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Air Fest 2001 takes off this weekend
[Times photo: Mike Pease 2000]
MacDill officials anticipate close to a million visitors to the Air Force base during Air Fest 2001. |
By BABITA PERSAUD
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 5, 2001
TAMPA -- What to expect at Air Fest 2001?
More planes in the air. The schedule is packed from the first fly-by to the end, say military officials.
More planes on the ground, too. This year there will be 70; typically, there have been 50.
Which means . . .
More people.
"We are expecting close to a million spectators, surpassing last year's record setting 800,000," said Lt. Col. Rich McClain, Air Fest director.
Air Fest is MacDill Air Force Base's annual open house. It is also an opportunity for the military to entice potential recruits.
The free two-day event (Saturday and Sunday) gives civilians a chance to roam -- within limits -- the base and its aircraft. Static displays include the EA-6B Prowler, the KC-10A Extender, the Blackhawk and the Chinook helicopter.
Variety is what makes this one different from other air shows. All branches of the armed forces are represented. There are also skilled civilian pilots, vintage aircraft and old favorites, such as B-52 and B-1 bombers and the parachute teams from MacDill, the Joint Communications Support Element static line jump team and U.S. Special Operations Command parachute jump team.
The featured act this year is the Blue Angels, representing the Navy and the Marines.
The demonstration team, which flies Hornet fighters, does not use instrumentation to guide its tricky moves. The six pilots rely on sight and sound alone. Before each show, they have to map out a 5-mile box, noting land markers.
The pilots come from all over the country and are all high achievers -- an Alpine skier, a high school valedictorian and a mechanical engineer are in the current bunch. They are stationed in Pensacola. The team is known also for its close flying: At 18 inches apart, aircraft wings are so close, they sometimes appear to overlap.
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PREVIEW: The MacDill Air Fest starts at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at MacDill Air Force Base in south Tampa.
- TO GET THERE: From the west, take Interstate 275 to the Dale Mabry Highway exit, or take the Gandy Bridge and continue on Gandy Boulevard to Dale Mabry, and head south until the road ends at the Dale Mabry Gate of the base. From the east, take the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway to the Dale Mabry exit and head south. Other gates are located at the south ends of MacDill Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard. To get to the Port Tampa Gate, turn south on Manhattan Avenue from either Gandy Boulevard or Interbay Boulevard.
- FOOD AND BEVERAGES: Sold throughout.
- PARKING: On base and free; the very large crowds make it wise to arrive early.
- HANDICAPPED PARKING: Available near Hangar 1.
- RESTRICTIONS: No coolers, glass bottles, skateboards, bikes, inline skates, pets.
- WHAT TO BRING: The base has few trees and little shade, so bring protective gear and sunscreen. Ear plugs are useful during loud takeoffs. You may also want a camera and a pen, for autographs. Folding chairs are permitted.
SCHEDULE: On both days:
- 9 a.m. -- Opening ceremony
- 9:20 -- First fly-by, KC 135
- 12:30 p.m. -- Stearman Red Baron Squadron. Open-air cockpit planes reminiscent of aviation's earlier days.
- 1 -- U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Jump Team. MacDill's own team, composed of highly skilled volunteers from Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines assigned to Special Operations Command at MacDill. The team jumps from an altitude of 12,500 feet, free falling about 2 miles, reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour.
- 2 -- Blue Angels demonstration team.
FOR INFORMATION: Check out the Web site at http://www.macdill.af.mil or call (813) 828-4163.
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