Air Show Expected to Draw 300,000 to Van Nuys

Aviation Expo ‘99, this year’s staging of Los Angeles’ only annual air show, is expected to draw 300,000 spectators to Van Nuys Airport this weekend.

“The lineup of aerobatics is the most impressive we’ve ever had,” Van Nuys Airport spokeswoman Charlene Klink said. “We’re going to have a lot of world-class champions.”

Among the air show performers are former U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Champion Sean Tucker, California Unlimited Aerobatic Champion Wayne Handley and pilot-musician Tim Weber.

Seventy vintage and classic aircraft, including a C-121 Lockheed Constellation, a B-25 Bomber, a P-51 Mustang and a MIG-17, will be on display both days.

A flyover by a squadron of vintage AT-6 Texans will kick off opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. Saturday, and City Councilman Joel Wachs, the event’s grand marshal, will honor legendary aviator Bobbi Trout.

Trout, 93, made headlines 70 years ago when she took off from Van Nuys Airport and set the first women’s record for an all-night flight. She went on to set several other flight records, many of them originating in Van Nuys.

Klink said event organizers are looking for a break in the weather since 100-plus-degree temperatures were blamed for lower attendance than expected last year.

Dennis Tussey of the National Weather Service said there will be low clouds and morning fog on Saturday with temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s. Sunday may be a little warmer, he said.

Admission to the Aviation Expo is free. Pedestrians may enter at 8030 Balboa Blvd.

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Schedule is subject to change. Each demonstration runs 10-15 minutes, except the 2 p.m. Golden Knights performance, which runs 30 minutes.

Saturday, July 17

10-10:30 a.m.: Opening ceremonies: Flyover by Condor Squadron; Honors to Bobbi Trout

10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.: U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team jump; Pilatus Turbo Porter demonstration; Pitts S2S “Patriot” aerobatics routine; hang-gliding demonstration; L.A. Fire Department water drop and hoist-rescue demonstration; Tim Weber aerobatics demonstration; AV-8B Harrier demonstration; Sean Tucker aerobatics demonstration. Aerobatic Flying Circus.

2-3:30 p.m.: Tim Weber aerobatics demonstration; Dan Buchanan Airwave Glider demonstration; AV-8B Harrier demonstration; Aerobatic Flying Circus demonstration.

Sunday, July 18

10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.: U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team jump; Pilatus Turbo Porter demonstration; Pitts S2S “Patriot” aerobatics routine; hang-gliding demonstration; L.A. Fire Department water drop and hoist-rescue demonstration; Tim Weber aerobatics demonstration; AV-8B Harrier demonstration; Sean Tucker aerobatics demonstration. Aerobatic Flying Circus.

2-3:30 p.m.: Tim Weber aerobatics demonstration; Dan Buchanan Airwave Glider demonstration; AV-8B Harrier demonstration; Aerobatic Flying Circus demonstration.

PARKING LOTS

Parking is free and shuttle bus service is provided. There is only handicapped parking on the event site.