Global Stars

The Global Stars are a UK-based civilian aerobatic team led by multi-time British aerobatic champion Mark Jefferies. Operating from Little Gransden Airfield in Cambridgeshire, the team performs widely in the UK and on international tours, including China, India and across Europe.

Displays range from solo to four-ship (and occasionally larger overseas), combining tight formation aerobatics, opposition passes, and crisp synchronised breaks. A trademark figure in their day routine is the “Looping 270”, while their night show adds wingtip pyrotechnics and effects such as a choreographed pyro pylon run.

Fleet mix. The team commonly fields Extra 330SC (single-seat, Lycoming AEIO-580), Extra 300S/300L (AEIO-540), and Extra 200 (AEIO-360), and has also featured the Mudry CAP 232. For overseas tours, locally based aircraft may be used, so paint schemes and types can vary event to event.

Why these types? These purpose-built aerobatic monoplanes feature high roll rates (up to ~400°/s), symmetrical airfoils and strong load limits (typically to ±10 g in single-seat trim), making them ideal for precision formation, opposition passes and Unlimited-class solo figures.

Night pyro fit. For dusk and night displays, aircraft carry approved pyrotechnic kits on the wingtips and tailored lighting, enabling dramatic sparkling climbs, descending “comets” and formation pyro sequences.

Created in 2006 by Mark Jefferies, the Global Stars drew on a roster of world-class British aerobatic pilots. Over the years the line-up has included champions such as Tom Cassells, Chris Burkett, Steve Carver and Gerald Cooper, among others. The team is a regular at UK shows and a frequent visitor to Asia, especially China and India, where they’ve staged bespoke formations and training programs.

Night pyro routines became a hallmark of the team: at the Sichuan International Airshow 2019 they fielded a five-ship pyrotechnic formation, which at the time made them the world’s largest pyrotechnic-capable display team. Their day routine is built around fast cross-overs, tight formation loops/rolls and the signature Looping 270 figure.

• The team’s home base is the grass-strip Little Gransden Airfield near St Neots, Cambridgeshire.
• Global Stars’ night pyro shows use wingtip pyrotechnics and choreographed “pyro pylon runs”.
• A trademark move in the day display is the Looping 270 figure.
• The roster has featured multiple British aerobatic champions and former World Championship competitors.
• Aircraft types vary by venue—Extra 330SC/300S/300L/200 and CAP 232 are all part of the stable.