Mike Tryggvason
Pilot • Engineer • Air Show Performer • Air Racer
The path to the show line
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.
One mission
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 are available, and funding options are available upon request for USAF open houses.
Air Race X, since 2026
Beginning in 2026, Mike Tryggvason is one of only eight pilots selected, worldwide, to compete in the international Air Race X series. He is listed on the series roster as Viking 12 Racing, race number 12, for Canada, and competes in the Zivko Edge 540 v3 under the call sign Viking 12.
What he flies
AgCat Demo
7 minutes · Grumman G-164A AgCat
Modern barnstorming at surface level, trailing color-changing wingtip smoke effects.
NightCat Demo
5 minutes · Grumman G-164A AgCat
The AgCat becomes a pyrotechnic platform: wingtip pyro and synchronized lighting.
Viking 12 Aerobatic Demo
10 minutes · Zivko Edge 540 v3
Ten minutes of unlimited aerobatics showcasing the Edge540's unmatched performance
The aircraft
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