“Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings …” —From the poem “High Flight,” John Magee, 1941
Those famous words written during the early days of World War II will resonate once again throughout the Antelope Valley as the Los Angeles County Air Show lifts off March 19-20 at William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster.
The air show is always a fascinating weekend event showcasing some of the most famous, vintage air craft, daring aerobatics, and aeronautics history as a wide assortment of “flying machines” dash and dart high above the landscape and bring thrills and chills to onlookers. Sponsored by Lockheed Martin, the air show will also feature some of the nation’s best aerobatics performers and wing walkers, along with warbirds, military aircraft and pyrotechnics.
The legendary Blue Angels
The big highlight of the event, of course, is the demonstration by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. This six-jet squadron is known throughout the world as, arguably, the premier flying acrobatic team. The six demonstration pilots (a seventh “advance pilot” also serves as a backup member) fly the Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet, typically in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States. And after 70 years, the famous squadron employs many of the same practices and techniques used in their original aerial displays. The Blue Angels should not be confused with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, established in 1953, which is also a aerial acrobatics squadron.
The oldest air show is the French Air Force Patrouille de France which traces its history back to the pre-jet days of 1931.
More than 50,000 people witness the Blue Angels in their standard show season (March through November). It is estimated that since 1946, the Blue Angels have entertained more than 260 million spectators. The original mission of the Blue Angels—technically the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squad—was to “showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to the country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.” The genesis of the Blue Angels came from a directive by Admiral Chester Nimitz who believed that such a touring group could boost Navy morale, demonstrate to the world American air power … and generate public and political support for increasing the Navy’s annual budget.
Witness the Diamond Formation
Since then, the Blue Angels have accomplished these objectives in amazing ways. As jet airplanes go, the F/A-18 Hornet is a relatively tiny (but mighty) machine. The squad takes off and quickly splits into their vaunted Diamond Formation. Most of the show tends to alternate between maneuvers performed by the six-member formation and those finesse moves performed solo. When they move into tight formation—usually at lower speeds of about 400 miles per hour—the pilots will begin to perform formation loops, barrel rolls and various transitions from one formation to another. The solo aircraft will showcase the high-performance capabilities of the fighter jets as they execute daring high-speed passes, slow passes, fast rolls, slow rolls and ultra-tight turns that literally have to be seen to be believed. The highest speed flown is 700 mph (just under Mach 1) and the same craft can almost instantly reduce velocity down to 120 mph. Some maneuvers include both solo aircraft performing at once (e.g. opposing passes toward one another in what may appear to be a foolhardy game of “chicken”), while other formations appear to be performed back-to-back or in “mirror formations.” In the next instant, the pilots will fly belly-to-belly or even wingtip-to-wingtip with one of the jets flying upside down.
Amazing aerobatic feats
The F/A-18 Hornet is practically combat-ready, except that the aircraft gun is removed and replaced with a special tank that contains the smoke-oil used in demonstrations. There’s also a unique control stick spring system for more precise maneuvers. Spectators may wonder why the pilots don’t faint when traveling at near Mach-1 speed—sometimes upside down—and that’s because they’ve been taught to continually tense their arm and leg muscles to prevent blood from rushing from their heads and rendering them unconscious.
There’s a narrator for the show, and this pilot typically flies Blue Angel 7, a two-seat F/A-18D Hornet. This plane is used as a backup and frequently gives demonstration rides to VIPs and selected civilians. Spectators will also get to see the famous “Fat Albert,” a Marine Corps C-130T Hercules transport plane that is used for logistics, carrying spare parts, equipment and also to carry support personnel between shows. All members of the Blue Angels (officers and enlisted personnel) come from the regular Navy and Marine Corps with pilots serving a maximum of three years. The team leader is always a Navy commander, while pilots numbered two through seven are either Navy lieutenants or a Lieutenant commander, or sometimes a Marine Corps Captain or major.
Although you probably won’t see these persons face-to-face, here’s a brief list of who will likely be flying these jets at breakneck speed during the 2016 season:
Blue Angel No. 1—Commander Ryan Bernacchi, United States Navy; (USN);
No. 2—Lieutenant Matt Suyderhoud, (right wing), USN;
No. 3—Lieutenant Lance Benson, (left wing), USN;
No. 4—Lieutenant Andy Talbott (slot), USN;
No. 5—Lieutenant Ryan Chamberlain (lead solo), USN;
No. 6—Captain Jeff Kuss, (opposing solo), USMC;
Navy Lieutenant Tyler Davies serves as the seventh or “backup” pilot; Marine Corps Captain Katie Higgins is one of three Fat Albert pilots. Navy Captain Tom Frosch has been commanding officer since 2012.
Tribute to ‘Aerospace Valley’
The aircraft flown over the years have changed with advanced design, engineering and technology.
Just after World War II, the Blue Angels were flying F8F-1 Bearcats (the period when the famous “Diamond Formation” was introduced) and in 1949, they switched to a straight-wing Grumman F9F-2. In 1957, the group transitioned to the supersonic Grumman F11F-1 Tiger, then the McDonnell Douglas F4J Phantom II in 1969 and, by 1974, the need for fuel efficiency saw the group flying the Douglas A-4F Skyhawk II. They began using the F/A-18 Hornet in 1986; the power and aerodynamics of the Hornet allows the group to perform a slow, high-angle of attack or “tail sitting” maneuver, and also to demonstrate what is called a “dirty” (landing gear down) formation loop, the latter trick are not demonstrated by either the Air Force Thunderbirds or the Patrouille de France. Budget constraints briefly grounded the Blue Angels’ 2013 tour.
“We have an epic line up of performers planned for the 2016 Air Show,” said Dennis Dunbar, executive director of the Los Angeles County Air Show. “We are bringing some of the best aerobatic performers and wing walkers from around the country to the ‘Aerospace Valley’ with warbirds, military aircraft, pyrotechnics and so much more.”
The Texas Flying Legends Museum will make its first appearance in California. This squadron performs a thrilling, choreographed routine that honors veterans through a variety of aerial formations. You can expect simulated dog fights and a number of unique solo routines that will include aircraft such as the B-25J “Betty’s Dream,” the A6M2 Zero, an FG-1D Corsair, a TBM-3E Avenger; a P-40K “Aleutian Tiger,” and a P-51D “Dakota Kid II.”
Pearl Harbor reenactment
“Tora, Tora, Tora” was the famous call from the Japanese Air Force as the attack on Pearl Harbor began in the waking hours of Dec. 7, 1941. The Commemorative Air Force will conduct a recreation of the signaling of America’s entry into World War II complete with a factual narration that will include President Franklin Roosevelt’s address the next day to a Joint Session of Congress that included his famous words: “Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy …” This unique performance will include replica Japanese “Zero” fighters, Kate torpedo bombers and Val dive bomber aircraft. Organizers say the presentation is designed as a “living history lesson” and will be choreographed with realistic explosions, fire, smoke and precision flying set to music.
Skip Stewart is a favorite in many air shows, and he’ll be on hand with his modified Pitts S2C Prometheus. This aircraft is said to bring the fury of Stewart’s gyroscopic maneuvers to life. Watch for Stewart’s famous “alpha pass” on take off and then witness his flying prowess as he buzzes the landscape mere feet off the ground. Steward received the 2015 Art Scholl Memorial Showmanship Award which is presented yearly by the International Council of Air Shows.
Melissa Pemberton will present an acrobatic routine with even more gyroscope maneuvers and will complete her show with a death-defying “inverted ribbon cutting” sequence only 23 feet above the ground. Pemberton is a veteran, world-class pilot who has competed in air shows around the world.
Amazing Shockwave Jet Truck
The Shockwave Jet Truck has to literally be seen to be believed. It’s a Peterbilt big rig fashioned with a triple jet engine, boasting 36,000 horsepower and a top speed of 376 miles per hour. Neil and Chris Darnell are a father and son duo who operate Darnell Racing Team, and hold a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for fastest jet truck.
The Tinstix exhibition combines the exploits of Stewart and Pemberton—and the Shockwave—as a battle takes place both in the air and the sky between two jet aircraft and the jet truck. The result is an exciting head-to-head race that is said to leave audiences mesmerized over who will come in first.
Kent Pietsch will perform three separate routines complete with comedic narration. One of the fan favorites is his “dead-stick” routine in which he turns off the engine at 6,000 feet and free falls to a rooftop landing on a moving RV. Then he pretends his aileron (wingflap) has become detached and he is in mortal danger of crashing. Finally, Pietsch comes in for a landing so close to the runway that spectators believe his wingtip is actually touching the tarmac. It’s all part of the act that Pietsch has performed around the world.
Wing walkers
Since the advent of flying, wing-walkers have been among the world’s most fearless daredevils. The action-packed Third Strike performance not only demonstrates the team’s wing-walking routine, but will be followed by the aviation industry’s only dual wing-walking act featuring two stunt women perched atop a vintage Stearman bi-plane. The Third Strike performance concludes with a Stearman solo performance.
Visit STEM Expo
Northrop Grumman is sponsoring a STEM Expo. A number of aerospace companies will be present, along with representatives from nearby colleges and universities and a range of professional aerospace and engineering societies. The Expo is designed to entice children and their parents to enjoy various “hands-on” educational experiences with an eye on science education. Held in a 15,000-square-foot pavilion, the STEM Expo will also showcase vintage and modern aircraft, space artifacts, robots and even live drone demonstrations. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with test pilots and engineers from nearby Edwards Air Force Base. There will be representatives from local aerospace companies, academic institutions and professional societies to help interested attendees understand more about the professional advantages of STEM education and how engineering is becoming one of the fastest growing fields of endeavor.
Gates will open for the Air Show at 9 a.m. both days. Tickets are on sale and may be purchased online by visiting www.lacountyairshow.com/purchase-tickets. If you purchase tickets prior to March 18, you can receive 20 percent off the gate general admission price. Fans are encouraged to follow updated news about the event by following Air Show on Facebook and on Twitter (@LACountyAirShow).
The cost of tickets is $20 ages 13 and older; $15 for ages 6 to 12; and free for those 5 and younger.
Additional sponsors of the 2016 Los Angeles County Air Show include Northrop Grummon, Southern California Toyota Dealers, Sierra Toyota, County of Los Angeles, Learn for Life, IBEW, Antelope Valley Transportation Association, City of Lancaster and Destination Lancaster.
