Eyes look to the skies at the Westmoreland County Airshow
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Eyes will look to the skies when the Shop ‘n Save Westmoreland County Airshow comes to the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport at 148 Aviation Lane, Latrobe this Saturday and Sunday.
The popular event attracts between 30,000 and 40,000 observers a day, according to Gabe Monzo, Westmoreland County Airport Authority Executive Director.
Monzo lists, as one of the highlights of this year’s show, the F-35 Strike Fighter, which will be flown by the F-35A Demo Team.
“It’s the U.S. Air Force’s latest fifth-generation fighter and will replace the aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt II’s, which have been the primary fighter aircraft for more than 20 years,” said Monzo.
The purpose of the F-35 Strike Fighter, according to officials, is to provide next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability for the United States and allied nations.
Additional Acts on Tap Include ‘Flight of the Flags’
If you’re a family member of an individual who served in the Armed Forces, you are invited to bring your tri-fold flags which will be loaded aboard a World War II-era aircraft that will take to the skies in the “Flight of the Flags.” (See website to reserve a spot.) The event will take place this Saturday only, and flags will be returned to the families afterward.
Also taking flight during the event is the P-51D Bald Eagle, an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during WWII, the Korean War, and other conflicts. In addition, a Heritage Flight will include what’s both new and old in aviation.
The crowd can also look forward to the aerobatics of the talented Patrick McAlee who takes to the skies while his partner engages the crowd below as the “Wonder Woman of Aviation.”
North American Aviation’s “T-6, SNJ, Harvard Texan,” described as one of the most important aircrafts developed during the 1930’s, served as a trainer for every pilot during WWII where they learned instrument flight, aerobatics, bombing and gunnery. When the plane was equipped with a tail hook, they could also qualify to land on aircraft carriers. Seasoned flier Kevin Russo, who hails from New Jersey, will be flying the craft with his 17-year-old daughter Spenser as crew chief. Also having fun in the wild blue yonder are the popular “Jersey Jerks,” trained formation pilots who will perform tricks in the same aircraft.
These are just a few of the sky events that will be on tap to wow audiences during the show.
Ground Exhibits
Kids and adults alike will enjoy taking selfies with a variety of impressive vehicles, like a monster truck known as the NightMare II and the EA-18G Growler, which is the first newly-designed electronic warfare aircraft produced in more than 35 years. The crowd can also examine the C-47/C-53, which became the workhorse of the U.S. war effort, earning it the distinction of being one of the four most important weapons credited with winning WWII. And for something a bit more whimsical, there’s the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and the Big Idaho Potato Truck, which is on its 12th cross-country journey, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Idaho Potato Commission.
Richard Burgon of Rovin RV said that the show is a highlight of his travel calendar.
“The variety of aircrafts and the skill of the pilots never ceases to amaze me. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with other enthusiasts to learn more about aviation,” he said, adding that his favorite part is watching the pilots perform intricate maneuvers with precision and grace.
Burgon said that children, in particular, love seeing the aircraft up close and that flight simulators are also popular.
Monzo said that people attend the event for a fun and relaxing day.
“Our civilian performers do a wonderful job, and it makes for a fun time that is both exhilarating and inspiring,” he said.
To learn more about the schedule of events, along with ticket prices and more, visit the website at https://www.westmorelandcountyairshow.com/.