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Sky Elements Drone Shows:
Author Larry E. Nazimek finds the Sky Elements Drones Shows spactacular. We do too.
Breckenridge Airshow 2017
By Nick Viggiano
Zero (Nick Viggiano)It was a long wait, but after 21 years, the return of the Breckenridge Airshow finally took place on Memorial Day Weekend! By all accounts the show was a huge crowd pleaser.
Breckenridge, a small west Texas town, (60 miles northeast of Abilene and 100 miles west of Ft. Worth) put on another great show. And just like the old days, first time attendees were amazed at the number of warbirds (70), the precision of the flying and the size of the crowds.
According to FaceBook posts, there were people attending the show from all over North America, and also Australia! I personally met people from South Bend, Indiana and Parker Colorado.
Flying Into Writing: Huntington Beach Airshow: Never A Dull Moment
By Eric McCarthy
(Eric McCarthy)Wow! Just…wow! Does it get any better than this? Beautiful Southern California weather and a world-class airshow, on the beach – or, in my case, on a boat! Sponsored by Breitling – makers of exquisite aviation watches – and in just its second year, the Huntington Beach Airshow managed, once again, to secure a plethora of top-tier performers for the weekend show that benefits the Aerospace Education Foundation of Huntington Beach.
Last year, it was the USAF Thunderbirds and the Breitling Jet Team headlining the show, with a host of other military and aerobatic performers, including an F/A-18 Super Hornet Demo, and performances by John Klatt, Bill Stein, and, having just finished their Red Bull Air Race season the weekend before in Las Vegas, both Michael Goulian and Kirby Chambliss. An impressive lineup for their inaugural event, and with just a few months’ marketing, they drew over a half a million people!
This year? Well, they really outdid themselves with wall-to-wall entertainment kicking off at noon each day! This year, it was the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds that held the top billing for the show, with at least a dozen additional performers and demonstrations scheduled between noon and 4 p.m.
Flying Into Writing: Confession Is Good For The Soul
By Eric McCarthy
It was about a year ago that I had the opportunity to fly my squadron’s Cessna 182 to MCAS Miramar (KNKX) for their annual air show. (Can’t you just hear the show announcer: “Ladies and gentlemen, from the left, the mighty Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 Skylane…still from the left…approaching show center…). Alas, we don’t actually fly in the air show, but provide our aircraft as a static display.
In addition to Search & Rescue, Disaster Relief and other “mission-based” activities, one of the things we do in Civil Air Patrol is display our aircraft to the public at various events. This can be a lot of fun, and presents a great recruiting opportunity, as many of the people we see at these events, both young and old, have never been up close to an airplane. We put them right in the pilot’s seat, answer any questions they might have, and take pictures of the kids – usually with huge grins on their faces!
AirVenture Oshkosh, Part 2
By Ed Wischmeyer
In my experience, ailerons are the most significant factor in how much a pilot enjoys the aircraft handling qualities. The SeaRey amphibian has new Frise ailerons that are much lighter than the already sensuous ailerons of the LSX, and I’m looking forward to visiting the factory and trying them out. I do want to let the southeastern summer abate, so I can avoid the oppressive heat and humidity, though. The SeaRey discussion on the shores of Lake Winnebago with designer and old friend Kerry Richter was much more enjoyable because of the cooler Wisconsin summer.
Meanwhile, out in Arizona, my airport neighbor who built a full-scale replica Spitfire added servo tabs to his ailerons to reduce aileron forces. It was surprising to read that the original Spitfires had heavy ailerons and light elevators, the reverse of recommended practice, but pilots raved about the handling qualities of Spitfires. That seems to reinforce the observation that the great majority of pilots adapt to their airplane’s handling qualities instead of being objective about them. Pilots will often express many enjoyable qualities of their airplanes in ways that really describe their experiences with the aircraft rather than the aircraft itself. In any event, he won an award for his Spitfire, well deserved in my opinion.
Red Bull Air Race Budapest 2015
By Ruggero Piccoli and Alberto Celsan
Paul Bonhomme starts a new lap after passing under the Chain Bridge. (Ruggero Piccoli)Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, has been the background for the fourth race of the Red Bull Air Race 2015. The stage was held on July 4 and 5 in the city where it all started 12 years ago when the air race format saw its debut. Despite the hot temperatures during the race’s days, about 10,000 people attended on the Danube banks the world’s fastest motor sport series, which returned in Budapest after six years. Thanks to the impressive scenario of the Parliament Building and the famous bridges, the stage is one of the favorites for both pilots and the public, which had the opportunity to see the aircraft flying at speeds close to 370 km/h through the pylons few meters over the water.
The race track was developed over the Danube River in front of the Parliament Building and the planes entered the track flying beneath the famous 19th century Chain Bridge, a spectacular way to start the race, which the master pilots were able to perform safely, as Besenyei explains, “I did this hundreds of times, also upside-down. It’s not a problem.”
The Pylon Place: What’s New at the Reno Air Races?
By Marilyn Dash
Last year’s winner, Voodoo and Stevo HintonThe big news everyone is talking about is the hiring of Mike Crowell as the president and chief executive officer of the National Championship Air Races. After a few visits with Mike, I can say that I am very happy to see someone of his caliber taking the reins.
“We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Mike’s caliber step in to take the helm at the Reno Air Races,” said John Agather, chairman of the RARA board of directors. “We are looking to Mike to bring his leadership, experience, and expertise in running efficient organizations to the Reno Air Races so that we can ensure this important northern Nevada event is successful for many years to come.”
Patriotism Focus At Annual Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In & Expo
Historic aircraft from the the Tesas Flying Legends Museum will be at the 2015 Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In & Expo. Pictured here (and on the cover) are Little Horse, their P-51DMustang andAleutian Tiger, a P-40KWarhawk. The Texas Flying Legends Museum is dedicated to honoring past generations through active displays of WWII warbirds. (Courtesy of Texas Flying Legends Museum)Mark your calendar for the 41st Annual Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In & Expo presented by Visit Florida April 21-26, 2015 in Lakeland, Florida. Proceeds from all events are returned to aviation-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) curriculums through year-round programs and activities at Sun ‘n Fun’s Aerospace Center for Excellence. Agreeing to help make attendance soar for the major annual fund-raising event on the Sun ‘n Fun Convention Campus, two jet teams will appear:
- The prestigious Breitling Aerobatic Display Jet Team, that illustrates the brand’s cherished values: performance, precision, aesthetic sophistication and innovation, is the first and largest of its kind. Comprised of seven L-39 C Albatros jets reaching speeds of up to 435 mph with up to 8G accelerations while flying within 10 feet of each other, the Breitling pilots embody the very essence of daring, speed and audacity.
The Pylon Place: February 2015
Introducing the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team World Aerobatic Championships 2015
By Marilyn Dash
The Team
First, I want to congratulate the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team! The USA will be represented by a group of pilots who are long time aerobatic competitors. Everyone on the team has participated in at least one previous World Aerobatic Championship (WAC) in the past. This is very valuable experience!
The U.S. team is comprised of Goody Thomas (Team Captain), Rob Holland, Jeff Boerboon, Nikolay Timofeev, Brett Hunter, Melissa Pemberton, Benjamin Freelove, Mark Nowosielski, and Tim Just.
This team will compete at the 28th FAI World Aerobatic Championships in Châteauroux-Déols (France) Aug. 19-29, 2015. Who wants to go with me? I was lucky enough to help out in 2013 when the WAC was held at North Texas Regional Airport in Denison, Tex. I’d be thrilled to go again and support our team.
Aerobatic Performance Zone – The Box
Competition Aerobatics takes place on a playing field just like most other sports. The only difference is our field is a “Box” in the sky.
Just like all sports there are penalties for leaving the “Box”. “Outs” or “Boundary Infringements” as they are referred to in Competition Aerobatics are verified by “Boundary Judges” that sit on the ground and use a sighting device to determine these penalties.
If you’ve ever seen clear panels on an Aerobatic Plane–this is why. We need to be able to see the ground positioning to stay in the box.
The Pylon Place - January 2014
The Future of the Reno Air Races…
By Marilyn Dash
(Bruce Croft)Since the Galloping Ghost crash of 2011, the Air Races have been plagued with financial concerns and rumors about closing the doors.
In the last few months, Michael Houghton, RARA President, has been talking about this year’s event being in jeopardy if $500,000 was not raised by Dec. 15. Just in the nick of time, we were told the event is back on. This leaves many people wondering about the long-term viability – and if this will continue to be a year-to-year endeavor.
Red Bull Air Race World Championship Tickets On Sale
Global Series To Bring High-Flying Action to Dallas/Fort Worth and Las Vegas
Tickets for the Red Bull Air Race World Championship season are now on sale, as the world’s fastest motorsport series returns to the skies at exciting new locations around the world after a three-year break. The 2014 schedule includes two U.S. based races, in Dallas/Fort Worth at Texas Motor Speedway on September 6-7 and in Las Vegas at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 11-12. A wide range of tickets – everything from general admission to Race Club hospitality areas with fine catering and the best views – are available with pricing starting at $39 for a weekend of high adrenaline racing.
The Red Bull Air Race World Championship features the world’s best race pilots in a pure motorsport competition that combines speed, precision and skill. Using the fastest, most agile and lightweight racing planes, pilots navigate a low-level aerial track made up of air-filled pylons 80 feet high at speeds of up to 230 mph. The competition is expected to be even more intense in 2014 as all 12 pilots will be using a standardized engine and propeller, intensifying the focus on pilot skill and precision flying through the high-g turns in the challenging race courses.
Tickets are now available through redbullairrace.com, ticketmaster.com, lvms.com, texasmotorspeedway.com and in person at both the Las Vegas Motor Speedway box office (800/644-4444) and Texas Motor Speedway box office (817/215-8500). Each ticket for the Finals on Sunday will also grant the ticket bearer access to Qualifying and the Challenger Cup on Saturday. Available ticket options include:
General Admission Weekend Packages - $39
Sunday ticket also grants Saturday access
Includes: open seating location (no assigned seats). Neon Garage and Hangar Walk (hangar area access at set times) can be purchased for an additional $25 (adult) and $19 (junior) at the venue on the day of the event.
Reserved Terrace Weekend Packages with VIP access - $59
Sunday ticket also grants Saturday access
Includes: front stretch terrace seats with excellent sightlines of the entire Speedway; wide, flip-down seats with cup holders and a private concourse with restrooms, concessions and elevator access; Neon Garage and Hangar Walk for both days.
Race Club Weekend Packages - $350
Sunday ticket also grants Saturday access
Includes: premium seats in the main grandstand; VIP Clubhouse Room access with food and beverage (Saturday and Sunday); Neon Garage & Hangar Walk for two days; an assortment of food and snacks served on Sunday (beer and wine will be included, in addition to soda and water); one VIP parking pass for every two tickets purchased; theater-style flip-down seats with cup holders; official event program; and special Red Bull Air Race pilot appearances.
Two-time world champion (2009 and 2010) Paul Bonhomme of Britain will lead a field of 12 hard-charging challengers from nine other countries in his quest for an unprecedented third straight title in the high-speed, low-altitude sport. The complete field also includes two Americans: Kirby Chambliss, who won the world title in 2004 and 2006, and Michael Goulian. The rest of the pilots include: 2008 champion Hannes Arch (AUT), Nigel Lamb (GBR), Matt Hall (AUS), Peter Besenyei (HUN), Nicolas Ivanoff (FRA), Matthias Dolderer (GER), Yoshi Muroya (JPN), Pete McLeod (CAN) and Martin Sonka (CZE).
Extremely motivated after the three-year break, the pilots have been training feverishly with their crews to get their agile and lightweight racing pilots in peak condition ahead of the eagerly awaited Red Bull Air Race World Championship season-opener in Abu Dhabi on February 28/March 1. The racing then moves on to Putrajaya, Malaysia on May 16/17, Gdynia, Poland on July 26/27, Ascot, United Kingdom on August 16/17, Dallas/Fort Worth September 6/7, Las Vegas on October 11/12 and China on November 1/2. More information is available at www.redbullairrace.com.
2013 Dayton Air Show
By Mike Heilman and Joe Gust
The 2013 Dayton Ohio Air Show was the site of the fatal crash, which ended the lives of wing walker Jane Wicker and her pilot, Charlie Schwenker. Wicker and her pilot were making their first appearance at Dayton in their modified Stearman. The aircraft lost altitude when Schwenker inverted the Stearman for a low level pass with Wicker sitting on the bottom of the wing. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it may take up to a year to find the cause of the accident.
The accident took place at the beginning of the airshow on Saturday, June 22. The airshow organizers cancelled the remainder of Saturday’s events. The spectators were informed that their tickets would be honored for admission on Sunday. This was the second accident in 39 years of the show. In 2007 Jim Leroy was killed when his Pitts crashed during the show.
Michael Goulian flying his state-of-the-art Extra 330SC over the Dayton Ohio Air Show. Goulian made is second straight appearance at the Dayton show. Goulian is the Air Show Industry 2012 ICAS Sword of Excellence. (Mike Heilman)The 2013 show went in the record books as the first all-civilian airshow in its 39 years of operation. The show organizers in 2012 moved the date to June to accommodate the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, but because of the federal sequester the Thunderbirds were removed from the show lineup. There were several large airshows that cancelled this year due to the military jet teams cancelling their participation in the 2013 season. The Dayton show officials decided to keep the date and to put on an all-civilian show.
American Heroes Air Show Lands at Hansen Dam
Buckle up for high-flying excitement when the nation’s premier aviation event devoted exclusively to helicopters lands in the San Fernando Valley.
When Skip Soars, Summer Airshow Season Is Here
The name “Skip Stewart” has become synonymous with summer airshow excitement! Gracing the cover of In Flight USA, with photography by Tyson Rininger, is airshow performer Skip Steward in his infamous Prometheus.
The Pylon Place - January 2013
Aviation Events in 2013
By Marilyn Dash
Big things are happening this year in aviation. Before we get too far into the new year, I wanted to help you plan your vacation time. So, get out your Ruby Aviation calendar (www.cafepress.com/aviation_calendar) and a pen and let’s get started.
Reno Air Races
Reno Air Races action, where else can you see racing Mustangs. (Anthony D. Taylor/warbirdsfotos.com)Priority number one to air race fans will be the 50th Annual National Championship Air Races, which will be held Sept. 11-15, 2013. If you only make one event this year, I am pretty sure this is the one to make.
The planning has started to have many old-time racers in attendance. I will continue to include updates as plans become more solid throughout the year. But, circle this one, and consider coming for the entire week. Qualifying starts on Monday, Sept. 9, 2013.
With all the rumors floating around for the last few years about this being the final Reno, if your bucket list contains “Race at Reno,” you need to go to the Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS), aka Rookie School. This will likely be held the week of June 10. You need to attend PRS if you want to race, so in order to check off that box on your bucket list you will need to be here in June to be there in September.
I should also mention that I don’t believe the rumors; I didn’t believe the rumor about the Mayans either – and they were wrong too.
The Pylon Place - December 2012
That is one Fast Glasair …
By Marilyn Dash
Jeff LaVelle rounding the pylons in his Glasair III. (Bruce Croft /www.twozerowest.com)Honoring my commitment to cover all of the Race Classes at Reno, not just the Unlimiteds, I wanted to introduce you to Jeff LaVelle, the 2012 Sport Class Gold Champion and his Glasair III.
A seemingly mild mannered Glasair III, one that looks remarkably like the others you may see each weekend flying to the next $100 Hamburger location. However, this one is special – very special. But all that is special is on the inside.
Jeff LaVelle, like so many other race pilots, started out racing something else, for him it was motorcycles. He always had a competitive spirit that made him look for ways to improve. He became a pilot about 20 years ago and later attended the Reno Air Races, setting his sights on competing there.
What's Up - December 2012
This is “World Class” Stupid … And dangerous too!
By Larry Shapiro
Last month I shared with you about Hangar Flying on the CTAF and problems it can create. Here’s one more thing that can cause problems – at the same airport about the same time – an airplane on down wind decided to stop flying and ran out of sky before it made it to the runway. Nothing really newsworthy about that with one small exception … it was three years out of annual. Maybe I should have a contest and ask you to send in your comments on this one, we could all use a good laugh and my head is buzzing with a million silly things to say about this world class act of being really stupid. So? Any comments?
Commuting by Flying Versus Driving by Habit
And now Ladies and Gentlemen … the envelope please … and the winner is: flying! A few months ago we sold a really beautiful 172 to a young, overly energetic and motivated student pilot. I’ve checked in on him now and then and with less than four months of ownership, and still sitting on one of those yellow/beige tickets, I asked him how many hours he had logged. Anticipating a boastful 25-30 hours he casually answered more than 80! When I caught my breath and recovered I asked if he’d been home lately?
Airshow Performer Jerod Flohr Attains Lifelong Dream, Debuts at Watsonville
The 2012 Watsonville Fly-In and Airshow in California was the first weekend in September. Did you make it to the show? It was a great one. They featured great display aircraft, great food, and of course, some of the most well known Airshow pilots on the West coast. Their performers included
The Pylon Place - October 2012
The Return to the Races
By Marilyn Dash
We expected it to feel different, and it did. We expected it to be more difficult, and it was. But we never expected it to be so cathartic. At least I didn’t.
The week started out earlier than usual. Racers were to be on the field by noon on the Saturday before the races. This is by far the earliest we were told to be there. But we were there and we were together.
It was good to see some of the new aircraft, new paint jobs, new owners, etc. And, of course, it was good to see all the new rookies and our old friends. Lots of hugs were exchanged and stories were shared about the off-season and how most of us were absolutely certain we wouldn’t be standing there – but we were.
Before I review the races, I wanted to share a quote from Tim Cone, rookie Sport Class racer, “What do they call the pilot who places LAST in the Bronze heat of a Reno Air Race? An Air Racer!” – And he’s right! Congrats to all the racers and especially the rookies.
Editorial: Reno Air Races 2012: Remembering a Tragedy and Experiencing a Rebirth
By Nicholas A. Veronico
The highly modified P-51D Strega has been in the winner’s circle 11 times, seven times with owner Bill “Tiger” Destefani at the controls and since 2009 with Steven Hinton at the stick. Here Strega awaits its pilot for the 2012 Unlimited Gold race with the class trophy gleaming in the afternoon sun. (Nicholas A. Veronico)The tragedy of 2011’s air races was still fresh in the minds of those in attendance at this year’s Reno National Championship Air Races. Others were visibly angry one year later, directing their hostilities toward the Galloping Ghost’s pilot, the air race organizers, and the sport of air racing in general. However, the majority in attendance sought to remember those that were lost while at the same time looking forward to years of safe air racing.
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) held solemn ceremonies in remembrance of the victims and in honor of the first responders. RARA also recognized the relatives of those who lost their lives, enabling these family members to achieve some semblance of closure. The majority of those in attendance at the races gave RARA high marks for how they handled this emotional anniversary.