Three performancesTwo airplanesOne mission
Mike Tryggvason's precision in the air comes from years of steady progress. Mentored from an early age by his father, he earned his pilot's license at eighteen and developed his foundational aerobatic skills in the Pitts S-2A through regional and national competition. From there he progressed to the Giles 202, the Extra 300 and the Grumman AgCat, before he took the controls of the formidable Viking 12 Racing Edge 540 v3.
Inspired by the beginnings of the Red Bull Air Race, Mike set an ambitious goal in 2005: become an air racer. Years of focused work led him to serve as tactical advisor for Canada's Red Bull Air Race team, where he helped Team 84 find the fastest lines.
In 2026 that long-held goal became reality: Mike was one of only eight pilots selected from around the world to compete in the new Air Race X series.
Today Mike has logged more than 10,000 flight hours across over 30 aircraft types. His engineering background and commitment to safety shape every maneuver, whether he is racing the Edge 540 v3, revealing the AgCat's surprising agility through masterful energy management in the daytime AgCat Demo, or dazzling fans with the pyrotechnic NightCat Demo after dark.
Mike hopes that his journey inspires you to pursue a goal of your own.
7 minutesGrumman G-164A AgCat
A seven-minute surface-level demonstration built on energy management and precision. Mike flies the modified 450 hp AgCat through a modern barnstorming ballet, painting the sky with dynamic color-changing wingtip smoke effects while sharing the aircraft's agricultural and military heritage.
5 minutesGrumman G-164A AgCat
Five minutes of graceful surface-level aerobatics that turn the AgCat into a pyrotechnic cinema: wingtip pyro, synchronized lighting, and familiar instrumentals. A rare night act built for twilight and after-dark programs.
10 minutesZivko Edge 540 v3
A ten-minute high-energy demonstration in the carbon composite Edge 540 v3 that Mike flies in Air Race X. Beginning in 2026, he is one of only eight pilots selected, worldwide, to compete in the series. The act showcases extreme roll rate, speed, and agility while introducing the aircraft, the race series, and the path that put Viking 12 on the world stage.
* All performance times can be adjusted to meet the needs of your air show.
Radial-powered air show biplane
A three-seat agricultural aircraft modified for air show excellence. The 450 hp radial gives it an imposing presence and an unmistakable sound. A white centerline smoke system is flanked by the color-changing wingtip smoke effects in the daytime, and fireworks after dark.
Carbon composite air race and air show monoplane
Known as Viking 12, this single-seat carbon composite aircraft is one of the most capable aerobatic platforms flying today. Mike competes with it internationally in the Air Race X series, where it is flown at the edge of its considerable performance envelope.
Tryg Aviation exists to inspire the next generation of aviation and STEM professionals, by demonstrating that with courage and determination, even the most ambitious goals are possible.
As a military family, every performance is a tribute to service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Mike and Sam Tryggvason operate Tryg Aviation with precision, safety, and a deep respect for the audience.
Short talks and crowd line interactions available.
Funding options available upon request for military shows.
Three: a seven-minute Grumman G-164A AgCat daytime demonstration, the five-minute NightCat nighttime pyrotechnic demonstration, and a ten-minute Zivko Edge 540 v3 daytime demonstration. All three performance times can be adjusted to fit your program.
Mike Tryggvason flies all three demonstrations. He and Sam Tryggvason operate Tryg Aviation together.
Yes. NightCat is a five-minute nighttime demonstration flown in the Grumman G-164A AgCat with wingtip pyrotechnics and synchronized lighting, built for twilight and after-dark programs.
NightCat is Tryg Aviation's nighttime pyrotechnic act, flown by Mike Tryggvason. Five minutes of surface-level aerobatics turn the AgCat into a pyrotechnic cinema, choreographed to familiar instrumentals.
Yes. The carbon composite Zivko Edge 540 v3 that Mike Tryggvason competes in as Viking 12 flies a ten-minute daytime demonstration of roll rate, speed, and agility, and introduces the aircraft and the Air Race X series to the crowd.
Tryg Aviation performs across all show types, coast to coast in North America. Across the 2025 and 2026 seasons that has included, but is not limited to: Barrie, Ontario; Klamath Falls, Oregon; Abbotsford, British Columbia; Chilliwack, British Columbia; Madras, Oregon; Toronto, Ontario; Joint Base Andrews, Maryland; Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia; Madisonville, Kentucky; Monroe, North Carolina; Key Largo, Florida; Buckeye, Arizona; Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Send your show information via the Request Availability section on this page, or email inquiries directly to sam@trygaviation.com. We'll typically respond within three business days.
Routing is being built around confirmed shows. Early inquiries receive priority consideration for preferred weekends.
Send us your show details, and we'll respond within three business days.
The media kit includes performance descriptions, aircraft specs, pilot background, and high-resolution photo and video footage that your team is welcome to use for promoting your event.
View Media KitWe'll typically respond within three business days.
