I have been going to airshows for almost 20 years. I've learned a lot about the airshow industry (for a while, I even wanted to get into the airshow industry as a pilot). I have had dreams of Oshkosh, performing in front of a hundred thousand people, me, and my airplane, merging into one being, making the sky my canvas, the airplane my paintbrush.
This airshow is going to be a special one. And although it is a good distance away from me, I am contemplating going. The drive to and from Jacksonville, Florida, can be done within a day, as long as driving is done at night. And although the tickets are $10, it's still not bad. It's something that I am seriously considering going to.
Why am I so bent on attending this airshow?
Alan Henley, the lead pilot for the Aeroshell Flight Team (which I have had the joy to see three times since moving here to Florida), was in a tragic accident at home not too long ago. The accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. It gutted his flying career. But it has not gutted his love for aviation. And the love the industry has for him is also unwavering. The airshow industry took it hard when the accident occurred. He, and his team, was one of the movers and shakers of the industry. One thing is for certain. The industry was willing and able to help a fallen brother. And that is what this airshow is about.
This airshow is unlike any other one in the sense that the time alone is much longer than the typical airshow. Most airshows don't start until noon, maybe afterward, and end at around 4 PM. This one will start at 10 AM and end at 5 PM. A full SEVEN HOURS of airshow performances. And while on performances, 35 performers are currently slated to fly the show. All the big names of the industry will be there.
If anything, this airshow, in the aspect of civilian performances, may surpass Oshkosh (but of course, I wouldn't know, because I have yet to go to my first AirVenture). This has never been done before. Thirty-five civilian performers, a full seven hours of air time, and the primary purpose is charity. It's not about military recruitment, or patriotism, but about helping out a fallen aviator and his family. This may be the airshow in its purest sense of the word.
I'll try to head out to it.
Here is the video from Aero-TV, and the airshow's website.
Blue Skies and Tailwinds, Alan. And a speedy recovery!
15 March 2009
The Space Shuttle
Say what you want about NASA's noble steed. Whatever anyone says about it, one thing is certain: it has the undeniable power to amaze.
I learned that today, when I saw the Shuttle fly. I saw her, Discovery, fly for the first time in my life, with my own two eyes. Although there was 120 nautical miles between me and Titusville, I was able to see it clearly. What a beautiful sight! The colors were simply amazing. The dusk sky was a perfect canvas to see the Shuttle fly. The weather was perfect.
Our vantage point was my place of employment: Palm Beach International Airport. I drove to the parking structure, up to the seventh floor, and saw a group of people who also drove in, as well as some airline, airport, and TSA employees, enjoying the launch. I had my XM Radio receiver tuned to CNN audio, and heard the countdown. Amazing sight.
And that's from 120 nautical miles away from the Shuttle Landing Facility (TTS, previously X68)!
I still have to see it up close and personal, hearing the "blap-blap-blap" thunder of the solid rocket boosters. I want to feel the hairs on my back stand on end, in sheer, shivering recognition of the Undeniable Power of Aviation. The Wonders of Aviation bore witness today to a select few who had the privilege of seeing it at the Cape, an those within visual range who so much as even had the concern to bother and look.
The Wonders of Aviation need to be recognized. And today, she bore witness. I, along with my two sisters, saw the Wonder of Flight. Seeing the dreams of many people generations ago, who could only see the result, and fought their way to make that desired result an absolute reality. My hat is off to all of them: to those with wings spreading through learning, those that are aloft plying their trade with pride, and those with folded wings who fly no more through death. Their contributions are priceless, and should be remembered.
Sail high, Discovery! And a safe return home!
I learned that today, when I saw the Shuttle fly. I saw her, Discovery, fly for the first time in my life, with my own two eyes. Although there was 120 nautical miles between me and Titusville, I was able to see it clearly. What a beautiful sight! The colors were simply amazing. The dusk sky was a perfect canvas to see the Shuttle fly. The weather was perfect.
Our vantage point was my place of employment: Palm Beach International Airport. I drove to the parking structure, up to the seventh floor, and saw a group of people who also drove in, as well as some airline, airport, and TSA employees, enjoying the launch. I had my XM Radio receiver tuned to CNN audio, and heard the countdown. Amazing sight.
And that's from 120 nautical miles away from the Shuttle Landing Facility (TTS, previously X68)!
I still have to see it up close and personal, hearing the "blap-blap-blap" thunder of the solid rocket boosters. I want to feel the hairs on my back stand on end, in sheer, shivering recognition of the Undeniable Power of Aviation. The Wonders of Aviation bore witness today to a select few who had the privilege of seeing it at the Cape, an those within visual range who so much as even had the concern to bother and look.
The Wonders of Aviation need to be recognized. And today, she bore witness. I, along with my two sisters, saw the Wonder of Flight. Seeing the dreams of many people generations ago, who could only see the result, and fought their way to make that desired result an absolute reality. My hat is off to all of them: to those with wings spreading through learning, those that are aloft plying their trade with pride, and those with folded wings who fly no more through death. Their contributions are priceless, and should be remembered.
Sail high, Discovery! And a safe return home!
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