Golden Knights Fly Over Fort Wayne Published Sept. 14, 2012 By Senior Airman Jami Lancette 9/1/12 -- It's a bird, it's a plane, it's the U.S. Army Golden Knights. The Golden Knights Gold Team glided above the Fort Wayne Air National Wing for the first time Aug. 31 through Sept. 2 during Fort Wayne's first air show in 13 years. The team, comprised of nine parachute demonstrators, one crew chief, two pilots and one ground guy made their first appearance at the Fort Wayne Air Show and had nothing but good things to say about the event and the people. "It was the most well-organized air show," said Staff Sgt. Richard Sloan, U.S. Army Golden Knights demonstration parachutist. "The support was just great, and the base has done a phenomenal job." In order to ensure a crowd-pleasing performance and execute each move with precision, the Knights had to undergo rigorous training after a difficult selection process to be a part of the elite group. "You have to have at least 100 jumps before going in, you must be active duty Army, submit a packet, have a great background and be a team player," said Sloan. "Then, you get a welcome letter and from there you will spend six months of training, which is September through March in training." The Knights perform about 60 air shows a year with many eyes watching them as they display their training and hard work for all to see.