Wednesday, August 8, 2001
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Wednesday, August 8, 2001 |
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Historic aircraft, international performers to appear at Wings Over Dixie Organizers of the annual Wings Over Dixie air show this week announced that a variety of performers have been lined up for the popular event. Show dates are Sept. 8-9 at Peachtree City's Falcon Field. Performers range from WWII combat displays to a paraplegic hang glider pilot. The public can witness flying displays by WWII bombers and fighters. In addition, many veterans will be in attendance to relive the memories of flying these aircraft into combat. This display represents a tribute to those who 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 greet visitors and share their experiences. The P-51C that the Tuskegee Airmen will be reunited with 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 perform as well. Wagstaff has flown air shows and competitions throughout North America and around the world in locations as South America, Europe and Russia. Every year she performs in aerial exhibitions before millions of spectators. Her low-level air show performances give spectators a front row seat view of 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 since then, has accrued 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 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 Gen. Chuck Yeager, first person to break the sound barrier. Tom Barnes, board member of the Wings Over Dixie Air Show, 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 lead sponsor of the show. Gates open at 9 a.m. and the air show runs from 1-5 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, Aug. 8 and 9. 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 metropolitan area Kroger stores. For information phone 770-951-0070 or visit HtmlResAnchor www.wingsoverdixie.org.
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