(Continued from previous page)

We were able to see pretty much everything we were interested in before the air show began at 11 AM.

We were impressed with both the aircraft and equipment on display and the aerial maneuvers. This show not only highlighted Ellsworth's B-1 bombers, it also involved many planes from other bases (CA, OK, MO, etc.) and a wide variety of aircraft – even Russian migs. 

Some of the estimated 40,000 people in attendance staked out their territory along the flight line soon after their arrival:

The closer to show time, the more chairs were added. There was also a shady VIP tent with chairs and tables at the center of the action where the MC announced each demonstration. Too bad we didn't have the credentials to get in.  :-(

Since Jim and I chose to walk 1½+ miles down and back to the show, plus all the walking we did on the flight line, we didn't want to haul chairs. Like most of the crowd, we stood to watch the aerial maneuvers. Part of the time we found cover under the shady wing of a large plane on display. That helped with the heat of the sun but it was still hard to stand so long. We probably would have stayed longer if we'd had chairs.

THE AIR SCHEDULE

Here's a list of the teams and aerial demonstrations that took place during the day:

• Army Golden Knights streamer drop (that opened the show at 11 AM and was repeated in the afternoon)

• Army Golden Knights flag jump (very cool how they can land exactly where they are supposed to!)

• Greg Poe MX-2 aerobatic demonstration (morning and afternoon)

• USAF B-2 flyby

• USAF F-16CJ Viper West demonstration with pyrotechnics (morning and afternoon)

• Warbird flight (B-25, TBM, P-51) with pyro

Nearby spectators watch the Golden Knight precision parachute team

• P-51 Mustang demo

• Acemaker T-33 aerobatic demo

• Jim Pietz Bonanza demo

• Mig Fury fighters

• Trojan Horsemen T-28 aerobatic team

• Army Golden Knights mass exit show

• Heavy Metal Jet Team

• USAF B-1B Lancer flyby with pyro (end of show)

Whew! That's a lot of action!! Here are some photos from the first demonstrations.

ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHTS FLAG JUMP

The men and women who comprise the Golden Knights parachute team are a lot of fun to watch. They have learned how to land precisely on a pre-determined spot, and by gosh they do, regardless of the wind and other weather conditions.

The initial streamer drop is performed in order to determine the direction of the wind, its speed, and other factors the pilot and sky divers must know before jumping from their plane.

One sky diver jumped first -- guess he was the test bunny!

 

 

 

 

After the first guy landed on his mark, six more Golden Knights (including at least one woman) jumped from the plane. I highlighted them in the next photo since they're so hard to see in this tiny picture:

 

Five chutes are visible in this photo.

One sky diver landed close to us:

 

 

The Golden Knights' transport/jump plane

The next three photos are from Greg Poe's MX-2 aerobatic demonstration:

 

 

Here's a shot of one of the B-2 bombers that was flown in the USAF flyby:

Some aircraft used in the show were parked on the flight line until time to perform:

Two of the five planes used by the Heavy Metal Jet Team

One of several F-16CJ Vipers that performed in the show

One of the planes used in the Warbird demonstration

We were already tired of standing and walking on pavement by 12:30 and walked back to the camper for lunch. We planned to return from about 2-4 PM but it was just too comfortable in the camper.  <smile>

Besides, we could sit inside or outside and see a lot of the maneuvers (we think the next two photos are from the Trojan Horsemen T-28 aerobatic team). It wasn’t nearly as good as being right next to the flight line, however.

 

We missed some smoke bombs that were dropped in the afternoon, e.g.:

We did see the Army Golden Knights skydiving team perform, however, and got to enjoy several of the aerobatics demos up close and personal. Just watching those F-16s perform solo and in groups made me want to be up there piloting one of the aircraft! Sure looks like a lot of fun!!!

And that’s exactly what the Air Force and Army wanted to happen – to build excitement and pride in our military.

It’s a great way to get young folks interested in serving their country, too. That's why some recruiters were on-site and there were so many airmen and women available to talk to the visitors.

A future airman and his dad?

Many of the aircraft and pilots are from other bases or the private sector. They and the master of ceremonies and other personnel go from show to show around the country. Some of the bombers and pilots are from Ellsworth AFB but most were "imported." We saw many of them leave after the show was over.

If you ever have the opportunity to see a show like this, GO. It's a great learning experience for anyone of any age and it might make you a little more proud to be an American. Jim and I get so frustrated with the government sometimes that we needed this dose of patriotism.

Next entry: scenes from the Rapid City - Black Hills area

Happy trails,

Sue
"Runtrails & Company" - Sue Norwood, Jim O'Neil, and Cody the Ultra Lab

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© 2011 Sue Norwood and Jim O'Neil