Sunday, July 15, 2001
|
Sunday, July 15, 2001 |
|
Wings Over Dixie coming this fall
Historic aircraft, international performers and Tuskegee Airmen set to appearA variety of performers will appears in the skies over Peachtree City at the Wings Over Dixie Air Show Sept. 8-9. The agenda of performers ranges from World War II combat displays to a paraplegic hang glider pilot. In addition to the airborne festivities and the historic aircraft on display, many veterans will be in attendance to relive the memories of flying these aircraft into combat. This display represents a tribute to those that gave their lives in defense of freedom. Aircraft featured at the show include a B-17, A-26 and SBD bomber, as well as a P-51, Hawker Sea Fury, F4U Corsair and P-63 fighter. Members of the Tuskegee Airmen will be reunited with a restored example of the aircraft that they flew in the World War II conflict. Former pilots and ground crew of the Tuskegee Airmen will be on hand to greet air show visitors and share their experiences. The P-51C aircraft appearing at the show with the Tuskegee Airmen used is one of only two flying examples in the world today. This aircraft was restored in the color scheme of the 99th Fighter Group, featuring a red trim on the tail surfaces and nose of the aircraft. Patty Wagstaff, known around the world as an advocate of promoting women in aviation, will be performing at Wings Over Dixie. She has flown air shows and competitions through out North America, South America, Europe and Russia. Every year she performs in aerial exhibitions before millions of spectators. Her breathtaking low-level air show performances give spectators a front-row seat for the precision and complexity of unlimited aerobatics. Nothing slows Dan Buchanan down flying a hang glider not even losing the use of his legs. He was a custom-home builder with a love of flying until 1981, when he became paraplegic due to consecutive sporting accidents. Losing his ability to walk, he returned to college to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. Despite his handicap, Buchanan returned to flying just a year later and his tenacity and adventurous spirit have since allowed him to accrue more than 2,400 hours of flight time in hang gliders soaring above the ocean cliffs of the Pacific Coast in three- to six-hour flights or thermal soaring as high as 18,000 feet over the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. The presence of the Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles fits well with the air show theme "Aviation, Opportunities For All." With the incentive of a free aircraft ride, the EAA Young Eagles have flown more than 700,000 youths interested in aviation. The program's national sponsor is retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Chuck Yeager, the first person to break the sound barrier. Wings Over Dixie board member Tom Barnes said, "Our organization is committed to promoting opportunities in aviation for all people, regardless of race, gender or economic background. We are very excited about presenting to the public the many diverse aspects of aviation." AirTran Airways is presenting the fourth annual Wings Over Dixie Air Show at Peachtree City's Falcon Field in Peachtree City Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8-9. Gates open at 9 a.m. and the air show runs from 1 - 5 p.m. both days. The air show profits benefit the Fayette Youth Protection Homes, Peachtree City Kiwanis Club and other local nonprofit organizations. Discounted advanced ticket sales are available Aug. 1 at all metropolitan area Kroger stores. For information phone 770-951-0070 or visit www.wingsoverdixie.org.
|
||