Airshows Around the World > Airshow Schedules and Reviews

MCAS Miramar Air Show Perfomers - October 2010

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livingwarbirds:
US NAVY BLUE ANGELS
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Blue Angels, has been the indisputable "star of the show" since the 1940s. Flying F/A-18 Hornets painted in Navy Blue and Gold since 1986, these masters of the sky have demonstrated aerial excellence in the Navy's top piston and jet aircraft. Click here for more about the Blue Angels and their traveling companion, the Marine Corps C-130 named "Fat Albert."
(Photo courtesy of US Navy Blue Angels.)
Snowbirds         
CANADIAN FORCES SNOWBIRDS DEMO TEAM
The Snowbirds Demonstration Team (431 Squadron) is a Canadian icon comprised of serving members of the Canadian Forces. Their pilots and technicians work as a team to bring thrilling performances to the North American public. Serving as Canadian ambassadors, the Snowbirds demonstrate the high level of professionalism, teamwork, excellence, discipline and dedication inherent in the women and men of the Air Force and the Canadian Forces. (Photo courtesy of Canadian Forces Snowbirds.)
F-16         
F-16 FALCON
The U.S. Air Force's F-16 Fighting Falcon is considered by many to be the most agile modern fighter. Less than half the weight of the F-14, it carries a larger payload; less than one-fourth the cost of the F-15, it has superior maneuverability. In addition, advanced avionics and electronics give it excellent air-to-ground precision. The F-16 can deliver a crippling ground strike and still maintain a credible air threat. In an air combat role, the F-16's maneuverability and combat radius (distance it can fly to enter air combat, stay, fight and return) exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft in radar ground clutter. In an air-to-surface role, the F-16 can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. An all-weather capability allows it to accurately deliver ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions.
(Photo courtesy of Sean Stell, MCCS.)
AV-8B         
AV-8B HARRIER
The Marine Corps' AV-8B Harrier vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is an amazing piece of aviation technology designed to attack and destroy surface targets under day and night visual conditions. The Harrier can be armed with MK-82 series 500-lb. bombs, MK-83 series 1000-lb. bombs, GBU-12 500-lb. laser guided bombs, GBU-16 1000-lb. laser guided bombs, AGM-65F IR Maverick missiles, AGM-65E Laser Maverick missiles, CBU-99 cluster munitions, AIM-9M Sidewinders and the LITENING II targeting pod to deliver GBU-12 and GBU-16 bombs with pinpoint accuracy.
(Photo courtesy of Sean Stell, MCCS.)
MAGTF         
MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE (MAGTF) DEMO
The Marine Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration displays the coordinated use of close air support, armor, artillery and infantry forces. Hornets and Harriers provide cover for Marine Corps paratroopers as helicopters bring in platoons of riflemen. C-130's provide aerial re-fueling overhead while M1-A1 tanks and LAV's support the ground offensive. Spectacular special effects simulate air-to-ground explosions. (Photo courtesy of Sean Stell, MCCS.)
MAGTF         
C-17 GLOBEMASTER DEMO
The portly but maneuverable C-17 has emerged from a prolonged and controversial development programmed to become the backbone of the USAF?s strategic transport force. In trouble spots and disaster zones around the world, C-17s are often seen delivering equipment and supplies wherever they are needed. With four Pratt & Whitney PW2040 engines producing 40,440 pounds of thrust each, the Air Forces' C-17 Globemaster can take off in just around 1,500 feet. It's wingspan reaches 170ft while it's capable of carrying up to 170,900 pounds (77,519 kilograms) of cargo. (Photo courtesy of Boeing.)
Gold Knights         
U.S. ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHTS
Cutting away a parachute on purpose. Passing a baton at 120 mph. Flying the American flag at 12,000 feet. Landing dead center on the target. The Golden Knights have been holding audiences in the palm of their hands all over the world with their feats of aerial acrobatics. Now in their 44th year of entertaining both young and old with their amazing aerial skills, the men and women of the Golden Knights continue to show why they are considered the world's best parachute team. (Photo courtesy of US Army Golden Knights.)
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     Civilian Performers    
     
Sean Tucker         
SEAN TUCKER "ORACLE CHALLENGER"
Since beginning his air show career in the mid-70s, Sean Tucker has flown more than 700 performances at more than 300 air shows, in front of more than 60 million fans. In the upcoming season alone, Tucker and Team Oracle will entertain nearly 10 million fans at 25 shows throughout North America. "I like to think that I bring the fans' dreams of flying into the plane with me, and there's nowhere I'd rather be than in the cockpit. That's why I train so hard to keep the edge!" Sean has logged over 20,000 hours flying, which if done all at once, would take over two years, 24 hours a day. In 2003, he was named one of the 25 "Living Legends of Flight" by the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. (Photo courtesy of Oracle Team.)
John Colver         
JOHN COLLVER "WARDOG"
John A. Collver and his AT-6 "War Dog" are a crowd-pleasing favorite seen by millions of people at Air Shows every year. Collver, who has logged thousands of hours of airtime in more than 50 types of aircraft over 30-plus years of flying, uses the World War II-era AT-6 trainer to show off the aerial maneuvers taught to dogfighting American pilots more than 60 years ago.
(Photo courtesy of Bernard Zee.)
Bill Leff         
BILL LEFF AIRSHOWS
Like no other WarBird act, Bill Leff keeps it close in and non-stop. It all starts with the roar of the Pratt and Whitney engine as Bill lifts off the runway and does a roll on take-off. Thirteen minutes of low-level aerobatics follow including barrel rolls, inverted flight, loops, four point rolls, and Cuban 8s. Bill explores the airspeed envelope of the T-6 from over 200 MPH to as slow as 60 MPH. . . thrilling both the novice and enthusiast alike.
(Photo courtesy of Bill Leff.)
Bret Willat         
BRET WILLAT "SAILPLANE MAGIC"
Bret Willat flies "Sailplane Magic," based here in Southern California. If you think all a sailplane can do is big lazy circles, wait till you see Bret add some loops and rolls (with smoke). The show is set to music.
(Photo courtesy of Bret Willat.)
Buchanan         
DAN BUCHANAN
Dan Buchanan flies some of the quieter aircraft on the air show circuit, with a smooth, silent tow-launched hang glider and also a quiet, agile motorized wing for remote performances that are not near airports. Dan was a custom-home builder with an avocational love of flying until 1981, when he became paraplegic due to consecutive sporting accidents. Despite his handicap, Dan returned to flying just a year later and since then, his tenacity and adventurous spirit has allowed him to accrue more than 2,400 hours of flight time in hang gliders. (Photo courtesy of Dan Buchanan.)
Shockley's Jet Truck         
SHOCKLEY'S "SHOCKWAVE" JET TRUCK
The ShockWave Jet Truck runs over 300 mph, racing airplanes at airshows; it holds the world record in a quarter mile for trucks at 256 mph in just 6.36 seconds; and holds the world record for full size trucks at 376 mph as recorded by Guinness Book of World Records. At 36,000 horsepower, the ShockWave has enough power to accelerate at three G's vertical, which is as much as the space shuttle! (Photo courtesy of Shockley's Shockwave Jet Truck Team.)
CRCJA         
RADIO-CONTROLLED AIRCRAFT
The Miramar RC Flyers will fly their radio controlled aircraft from 8:00-9:30 a.m. each day of the air show and after the Blue Angels land on Saturday afternoon before the twilight show.
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     Twilight Show Performers    
     
Fat Albert       FAT ALBERT
Fat Albert is the name given to the U.S. Marine Corps C-130 Hercules that accompanies the Navy's Blue Angels, carrying equipment and personnel. The Fat Albert Jet Assisted Take-Off is a dramatic demo in which Fat Albert shows how fast it can get in the air with a rack of jets on each side.
(Photo courtesy of US Nave Blue Angels.)
AV-8B         AV-8B 'HARRIER'
The Marine Corps' AV-8B Harrier vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is an amazing piece of aviation technology. It can take off and land straight up and down, and actually hover. Watch it hang in mid-air, slowly traversing left and right as it searches for a target! The Harrier is equipped for its role as close or deep air support around the clock with six wing stations for Maverick and Sidewinder missiles and a centerline station that can mount a six-barrelled 25mm gun or air-to-ground ordnance. (Photo courtesy of Sean Stell, MCCS.)
Sean Tucker         SEAN TUCKER "ORACLE CHALLENGER"
Since beginning his air show career in the mid-70s, Sean Tucker has flown more than 700 performances at more than 300 air shows, in front of more than 60 million fans. In the upcoming season alone, Tucker and Team Oracle will entertain nearly 10 million fans at 25 shows throughout North America. "I like to think that I bring the fans' dreams of flying into the plane with me, and there's nowhere I'd rather be than in the cockpit. That's why I train so hard to keep the edge!" Sean has logged over 20,000 hours flying, which if done all at once, would take over two years, 24 hours a day. In 2003, he was named one of the 25 "Living Legends of Flight" by the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. (Photo courtesy of Team Oracle.)
Bill Reesman         ROBOSAURUS
Robosaurus is a transforming dinosaur robot created by inventor Doug Malewicki in 1989 and is currently owned and operated by Monster Robots, Inc. Robosaurus is modeled after a Tyrannosaurus rex and has hydraulically activated arms, grasping claws, and jaws, as well as a flame thrower set up in the head to give the effect of breathing fire out of its nostrils. Robosaurus stands at a height of 40 feet (12 m) when transformed and fully extended.
Shockley's Jet Truck         SHOCKLEY'S "SHOCKWAVE" JET TRUCK
The ShockWave Jet Truck runs over 300 mph, racing airplanes at airshows; it holds the world record in a quarter mile for trucks at 256 mph in just 6.36 seconds; and holds the world record for full size trucks at 376 mph as recorded by Guinness Book of World Records. At 36,000 horsepower, the ShockWave has enough power to accelerate at three G's vertical, which is as much as the space shuttle! (Photo courtesy of Shockley's Shockwave Jet Truck Team.)
Bret Willat         BRET WILLAT "NIGHT MAGIC"
Bret Willat flies Sailplane "Night Magic" with a load of pyrotechnics to light up the Miramar sky. The Willat's are a family team ? the Mrs. flies the tow plane, and sons Garret and Boyd make up the ground crew, with Garret narrating. (Photo courtesy of Sean Stell, MCCS.)
Golden Knight         U.S. ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHTS
Cutting away a parachute on purpose. Passing a baton at 120 mph. Flying the American flag at 12,000 feet. Landing dead center on the target. The Golden Knights have been holding audiences in the palm of their hands all over the world with their feats of aerial acrobatics. Now in their 44th year of entertaining both young and old with their amazing aerial skills, the men and women of the Golden Knights continue to show why they are considered the world's best parachute team. (Photo courtesy of US Army Golden Knights.)
Dan Buchanan         DAN BUCHANAN
Dan Buchanan flies some of the quieter aircraft on the air show circuit, with a smooth, silent tow-launched hang glider and also a quiet, agile motorized wing for remote performances that are not near airports. Dan was a custom-home builder with an avocational love of flying until 1981, when he became paraplegic due to consecutive sporting accidents. Despite his handicap, Dan returned to flying just a year later and since then, his tenacity and adventurous spirit has allowed him to accrue more than 2,400 hours of flight time in hang gliders. (Photo courtesy of Sean Stell, MCCS.)
Bill Leff         BILL LEFF "STARFIRE NIGHT SKYSHOW"
Since 1989, the Startfire Night Skyshow has been the gold standard of Night Shows bringing crowds to their feet, as the graceful silver bird dances on streams of sparkling light in sync with rousing and patriotic music. The Startfire Night Skyshow is 15 minutes of spectacular night aerobatics with special computer-controlled lighting and fireworks effects on the plane. All of this is choreographed to popular music, including, for example. selections from the movie Top Gun?. The audio music for each show is custom produced by Emmy Award winning entertainer, musician, and air show announcer, Rob Reider. (Photo courtesy of Bill Leff Air Shows.)
Steve Stav.         STEVE STAVRAKAKIS "THE WILD THING"
With nearly 20 years of experience as a professional air show pilot and narrator, Steve Stavrakakis is considered a proven entertainment package. Stavrakakis flies the aerobatic IAR-823 (seen left, in camo paint) built by Industria Aeronatica Romania, powered by a 300-hp Lycoming and spinning a Hartzell propeller. The IAR is painted in Air Force jungle camouflage colors and the markings of the 8th Special Ops Squadron stationed at Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam in 1970. (Photo courtesy of Bernard Zee.)
Fireworks         FIREWORKS
The Twilight Air Show ends with a spectacular fireworks display produced by San Diego Fireworks.
Wall of Fire       GREAT WALL OF FIRE
The Miramar Air Show Great Wall of Fire made the "Guinness Book of World Records" in 2000 for "Longest Wall of Fire." At 2,500 feet, it's an incredible, intense inferno! You can feel the heat! The "Wall of Fire" and the daily special explosives effects for the MAGTF demos are provided by the MCAS Miramar Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team. (Photo courtesy of Sean Stell, MCCS.)
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     Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Demonstration    
     
MAGTF       THE IDEAL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM
The MCAS Marine Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration displays the coordinated use of close air support, armor, artillery and infantry forces.

As helicopters, Hornets and Harriers fill the sky, paratroopers drop and infantry platoons move in on their objective. The men and women of the Marine Corps show their finely-honed skills, and the Air Show audience is in the middle of the action.

This is an explosive display of Marine Corps power.

A MAGTF is a self-sustaining combined-arms force organized for a specific mission. The four elements?Command, Ground Combat, Aviation Combat and Combat Service Support?work seamlessly together.

The Command element provides control and coordination for the planning and completion of the mission.

The Ground Combat element handles land-based operations. It is formed around the infantry and reinforced with artillery.

The Aviation Combat element provides air support and is responsible for all air operations within the MAGTF.

The Combat Service Support element provides support to the force, enabling long-duration operations.

Members of the MAGTF train together, deploy together, respond to crises together and, when called upon, fight together.

Because it it formed for a specific purpose, a MAGTF is extremely flexible. Within days, a MAGTF can be anywhere in the world, and arrive ready to accomplish its mission.

It's not all about combat; the MAGTF may be called upon to provide humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, crisis response, security or any of a number of missions.

The MAGTF is the ideal rapid response team, able to quickly answer the call of duty, whatever it may be, wherever it may take them.
   
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Announcers

Rob Reider         ROB REIDER
Entertainer, pilot, Midwest television personality, singer, performer, writer, and winner of five Emmy awards, Rob Reider brings vast experience to an air show's production. As an announcer, Rob helps air show audiences get 'up close and personal' with the action. Rob got his start in show business at age 19, touring the country as a singer with Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians.

After earning a degree in broadcasting from the University of Cincinnati, he made a name for himself in the Midwest by years of daily performances in Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Throughout the course of his 13-year television career, he won five Emmy awards for his on-air performance and musical compositions. He has appeared many times as a soloist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and has also performed 'The Star Spangled Banner' and 'O Canada' for many Major League baseball games. Click here to learn more.

ICAS presented the Sword of Excellence to air show announcer Rob Reider of Cincinnati, Ohio, who has been involved with air shows at some level since 1978. An ICAS member since 1994 and full-time air show announcer since 2006, Reider has also been the ?on-camera? host of Sporty?s Pilot Shops? aviation training videos. Reider is the 34th recipient and the fourth air show announcer to be presented with the air show industry?s most prestigious award.
Sandy Sanders         SANDY SANDERS
Sandy Sanders is one of only a few people in the country who claims air show announcing as a full time job. After nearly 40 years behind the microphone, Sandy's expertise is evident, twice earning him the title of Favorite Air Show Announcer by the readers of General Aviation News and Flyer.

He got his start as an announcer at the prestigious National Championship in Reno, Nevada, in 1965. Although only a two-week program at the time, Sandy was responsible for all the event's announcing, including calling races, introducing visiting dignitaries, making public announcements and announcing air show acts. His first year went so well, that he has been invited back to announce the event every year since.

Before becoming an announcer, Sandy was an actual air show performer with Gold Coast Airshows, along with his crop-dusting partner, Bud Fountain. To add to his list of credentials, Sandy has also worked as a narrator for several motion pictures.

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