2007 California Capital Airshow
Posted by: Ryan, June 11, 2007
The 2007 California Capital Airshow was a very hot affair, in more ways than one. First and foremost was the weather, even though it was clear and beatiful, the heat from the sun was almost unbearable. With temperatures in the mid 90s in the shade, it took it’s toll on everybody. In addition to the heat from the sun, airshow fans were treated to an amazing display by the F-15E “Strike Eagle”. Besides showing off it’s amazing agility and prowess in the air, it also simulated bombing and gunning runs with amazing pyrotechnics which gave the crowd a blast of heat when detonated.
This created a very interesting result on Sunday. With the grass around the area being very dry from a drier than normal winter, it only needed a spark to start a fire. Obviously there was plenty of sparks and embers on Sunday when an unexpected gust came and sent some them across the runway and into a grass area behind the civilian performers ramp and right behind a fuel truck. The fire crew did an amazing job, despite some tense moments including a flare up and thick smoke, they got it out and the show went on.
The Thunderbirds were supposed to be the star of the show, but most fans agreed that the F-22 Raptor flown by Major Paul “Max” Moga stole the show. With it’s breathtaking display of loops,flips,spins,slow speed and high speed passes, it seemed that the crowd might never stop cheering or dropping their jaws in amazement. The other star of the show was the C-17 Globemaster III demo, showing that despite it’s size, it can almost fly like a fighter. Demonstrating it’s short-field takeoff and landing skills,along with how tight of a turn something that size can make, the crowd was in awe.
On Saturday the crowd was treated a fly-by of the B-2A bomber, an amazing sight to see and hear (or not?). That was not the only treat on Saturday, a U-2 spy plane also made a fly-by and showed off it’s amazing ability to climb. A KC-135 did a great demo on the plane and how it re-fuels, doing a few slow passes with the boom out. Each day there was a very cool demo, the simulated rescue of a downed airman. Using a HH-60 helicopter, they showed how they fast they could get him in to the chopper and get away. The F-18 demo team also did an amazing job showing what their tool of the trade can do.
On the civilian side of the show Greg Poe, Julie Clark,Nikolay Timofeev,Gene Soucy,Teresa Stokes, and Otto the helicopter pleased the crowed with their unique acts. Julie Clark flew an amazing tribute to our troops and veterans, including fireworks and waving the American flag while taxiing back to the ramp. Gene Soucy and his modified ag-cat biplane did an amazing show on his own, but when his wing walking friend Teresa Stokes joins him, it is a blast to the past. Showing such moves as the “Flying Lady”, all the while on the wing during loops and rolls, she never ceses to amaze a crowd. Greg Poe andNikolay Timofeev were amazing to watch, doing things you wouldn’t think an airplane would be capable of. Otto the helicopter made the kids and young heart laugh at his antics, including blowing a bubble.
The Thunderbirds had a successful show despite a bird strike to Thunderbird 6 on Saturday, forcing a halt to the show while Thunderbird 5 checked out the damage. They decided it was safer to land put Thunderbird 6, Samantha Weeks in the backup Thunderbird 7. Doing amazing moves such as the “Diamond Roll” and “High Bomb Burst” they never had the crowd looking away, especially during a sneak pass in which the lead solo comes from behind the crowd just below at just below the sound barrier.
All in all, it was a great show despite the heat and small brush fire.