With rain threatening across the state, the 12th Annual Great Georgia Air Show flew into Falcon Field Saturday and Sunday under beautiful skies. Those in attendance were treated to sunshine and soaring planes from all four branches of the military.
First into the air was the Army’s Golden Knights for the opening ceremonies. Jumping into the show carrying the Stars and Stripes, the Knights were greeted by fans of all ages. On their decent the three jumpers were escorted down by Dan McClung and Buck Roetman of Red Eagle Air Sports.
McClung and Roetman, both veterans of the show, put on two shows each day--a teaser directly following the opening ceremonies, and an action packed show later in the afternoon. Their full show included many aerobatic maneuvers, from loops and rolls to their signature Towering Centrifuge.
Debuting at this year’s show was the Red Thunder Air Show team, displaying masterful skill and control piloting their Russian and Chinese trainers through a six aircraft aerobatic routine. Led by Tim Williams of Dadeville, Ala., the team consists of only Red Star aircraft including the Russian made YAK 52 and Chinese Nanchang CJ-6.
The second U.S. military act into the air was the Air Force’s A-10 East Demo Team. Also making their debut this year, the team is based at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA. Piloting the A-10 Thunderbolt II was Capt. Johnnie “Dusty” Green, a veteran of the Afghanistan war with over 100 combat missions. Green showed not only the in-flight capabilities of the aircraft, but also the skill that maintains it in mission ready status.
The Navy was in attendance as well, bringing their Super Hornet Demo team to Georgia. Sporting the newest aircraft of all the Military demo teams, the F-18F Super Hornet, the Navy put on one of the fastest acts of the show at almost 700mph.
While the Super Hornets dazzled the spectators, they weren’t the only Navy representatives in attendence. Former Peachtree City resident and McIntosh High School grad Mark Rowland brought his T-45 Navy training jet to Falcon Field for a static display. Rowland, the brother of current mayoral candidate Scott Rowland, is a Navy reservist who teaches flight school candidates how to land and take off from aircraft carriers.
“It was very nice duty for the weekend,” Mark Rowland said.
“I saw my second grade teacher at the show and ran into friends I haven’t seen
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since high school.”
Mark Rowland was a carrier based E2C-Hawkeye pilot for ten years of active duty before becoming a reservist.
“It was a great homecoming,” he explained. “I’m glad the weather forecasters were a little off this weekend.”
Another popular air show attraction was the Flash Fire jet truck, driven by Neal Darnell. Darnell commands 12000 horsepower to bring his Chevy truck to over 350 mph. Driving the team’s Chevy Corvette chase vehicle was Neal’s wife, Marylin Darnell.
Greg Koontz and Kent Gorton were also on hand keeping fans looking skyward with an array of amazing aerobatics. While Gorton showed his skills in multiple airframes, Koontz and his Alabama Boys kept the crowd entertained with some crazy antics and great commentary.
The AV-8B Harrier was one of the last acts of the show, but was by no means the least. Showing it off for the first time at GGAS was the U.S. Marine Corps. They not only demonstrated the aircraft’s short take off and landing capabilities, but also why it is one of the most sought after demonstrations in the U.S. military.
Keeping the show moving, as always, was announcer Scott Slade of WSB 750. For all of the 12 years the show has been running, Slade has been its announcer.
The real stars and beneficiaries of the event were the hundreds of volunteers Kiwanis and other local governmental or non-profits, like the Peachtree City Fire Department. The PCFD was on site helping with everything from grilling for the Boy Scouts tents, to aiding Falcon Field with Crash Rescue if the call arose.
Announced Sunday, the Great Georgia Air Show will be returning for a 13th year in 2010. This is made possible by the support of local volunteers, the many sponsors, and the wonderful fans that come out every year to enjoy the antics, aerobatics, sunshine and noise over Peachtree City.
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