Steve also made this a/c
full IFR by installing a
  state of the art
GARMIN  430 GPS
  and Glideslope,
  Transponder and
Vision Micro Systems
  aircraft
computer/analyzer.
Along with numerous
mechanical improvements,
the aircraft also got a custom Steeley
interior and several speed mods of Steve's own design, including custom   landing gear doors, fairings and gap seals.



Trademark Notification:
The name, phrase and wording
"Wild Thing"
is a federally issued Service mark, issued by the United States Patent Office to
Steve Stavrakakis.
Use includes,
but is not limited to Aircraft, Aerial Entertainment, Displays, Exhibitions, and the related marketing of such. Any replication, plagerism or use likely to cause confusion is a direct violation of United States Federal Trademark Laws.
The Aircraft
Steve's IAR is THE ONLY IAR known to be flying professionally in the world!
where/is, sight unseen. He had it and it's sister-ship disassembled,
crated in an
  overseas
container and
  shipped to
  Turlock Muni
  Airport where
Steve completely
inspected,
  overhauled and
rebuilt both
  aircraft.
To use in his "Tribute To The American Vet" pyrotechnic Airshow routine, he repainted it in the USAF Vietnam era jungle paint         scheme of the 8th SOS, 14th SOW based at Bien Hoa (ben-wa)
Air Base,Vietnam, using top quality Akzo Nobel, Sikkens paint.
Built in Romania by the IAR factory which stands for Industrial Aeronautica of Romania (Industry of Aeronautics) *this company also made the famous IAR-40, a very tough and famous WWII fighter.
This aircraft was built in 1976 for and owned by the Romanian Military where it was used a a Rocket Training Platform at the military airfield in Brasov, Romania. Steve purchased it as/is
It also features four seats for those
ever important media and sponsor rides!
Uniqueness and usefulness in one affordable package!
IAR-823
Steve utilizes the aircraft's hard points and firing systems to provide beautiful colored smoke for day shows, and thrilling night pyrotechnic performances.
Typical  Night Pyro Load.
IAR in Military Configuration.
Photo courtesy of Clark Cook