2014 Airshow Announment-Wings Over Houston


Published in the La Vernia News on October 16, 2014


Take to the Skies in November with 

'Wings Over Houston'

      On November 1st and 2nd, the skies over southeast Houston at Ellington Field (just 202 miles from La Vernia) will become a crowded place with dozens of warbirds and aerobatic RV's (amateur-built aircraft) demonstrating their skills in high-powered performances. Fortunately, it will be an organized crowded sky, brought to you by the volunteer efforts of the Gulf Coast Wing, Houston Wing, and Tora! Tora! Tora! of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). They will have additional support from the Lone Star Flight Museum in Galveston Texas, the Texas Flying Museum based at Ellington Airport and the Vietnam War Flight Museum.

Tora Tora Tora

     The show will begin at 10 a.m. on both days, with gates opening at 8:00 in the morning so you can browse and get ready for the thrill of your life. Explore dozens of static displays of vintage and modern aircraft. Be sure to visit the Legends and Heroes Autograph Tent, where you will have the opportunity to meet many interesting and famous characters from the aviation world including World War II flying aces, decorated war-heroes and honored veterans; they are always happy to sign autographs.

   

Photo  Courtesy of the TORA! TORA! TORA! Team 

Power Performers

       This year, one of the performers will be Debby     Rihn-Harvey, one of the highest ranked aerobatics competitors in the United States. She is part of a group of elite aviators and is considered at the top of a growing number of women flying in this category. She flies a high performance aerobatic CAP 232 aircraft known as the Hurricane 2. Rihn-Harvey is also the longest standing member of the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatics Team, and has qualified fifteen times to represent the U.S. in World Aerobatic Championships in North America and Europe. In world competition, Debby has been a Gold Medalist and holds many regional titles. 

    Another top-notch performer is the National Aviation Hall of Famer, Sean D. Tucker, who is known as the top civilian aerobatics star in the world. Sean will perform his high-energy routine including completing the world's only inverted triple ribbon cut.

     Not to be outdone, other elite performances will include favorites such as David Martin’s Breitling Air Show, Matt Chapman’s Air Show, the infamous Korean War’s North American F-86 Sabre Jet, the Russian built Mig-17F, the U.S. Navy “Fat Albert” C-130, Re/Max Skydive Team, Radio Controlled Aircraft Demonstration, World War II Airpower Demonstration, the MV-22 Osprey-USMC and even the Shockwave Jet Truck will be there to blast away.

Dramatic Derring-Do

     One of the all-time crowd favorites is Tora! Tora! Tora! - the reenactment of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. From the time the narrator begins his moving rendition of that fateful day until the final fly-by of all eight warbirds over the wall of fire, you will find yourself totally immersed in this fabulous history lesson that includes explosions filling the sky with fire and smoke, dogfights and expertly choreographed flight.

Debby Rihn-Harvey

      Other notable aircraft that will be performing or on display include The Texas Raiders, a Boeing B-17 Air Fortress and the Tuskegee Airmen, a rare P-51C, restored and dedicated to the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. There will be a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force with a Flight Heritage Flight performance of modern military aircraft flying with World War II, Korea or Vietnam era fighters. It will be a dramatic display USAF airpower history and will honor the brave men and women who have or are currently serving in the USAF.

       The two-day extravaganza will end each day with a thunderous performance by the U.S. Navy’s “Blue Angels.”  For 20 glorious minutes, the F/A 18 Hornet Aircraft will streak across the sky right in front of you and leave you standing in awe.

     Debby Rihn-Harvey is one of the highest-racked aerobatics pilots

Texas Raiders

Flights of Fancy     

      Several vintage aircraft will offer 20 – 25 minute rides to the general public. They range from $195 to $1,100 per person depending on the type of aircraft. For more information, visit the Wings Over Houston website.

    This year’s Wings Over Houston Airshow promises to be another breathtaking, heart-stopping, jaw dropping and out of this world non-stop thrill. Come join in the fun.

Tuskegee
Circles in the Sky by Sean Tucker

Photos by Linda Kaye Perez

Helpful Information:

·      Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, sun block, and ear protection, especially for the little ones

·      No coolers, glass bottles, alcoholic beverages or large tote bags

·      No pets, skateboards, and rollerblades

·      Purchase tickets in advance on the Wings Over Houston Website: www.wingsoverhouston.com

 

 


   © Harry Perez 2012