Mini Jet Airshows began as the lifelong dream of pilot Tom “Lark” Larkin. As a child, Tom watched the BD-5J perform at a local airshow and was instantly inspired. Even after becoming a fighter pilot, airline pilot, and aerobatic pilot, he always held onto the goal of flying airshows in a true “mini jet.”
Tom’s journey started with a shared RV-6 project with his brother Larry and grew into flying a variety of aerobatic aircraft, including the Christen Eagle, Panzl, and Staudacher. That path eventually led to a rare opportunity: purchasing and performing in a SubSonex Jet. Weighing just 500 pounds and capable of reaching 300 mph, this jet delivers one of the most unique and exciting airshow performances in the country.
Today, Mini Jet Airshows focuses on high-energy aerobatics, tight show lines, and inspiring kids through aviation. Keep an eye out for an airshow near you and experience what this remarkable little jet can do!
Not every pilot starts out fearless. In fact, Tom “Lark” Larkin was once afraid of roller coasters and often felt air sick as a child. His journey into aviation began with radio-controlled airplanes, followed by real flight training at age 19 while in college. He earned his private pilot’s license in just 62 days.
Tom went on to graduate with an Aerospace Engineering degree from Georgia Tech and entered the U.S. Air Force for pilot training in 1984. He was selected as a T-38 Instructor Pilot, later advanced to the F-15C, and graduated as Top Student in his F-15 class. Tom flew 22 missions over Northern Iraq in support of Operation Northern Watch and Provide Comfort. He was also chosen as an instructor at the Air Force Fighter Lead-In School in the AT-38. After leaving active duty in 2000, he settled in the Denver, Colorado area.
Today, Tom is a 737 captain, instructor, and evaluator for a major airline. He and his wife, Laura, have been married for 34 years and are proud parents of twins. Over his aerobatic career, Tom has competed in the Christen Eagle and Staudacher, and has flown a wide range of aerobatic aircraft including the Pitts, Yak 55, Panzl, Rebel, Extra 300L, and Laser, as well as numerous non-aerobatic aircraft.
Tom now performs exclusively in the Mini Jet, bringing more than 10,000 hours of flight time in over 55 different aircraft, including nearly 8,000 hours in jets. At airshows, he showcases a dynamic mix of maneuvers inspired by his fighter-pilot training and instructor experience.
Mini Jet Airshows represents Tom’s 30-year dream: to own, fly, and perform in a true “mini jet” and share the excitement of aviation with spectators of all ages.
The star of Mini Jet Airshows is the highly modified SubSonex Jet JSX003. This SubSonex is an experimental jet that is sold as a kit, but Tom’s aircraft is especially unique—it was the first SubSonex kit ever sold and flown, and it has now been performing for nearly eight years.
The jet weighs just 500 pounds, reaches speeds of up to 300 mph, and is fully aerobatic. Powered by a PBS TJ-100 jet engine from the Czech Republic, it produces 258 pounds of thrust at full power while burning approximately 45 gallons of jet fuel per hour. Instead of paint, the aircraft is wrapped entirely in custom vinyl, giving it a sleek, show-car appearance. It also features a fully custom smoke system that produces a massive, high-visibility smoke trail, using about 7 gallons of smoke oil per show.
If you’ve never seen a jet perform a complete aerobatic routine in a tight, close-in show box, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Check the schedule for an airshow near you and come see what this incredible mini jet can do!
