The team is composed of a highly experienced and talented group of pilots, all proud members of the Asociación Jacob 52. It is led by Miguel “Pay” Padilla, a former Spanish Air Force fighter pilot, together with six display pilots from diverse aviation backgrounds: Patrick Koch (Flight Leader), Nico Goulet (#2), Tiago Correia (#3), Luis Alvarez (#4), Fernando Marinho Pereira (#5), and David Jimenez (#6).
 

The support team includes Miguel Salas and Stephane Cottrel, who are responsible for logistics, coordination, and operational support, as well as Fabiana and Iván Rey, who manage public relations and social media.
 

Before each new season—typically during winter and early spring—the Chief Pilot carefully evaluates and selects the most suitable pilots for the team. During this period, every manoeuvre is rigorously trained, refined, and validated to define the display sequence for the upcoming season.
 

Experience, discipline, and exceptional flying skills are the defining characteristics of YAKSTARS display pilots.