U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headline Owensboro Air Show

OWENSBORO, Ky. (Aug. 11, 2015) — The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, lead a lineup of aeronautical acrobatics coming to the Owensboro Air Show, Sept. 11-13.

 

The performance will feature airmen flying the 6-aircraft squadron of F-16C Fighting Falcons through intense aerobatic, choreographed maneuvers. The 8 different formations include flying just 18 inches apart in formation and solo displays.

 

“The air show is an Owensboro tradition and we are proud to welcome the Thunderbirds,” said Shannon Wetzel, executive director of Visit Owensboro. “What makes our show so unique is it takes place at the downtown riverfront for everyone to see.”

 

There will be plenty to see in the skies over the Ohio River. Another new addition is the Black Daggers of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Unit. During their two-mile drop, the paratroopers use hands, arms, legs and shoulders to control flight. At a few thousand feet parachutes are deployed to land with pinpoint precision.

 

More airborne acrobatics will be delivered in separate performances by aviators John Klatt, Mike Goulian, Gregory Colyer, Gene Soucy and Matt Younkin. Klatt pushes his Air National Guard MXS to speeds over 250 mph in a series of dizzying spins and free falls to dazzle crowds for 25 years and counting. Goulian, a championship air show pilot, flies his EXTRA with an athletic style of flying. Colyer flies a T-33 Ace Maker, a military jet trainer. With 45 years of experience Soucy is the most decorated aviator in air show history. Younkin brings to the show his Twin Beech 18 equipped with spotlights and strobes in a display that includes smoke, noise and choreography.

 

An up-close viewing of some show aircraft is available on Friday from 4-8:30 p.m., at the Owensboro-Daviess County Airport. Admission is $2 for adults and free for children age 10 and under.

 

A special treat is the paid flights available on the Yankee Lady, a World War II era vintage bomber. The Boeing B-17, nicknamed the Flying Fortress, is a four-engine heavy bomber introduced in 1938. Only 10 of the flying history museums remain flyable. Flights are available on Saturday and Sunday. Book reservations online through the Yankee Air Museum website at http://www.yankeeairmuseum.org.

 

Admission is free on Saturday and Sunday with the show area spanning the downtown riverfront. Reserved VIP viewing is available on the terrace facing the Ohio River at the Owensboro Convention Center. Show time is 1-4 p.m. with the same performers in the lineup both days.

 

Find out more about Owensboro and Daviess County at visitowensboro.com or call (270) 926-1100. Stay informed of Owensboro events and happenings through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VisitOwensboro.

 

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