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ORISKANY, Aug. 22, 2006 -- Air shows are getting hard to find, so put September 16 and 17 on your calendar to see the only air show in upstate New York!
The Oneida County Aviation Association (flyocaa.org), in partnership with Oneida County and a number of sponsors, is bringing you the 2006 Oneida County Regional Air Show at Oneida County Airport in Oriskany.
Conveniently located off Thruway Exit 32 (Westmoreland), this event will cap the airport’s 50-year history. Next year the regional airport will move to Griffiss Tech Park in Rome, formerly Griffiss Air Force Base.
The show will celebrate flight with aviation exhibits, refreshment booths, and a lineup of aerial acts featuring everything from aerobatic biplanes to screaming fighter jets. There will be a huge NASA Educational Exhibition featuring a Space Shuttle display, an Aerospace Education Bus and other interactive activities for the whole family.
“We have a very exciting program lined up that will provide fun and entertainment for the whole family,” noted Air Show Chairperson Joyce Oster Palmer. “With an anticipated draw of 10,000 spectators, the Air Show will be one of the biggest and most exciting events of the region.”
Highlighting the air show will be the “Masters of Extreme” MOX Team, featuring:
-- Aerobatic ace Jim “Bulldog” LeRoy in his high-performance biplane. Bulldog is regarded as a premier solo performer, full of heart-stopping surprises. "He is the most extreme of the extreme fliers out there and is a must see," said Palmer.
-- Stunt barnstormer John Mohr in his stock 1943 Stearman biplane. Mohr performs exciting and difficult maneuvers in an aircraft that not only weighs twice as much as modern aerobatic planes, but uses only half the horsepower. “He makes his plane do things it just shouldn’t be able to do,” noted Palmer, “and is regarded by his peers as the best of the best”.
-- Kent Shockley’s ShockWave Jet Truck. Zooming down the runway at over 300 miles per hour in a deafening storm of flame and cloud, Kent’s 36,000 hp truck, mounted with three jet engines, will race Bulldog. “This will appeal to the race car and big truck enthusiast, as well as pilots on every level,” Palmer said. “You will never see anything that is this fast, loud and visually awesome.” ShockWave and the Shockley family have been the focus of many television specials.
Other performers include:
-- U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight. An F-15 Eagle fighter jet will perform with a World War II-era P-51 Mustang fighter.
-- Rick Volker in his Russian SUKHOI SU-26M. Volker, from Niagara Falls, is recognized as an upcoming performer on the air show circuit.
-- Bob Davis and his L-39 Albatros. Hailing from New Hampshire, Davis will fly his L-39 jet trainer during the opening ceremonies.
In addition, military flyovers (including an A-10 Warthog), the New York State Police Rappelling Team, and other flying activities will keep the crowd occupied during the day. A Waco bi-plane will be available to provide rides before and after the show.
Highlighting the ground activities will be:
-- Outdoor static displays of vintage and modern aircraft.
-- A massive indoor exhibit area. In addition to aviation-related displays, there will be exhibits by law enforcement, public safety and emergency services agencies; the military, the Civil Air Patrol, businesses, clubs, non-profit groups, and crafters.
-- Refreshment booths.
-- Rides and play area for children.
-- Educational activities for youth, especially the NASA Exhibition, which will be open for school field trips for several days before the show.
Advance sale tickets go for $6 for adults and $5 for children, with tickets at the gate priced at $9 and $7. The show will run from noon to 4 p.m., both days, with the gates opening at 10 a.m. There will be plenty of parking and shuttles buses.
See you at the show!
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