Despite the Heat, Enthusiasm Takes Off at Van Nuys Air Show

Death-defying aerobatics dazzled thousands of spectators who braved sizzling heat Saturday to witness the opening day of Aviation Expo ’98 at Van Nuys Airport.

Gasps and cheers arose at each of a series of aerial acts performed continually during a two-hour morning show. The crowd emerged from out of the shade of tents and from under the wings of aircraft to watch the performances, then quickly ducked back again for shelter from the burning sun as the temperature reached 100 degrees.

Many had gone home before the 2 p.m. show, which lasted about 75 minutes. The grand finale, featuring three of the nation’s leading aerobatic pilots performing in concert, kept the audience frozen in place and shaking their heads in astonishment.

“I really liked the cyclone [maneuver] when they went all the way up, spun around and came down,” gushed 11-year-old J.C. Keiser of Virginia, who is visiting his uncle in Van Nuys.

The performances will be repeated today at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Show officials estimated that about 100,000 spectators attended the event Saturday and said a larger crowd is expected today. However, American Red Cross and fire department officials said the turnout was smaller than expected because of the heat.

Parents who brought children to the show said they planned to stay only a few hours, heeding safety warnings issued by health officials for dealing with the heat.

Despite the temperature, most people at the show came well-prepared, emergency workers said. Broad-brimmed hats and umbrellas were evident everywhere, with almost everyone toting water bottles.

Red Cross volunteers said they expected to treat 70 to 80 people each day for minor injuries, but were surprised by the slow pace of people seeking help at Saturday’s show.

Twenty-three people were treated and released, most suffering heat-related ailments, said Battalion Chief Butch Rose. In addition, two people, a 63-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man, fainted from the heat and were taken to hospitals. A third person, a 47-year-old man, suffered a heart problem not related to the heat and was flown by helicopter to Northridge Hospital Medical Center, fire officials said.

Like most air shows, Van Nuys’ boasts a traditional patriotic theme, with heavy emphasis on military air power. Many spectators say they attend the show because they served in the military, work in the aerospace industry or are wannabe pilots and leap at the opportunity to inspect the aircraft up close. People of all ages began camping out on the perimeter of the airport as early as Thursday, watching for the planes to arrive for the show. Even larger crowds are expected Monday morning, when many of the military aircraft will depart within minutes of each other.

Times correspondent Michael Baker contributed to this story.