Wings Over Houston air show ready to take flight

IF YOU GO

What: Wings Over Houston Airshow

Where: Ellington Field, 11903 Galveston Road, Houston

When: Gates open at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15-16

Tickets: Advance tickets (through Oct. 14) are $20 ages 12 and older, $4 ages 6-12, under 6 free; advance tickets Oct. 15-16 are $23 adult, $4 child; tickets purchase at the gate are $25 adult, $5 child. Family packs are available.

Parking: Parking is limited. Free bus shuttles are available with proof of ticket purchase

Information: For shuttle locations and directions, or to purchase tickets, visit www.wingsoverhouston.com

This year's Wings Over Houston Airshow will feature helicopter aerobatics and a parachute team, lots of jets and performances by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, among other attractions.

The show, now in its 27th year, will take place 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15-16, at Ellington Field.

Tickets purchased through Oct. 14 cost $20 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-11 and free for ages 5 and younger.

Beginning Oct. 15, the price for adult tickets will increase to $23, and at the gates tickets will cost $25 for adults and $5 for children 6-11. Family packages are available.

New acts this year will include a presentation by the Heavy Metal Jet Team, a civilian-owned jet team with four L-39s and one MIG-17.

"They put on a choreographed act; they're very talented people," said Don Johnson, chairman of the board for Wings Over Houston Inc.

The team, with featured performer Dale "Snort" Snodgrass, is dedicating its season to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Also new to the line-up is a presentation by Lt. Col. Patrick Karg and the F-4 Phantom II from Holloman Air Force Base.

The F-4 Phantom II, a twin-engine tactical fighter-bomber, dates back to 1958 and was developed for U.S. Navy fleet defense. The aircraft played an important role in Dessert Storm and was retired in 1996.

"They're a big crowd pleaser, because they're big and loud," Johnson said.

The helicopter show will be presented by Chuck Aaron, the only civilian pilot to be licensed in the United States to perform helicopter aerobatics.

The presentation includes back flips, 360-degree rolls and a tumble Aaron named the "Chuckcilvak."

Canadian Forces Snowbirds is the feature act of the airshow. The team appears in seven- and nine-ship flight formation.

It's not as fast as some of the other acts, but there's a definite feeling of grace and showmanship about the demonstrations, Johnson said.

"It's like ballet; it's unbelievable."

Airshow guests also can expect most of the event regulars to return this year, beginning with Pearl Harbor re-enactment team Tora, Tora, Tora.

"They've been there every year we've had the show at Ellington Field," Johnson said.

Wings Over Houston Airshow recently presented the "Tora, Tora, Tora" exhibition with the 2011 Lloyd P. Nolen Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award.

The award honors individuals, organizations and businesses for dedication to promoting the advancement of aviation.

Another Wings Over Houston tradition is its scholarship program, which presents four to five awards a year outstanding college students pursuing an education in aviation or aerospace.

In addition to its scholarship program, it boosts area service organizations by providing an opportunity to operate food booths at the event or perform other services, such as parking assistance, for donations.

Johnson estimates that the show supports at least 80 to 95 organizations.

The show also provides gives guests a chance to meet area residents who have served in the military in the Legends and Heroes Autograph Tent.

Guests are encouraged to talk to these veterans, who usually include Pearl Harbor survivors, and hear their stories.

"It's extremely well attended," Johnson said. "Our patrons really like to talk with these folks."

The tent also has been known to feature former World War II WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) and representatives of the 332d Fighter Group, also known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

The famed all-black fighter group were known for the distinctive red markings on the tails of their P-51s.

This year, Wings Over Houston will welcome a visit by the Red Tail Squadron's Rise Above Traveling Exhibit, a 53-foot trailer that brings the history of the Tuskegee Airmen to the public.

"It's almost like a theater experience," Johnson said.

Also planned this year are performances by Kirby Chambliss in his Zivko Edge 540 and Jason Newburg, 2010 Lonestar Aerobatic Champion, in a Pitts Viper.

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, "FIFI," will provide an opportunity to see the only flying B-29 remaining.

There will be numerous military demonstrations and static displays, as well.