Calhoun Times

US Navy Blue Angels and Aeroshell Aerobatic Team to take flight during the 2017 Wings Over North Georgia Air Show

- Staff Reports

ROME, GA (August 2017) The autumn-rich colors of the North Georgia mountains will set the backdrop as the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and the AeroShell Demonstrat­ion Teams headline the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show. The show will take place at the Russell Regional Airport in Rome, Ga. Oct 21-22.

The Navy’s elite Flight Demonstrat­ion Squadron’s six F/A-18 jets and the Marines’ hulking KC-130T transport, affectiona­tely known as “Fat Albert,” will perform actual military maneuvers before the crowds during each performanc­e day. Last year’s air show, headlining the U.S. Air Force Thunderbir­ds, attracted nearly 50,000 people to north Georgia’s largest familyfrie­ndly event.

The Blue Angels C-130 Allisonpow­ered four-engine transport aircraft Fat Albert is designed to carry the team’s equipment, logistics and personnel to each air show site. Albert will perform several low passes and high-inclinatio­n climbs to open the Blue Angels’ flight demonstrat­ion hour. The signature blueand-gold F/A-18 Hornet jets will then take to the skies to perform a nearly 40-minute demonstrat­ion. Watch for the sneak pass by Angels 5 and 6 as they scream low overhead and from behind the crowd during their demonstrat­ion. It’s an air show crowd favorite.

The sixth annual Wings Over North Georgia Air Show also will feature top aviation performanc­es by the US SOCOM Para-Commandos Parachute Team, current national aerobatic champion Rob Holland, Scott Yoak’s “Quick Silver” P-51D Mustang, and Jim Tobul’s “Korean War Hero” F4U Corsair. Also confirmed for north Georgia’s largest weekend of family entertainm­ent is Bill Braack and his jet-powered Smoke-NThunder Jet Car. Bill will race down the runway against an aerobatic aircraft at speeds reaching up to 400 mph.

As military and civilian performers fly above the crowds at the Russell Airport, a wide variety of aircraft will be on static display for air show guests to get an up close look. Select aircraft will allow guests to go inside and talk to the actual pilots.

The Sky Soldiers’ Helicopter Demo Team, Buck Roetman’s Christen Eagle, the local Tiger Flight Team, Bob Carlton’s jet-powered sail plane, and Wild Blue Airshows are also confirmed for the event. Air show organizers are awaiting final confirmati­on from additional acts.

Guests also can take flight over the skies over north Georgia. Tickets can be purchased to fly aboard one of the Army Heritage Foundation’s helicopter­s located on the air show grounds. Rides are available on a Huey UH-1 or Cobra AH-1F helicopter. Both choppers flew missions during the Vietnam War and offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A huge Kids Zone play area will capture the imaginatio­n of children of all ages as they enjoy safe aviationth­emed bounce houses, educationa­l activities, swings and a climbing wall. Located just inside the main gate, wristbands may be purchased for allday, unlimited enjoyment.

Tickets for the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show are available online at www.WingsOverN­orthGeorgi­a.com. VIP ticket packages are available for on-site reserved airport parking, family four-packs of tickets, box seating, patio seating and chalet experience­s. Guests interested in on-site camping options for the show can choose between premium infield and standard dry camping options.

Airport and remote parking lots will open at 7:30 a.m. with the gates opening to guests at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The opening ceremonies will kick-off each day at 11:15 a.m. followed by the first flying performanc­es at noon.

The public can follow the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show across social media through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For the most-up-to-date air show news, parking tips and other event informatio­n, please visit the show’s social media sites.

The Wings Over North Georgia airshow is an FAA, DoD, and Internatio­nal Council of Air Shows recognized event. For the full list of performers, activities, and ticket options - air show fans, exhibitors, vendors, and sponsors can visit the official Wings Over North Georgia air show website.

About Wings Over North Georgia Air Show

JLC’s inaugural air show took place in 2012 during the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and USN F/A-18 Super Hornet Jet Demonstrat­ion Teams. The annual event hosted in October also has included performanc­es by the USAF Thunderbir­ds, USAF F-22 Raptor, USMC NV-22 Osprey, Black Diamond Jet Team, GEICO Skytypers, and the world’s top-rated civilian solo aerobatic performers. The initial air show contribute­d an economic impact of $2.6 million to Rome, GA and grew to more than $5.4 million in 2014.

Led by USAF retired Chief Master Sergeant John Cowman, a native of Brunswick, GA, the team of retired veterans and aviation enthusiast­s hosts world-class events and seeks to promote and support the US Armed Forces and veteran organizati­ons.

The Wings Over North Georgia airshow is an FAA, DoD, and Internatio­nal Council of Air Shows recognized event. For a full list of performers, activities, and ticket options, air show fans, exhibitors, vendors, and sponsors can visit the official Wings Over North Georgia air show website.

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