The power of flight has always astounded man and it wasn't until this century that flight became possible.

Now we take it for granted. We can board a plane at any given moment and be transported across the world in hours. Aviation technology continues to grow at such an exponential rate that there are things that planes and helicopters can do that most people don't even know about. The Wings Over Dixie Air Show and Festival returns to Falcon Field in Peachtree City this weekend, to show the public not only what the future of flight is but to also show them the genealogy of today's technology.

The military is the key factor in the growth of aviation in the 20th century. Military aircraft will be one of the main components of this weekend's festival. The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation will present a Vietnam era reenactment, with helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and pyrotechnics. There also will be fly-overs by active Army helicopters including the Apache, the CH-47 Chinook, the UH-60 Blackhawk and the new OH-58D scout helicopter.

The machines of past military excursions also will be on hand at the air show. Rare World War II aircraft like the B-17 Bomber, the B-25 Mitchell, and a replica of a Japanese Kate torpedo bomber will be exhibited. Current military aircraft, such as the F-15, F-16, and F-18 fighter also will be making fly-overs over the festival. The B-1 bomber also will make an appearance.

The key to any good air show, though, is aerobatic performances, and Wings Over Dixie has plenty of them. There will be performances from Pat Epps with a Beech Bomber, Dan McClurg and the Red Eagle performance team, the AirshowUnlimited.com aerobatic team, and a routine by the Atlanta Sky Divers Club. The Earthquake II Jet truck, which can reach speeds over 300 miles per hour, also will provide an exhibition.

Wings over Dixie is hands on, too. You can purchase rides in a 1942 PT-17 Stearman from Biplanes R Us or sit in the cockpit of an F-16 Falcon and get your picture taken. There is also a special area for the children with the Wings Over Dixie Kidsport 99. There will be rides, activities and chances for the kids to win prizes from J93.3 FM. The concession stands will have family-friendly concession prices, with all proceeds benefitting local charitable organizations.

The air show/festival seems to get bigger and better each year. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free to children under 6. The gates open at 9 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, and the air show begins at 1 p.m. both days.

This is the only air show in the Atlanta area in 1999, so place your seats and tray tables in their upright position and head on out to the Wings Over Dixie Air Show/Festival 99.

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