Aviation Officials Say Sky’s Limit for Expo

The Aviation Expo has for years been known for filling the skies with the artistry of aerobatic flying, but organizers say Aviation Expo ’99 on Saturday and Sunday at Van Nuys Airport will be bigger and better than ever.

The event, the only air show held yearly in Los Angeles, historically draws several hundred thousand people. Organizers say they expect an estimated 300,000 this year.

“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.

Tucker, who ironically spent his early career overcoming his fear of flying, has gained an international reputation for his aerobatic stunts. Handley will make his first Los Angeles appearance, demonstrating the fastest climbing propeller-driven aircraft in the world. Weber will fly to music he has composed and recorded.

A variety of other pilots will perform death-defying tricks including loops, spins and rolls, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team will launch its performance with a jump in which the entire squad holds an American flag during its descent.

Seventy vintage and classic aircraft, including a C-121 Lockheed Constellation, a B-25 Stealth 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 a record for the fastest all-night flight by a woman. She went on to set several other flight records, many of them originating in Van Nuys.

“This could be her last public appearance,” Klink said.

Klink added that Aviation Expo ’99 organizers are looking for a break in the weather since blazing heat, with temperatures more than 100 degrees, was blamed for lower-than-expected attendance last year.

Their wish may come true, according to forecasters. 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 expo is free. Pedestrians may enter at 8030 Balboa Blvd.

Parking and shuttle service is also free, but only handicapped parking is available adjacent to the show at 8050 Balboa Blvd.

Otherwise, parking and shuttle service will be available at:

* Woodley Golf Course lot, 6335 Woodley Ave., south of Victory Boulevard.

* Anheuser-Busch, 15800 Roscoe Blvd., northeast corner of Roscoe Boulevard and Woodley Avenue.

* Monroe High School, 9229 Haskell Ave., corner of Nordhoff Street and Haskell Avenue.

* Cal State Northridge, 18000 Devonshire St., corner of Devonshire Street and Lindley Avenue.

More information is available by calling (818) 773-3293 or visiting the Van Nuys Airport Web site at www.lawa.org on the Internet.

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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.

ON DISPLAY

More than 50 fighter jets, vintage and business aircraft will be on display.

PARKING LOTS

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