12th Gary South Shore Airshow

By Mike Heilman

Aeroshell AT-6 “Texan performing a loop at the Gary South Shore air show. The show was held July 15-17 in Gary Indiana on Lake Michigan. (Mike Heilman)Sand, sun, surf, smoke and spectators were all part of the 12th Gary South Shore Air Show.  The three-day event was held at Marquette Park Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan in Gary, Indiana.  The airshow was produced by the Indiana South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority and was free to the public.

The airshow opened with a twilight show on Friday that included a large fireworks display.  Many of the airshow acts flew their demonstrations at the Friday night show. It was a great start to the weekend. 

The headliner for this year’s show was the Heavy Metal Jet team.  This civilian team is new to the 2011 airshow season. Heavy Metal team flies four L-39s and either a T-33 or MIG-17. The team flew the MIG-17 at the Gary Show. The team performs at airshows that do not have a military jet as part of the line up.

Aeroshell also performed their aerobatic routine in four AT-6 “Texans.”   The AT-6 was nicknamed “the pilot maker” because it was used as the primary trainer during WWII.   The Aerostars flew a high-energy routine in three YAK 52 Romanian-built trainers.  Lima Lima flight team performed in their six T-34 Mentors. The Firebirds X-Treme team also flew an impressive demonstration.

Dave Dacy and Tony Kazian performing a wing walking act at the 2011 Gary South Shore Air Show. Dacy bought the Super Steerman that was being used as a crop-duster in 1979. The plane has been highly modified for air shows. (Mike Heilman)The airshow included several civilian single ship acts.  Dave Dacy and Tony Kazian performed a wing-walking act in a Super Stearman biplane.  Matt Chapman flew the CAP 580 in an impressive aerobatic display.  Bill Stein also performed in his multi-color Edge 540 aerobatic plane.

The military headliner was supposed to be the F-22 Raptor, but the Raptor has been grounded due to safety concerns. The United Sates Air Force decided to send the F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration Team from Seymour Johnson Air Force base.  The Strike Eagle made several passes in front of the crowd displaying the planes capabilities.

The U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet showcased its abilities with a powerful demonstration.  US Marine Capt. Nick “Dimes” DiGuido was the demonstrating pilot.  The U.S. Coast Guard also performed a water rescue demonstration with a HH-65 Dauphin helicopter.  The U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team made several jumps at the show.

The Gary show has increased in popularity and continues to draw huge The F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration Team performs a power routine at the 2011 Gary South Shore Air Show. The F-15E replaced the F-22, which was grounded by the U.S. Air Force due to safety issues. (Mike Heilman)airshow acts.  Marquette Beach is completely surrounded by the Indiana Dunes state park and is a great setting for a family to enjoy the beach and a free airshow.