After Dean Wright's three-year assignment flying for the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds aerial display team finished up, the reality of the situation hit him like a ton of bricks.

One of his greatest talents - formation flying - wasn't going to be utilized by any one anymore. It was tough to accept.

"I was kind of depressed," said Wright, who has also flown A-10 Thunderbolts, AV-8 Harriers and F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighters. "I had this unique skill set and no where to use it."

But that didn't last long. Through mutual friends, Wright got to know Randy Howell, owner and founder of the Patriots Jet Team, the only civilian operated aerial performance team in the country.

While juggling his active duty commitment (and ironing out the details with his leadership), Wright - who goes by the call sign "Wilbur" - started training and flying with the Patriots on his off time.

"It's a hobby," he said. "All Air Force guys are allowed to have a hobby. When you're off duty you can do what you want to do."

Working with the Patriots is also a hobby for Jeff "Mojo" Jess, head of jet operations for the team.

Jess got involved with the Patriots after meeting a team member at the airport in Byron, Calif. where the L-39 aircraft are housed - also home to where he was parking his ultra light personal plane.

"I let Randy know that I would wash, wax or push airplanes ... anything they needed me to do" in order to get involved with the team, Jess said.

Having previously worked as part of a stock car pit crew, Jess was familiar with the inner workings of maintenance support teams and their role in overall operations of a team. The 48-year-old now oversees all the maintenance and upkeep of the jets and coordinates ground crews during performances - all while juggling a full time job as a pool builder in nearby San Ramon.

The opportunity to fly is also the main compensation for Jess.

"It's opened a lot of windows for me in my flying career," said Jess, who's piled up a good chunk of his 1,300 in-flight hours in the L-39's cockpit. "The opportunity for me is priceless."

Now in his seventh year with the team, Wright, a 45-year-old Grass Valley, Calif. resident, doesn't have to balance his active duty commitment anymore. He's retired from the Air Force and now a corporate pilot for Fry's Electronics. Wright isn't paid for his time with the Patriots. The thrill that comes with formation flying is more than enough for him.

"I just enjoy the teamwork that goes into having a successful show," Wright said.

Wright and Jess aren't alone in their dedication to the team, as nearly 30 people on the team volunteer their time to make the performance happen.

"It's incredible ... it's like a family," said Jess, who during the air show season puts in about 60 hours a week. "Everyone is there because they want to be there. Everybody pulls their weight."

And although the 10-12 shows the team does per year can be a grind when all the travel is factored in, commitments don't waver.

"It's like living like a carnival worker," Wright said. "You have got to love it."

Although the season can wear on the team, many wouldn't dare give up their coveted spot.

"There's a line a mile long of anybody that wants to trade places with us," Jess said.