By 1988, Marty's "demo rides" had "hooked" Wes, another former military pilot, who soon acquired a partially completed RV-4, got it flying, and a two-ship element was formed. Dick also completed his RV-4 in 1988, and in short order he was trained in formation and aerobatics, creating a three-ship flight.
The three pilots found that the challenges of formation flying were well served by the RV-4, and the callsign "Blackjack" was selected by Marty for a formation flight to Whidbey NAS, since it was felt that this was a callsign that was easily understandable on the radio. It worked well, so it was retained. Later, Dick came up with the idea of a squadron insignia, an Ace of Hearts and a Jack of Spades (i.e. Blackjack).
Before long, other RV owners observed the original three pilots doing formation fly-bys, formation take-offs and landings, et cetera, and they expressed an interest in joining in on the challenges of these new dimensions of flight. Informal, but demanding, training was conducted, and soon, those who persisted found themselves safely accomplishing formation maneuvers that only military pilots normally get to experience. They also found themselves accepted as members of the "Blackjack Squadron."
| Blackjack History | Formation Glossary | Formation Types | Photo Album |
| Aerosafe Article | Fly-by Brief | Van's Aircraft Co. |