Dazzling aerobatic displays and some of the world’s most lethal
warplanes will take the air this weekend at the Wings Over Wine
Country air show at the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County
Airport.
The 14th annual event on August 21-22 features modern day combat
aircraft, world class aerobatics and race exhibitions, an airborne
comedy show, famous World War II era fighters, a classic car show,
a kids activity area and approximately 50 airplanes on the ground
open for exploration.
The United States Military is sending four combat
aircraft—including two fighter jets used in the Iraq and
Afghanistan conflicts—to give Sonoma County aircraft enthusiasts a
rare look at the nation’s war birds. The planes will be accompanied
by enlisted men and women including pilots with combat
experience.
“It’s very unusual for the military to send two jet fighter
teams,” said Dave Pinsky, the executive director of the Pacific
Coast Air Museum—the organization responsible for the air show.
“When they do surveys at air shows, they say that most people love
the jet fighters.”
Among those four are two of the deadliest fighters in the world,
including both the F-15 and the F-18.
The F-15 Strike Eagle is a ground attack strike fighter designed
for high speed attacks on military targets on the ground and enemy
fighters in the air. The twin-engine fighter has seen action in
Operation Desert Storm in Iraq and Operation Allied Force in
Kosovo, along with more recent deployments in the Middle East.
The F-18 Hornet is a supersonic fighter jet designed for
dogfights and ground attacks. The jet is often used for fighter
escort, destroying enemy air defenses, aerial combat with enemy
fights and reconnaissance. The F-18 may be most famous among
civilians as the aircraft used by the Blue Angels, the United
States Navy’s flight demonstration team.
While the F-15 and the F-18 are two of the deadliest aircraft in
the sky, the military’s two other contributions—the Boeing C-17
Globemaster III and the U-2 reconnaissance plane—are two of the
marvels of the sky. The C-17 is an enormous transport plane that
can take off on short runways, travel in reverse on the ground and
airdrop as many as 102 paratroopers and their equipment.
The total bulk and maneuverability of the C-17 makes it a
favorite at air shows. “I’ve been flying since I was a teenager and
everytime I see it I’m still amazed that it can do what it does,”
said Pinsky.
The U-2 reconnaissance plane, nicknamed the Dragon Lady, should
also attract a crowd. The aircraft, on loan from Beale Air Force
Base, was once used by the CIA and is now used by the United States
Air Force to conduct high-altitude reconnaissance. “This is a rare,
rare opportunity for people to see the U-2,” said Pinsky. “It does
not happen often. There are very few of them, and they’re mostly in
use overseas.”
The in-service military fighters and aircraft aren’t the only
attractions Pinsky expects to attract big crowds. This year’s air
show lineup includes a myriad of civilian aerial performers and
acts.
Aerobatic pilots Bill Cornick and Spencer Suderman will each
perform solo acts in their Pitts Special aircraft, and then later
compete against one another in an Aerobatic Racing Challenge. The
winner: the man who finishes the side-by-side contest with the
crispest maneuvers and the fastest time.
Other performers include Vicky Benzing in her Extra 300s, Doug
Jardine in his radial engine Sukhoi, Grey Colyer in his “Ace Maker”
T-33 Shooting Star, and aerial comedian Kent Pietsch. “He basically
pretends to be someone who doesn’t know how to fly a plane,” said
Pinsky. “Parts of the plane fall off. He goes up to 7,000 feet and
shuts off his engine.” The plunge that follows delights the crowd,
and Pinsky promises it ends well.
While the pilots are performing in the air, spectators on the
ground will hear the commentary of famed air show announcer Danny
Clisham. “It’s his knowledge and ability to express to the crowd
what’s going on,” said Pinsky, explaining what makes the
commentator great. “He makes it entertaining for the crowd and he
can explain it to those who’ve never seen an airplane or an air
show.”
Those looking for a bigger variety of entertainment at this
year’s air show will find it in the classic car show and a kids’
activity area. Air show organizers are planning a bigger and better
Kids World this year with rides, activities, a rock climbing wall
and a train. Pinsky said many of the activities are designed to
give children a better understanding of aviation, including the
opportunity to build a wooden airplane of their own.
Those looking for an enhanced experienced may consider buying
tickets to the President’s Club—an exclusive, catered tent along
the flightline. Those who purchase these tickets will also be
invited to a Friday night P-40 Reception where fans can meet air
show performers and see the Warhawks up close.
To buy tickets to the air show, or to the President’s Club, go
online to www.wingsoverwine-country.org.
The Wings Over Wine Country air show is held annually by the
Pacific Coast Air Museum, a non-profit organization dedicated to
promoting the acquisition, restoration, safe operation and display
of historic aircraft, preserving aviation history and providing an
educational venue for students and the community at large. The
museum is located at the Charles M. Schulz Santa Rosa Airport and
operates both an indoor museum with exhibits and an outside museum
featuring more than two dozen contemporary and antique
aircraft.
Tentative Schedule
7-10:30 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast
9-10 a.m. – Warbird Photo Hour
Radio-controlled model aircraft
• Opening ceremony – National Anthem
• Sonoma Co. Sheriff’s helicopter demo with SWAT Team
• Greg Collier T-33 “Acemaker”
• Aerial Comedy Act – Kent Pietsch in his Jelly Belly Interstate
Cadet
• Beale Air Force Base Military Flyby (U-2 Saturday, T-38
Sunday)
• Vicki Benzing Aerobatics – Extra 300S
• U.S. Air Force Reserve C-17 Globemaster III
• Aerial Demonstration
• Spencer Suderman Aerobatics – Pitts Special
• Mass WWII Warbird Flyby, featuring P-40 “Warhawks”
• Bill Cornick Aerobatics – Pitts Special
• U.S. Air Force F-15 “Strike Eagle” Aerial Demonstration
• Radial Engine Sukhoi Aerobatics – Doug Jardine
• WWII “Sea Fury” Aerial Demo – Brian Sanders
• More Warbirds – CJ-6s & T-6s
• Landing & Take-off from the top of a truck – Kent Pietsch
in his Jelly Belly Interstate Cadet
• Aerobatic Racing Challenge – Bill Cornick & Spencer
Suderman – two Pitts Special Aircraft
• U.S. Navy F/A-18 “Super Hornet” Aerial Demonstration
Editor’s note: specific times for each event were not
available.
For more information on the museum go online to www.pacificcoastair-museum.org.
