Northeast Florida Regional Airport at St. Augustine announced to Historic City News that local residents and airport users can expect increased flight activity, from now through the end of April, as “aerobatic pilots” prepare for the 2011 Air Show Season.
Some of the prominent aerobatic talent scheduled for the airport include former World Aerobatic Champion and Hall of Fame Member, Patty Wagstaff; US Aerobatic Champions, Michael Goulian, David Martin and Michael Mancuso, as well as, Air Show Performers, Christine Gerner and Dale Snodgrass.
This seasonal increase in traffic is directly associated to practice, annual training and recertification of these local and visiting aerobatic pilots; some of whom will participate in United States and worldwide aerobatic competitions.
Airport Authority Chairman, Kelly Barrera told Historic City News, “As we have been doing since the 1960’s, we are pleased to again host the amazing aerobatic talents of pilots such as Patty Wagstaff, Michael Goulian and Dale Snodgrass at Northeast Florida Regional Airport.”
Activity is limited to daylight hours and normally requires that weather conditions be relatively fair.
“This time of the year brings some of the best flying weather in the country; and, with it, a sampling of the world’s best aerobatic flying talent visits the area,” Barrera said.
In addition to hosting their pre-season training and certification efforts, the airport benefits from additional economic impacts and the notoriety that surrounds these pilots and flying teams.
“The seasonal aerobatic flying will get a jumpstart with the arrival and weekend flying of the Heavy Metal Jet Team; scheduled to be here over the first weekend of February,” Edward Wuellner, the airport’s Executive Director said. “The jet team is made up of four Aero L-39 Albatros jet trainers and a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star jet trainer.”
The group is sponsored by United Bank Card with all proceeds from its first season’s performances benefiting the “Make a Wish Foundation.
Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by Patty Wagstaff
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