. But Brian is one of the proud few who have both and a garage to work in. Brian is our skilled air frame assembly man and our getaway driver. There from the very beginning, Brian is a two time flugtag veteran.
Secret Fact: Brian Reed may be the distant grandchild of Orville Wright.
Prashant "Flash" Lokeshwar
The self-styled Soaring Swami, Prashant was one of the first members to join Team Fliegen. Unfortunately, due to tragic wedding scheduling, he was unable to attend the first year but voluntarily flung himself in the water during the second event. He holds the distinction of being the only team member banned from using the circular saw for safety reasons.
Secret Fact: Prashant Lokeshwar was originally cast as Goose in Top Gun.