The 2011 Commemorative Air Force (CAF) AIRSHO is this weekend in Midland, Texas, and this year, the CAF will be darkening the skies with the massive bombers of World War II and today.
“This year is all about the bombers,” said CAF Colonel/Volunteer AIRSHO Chairman Gena Linebarger. “No other show in the country can feature this massive array of aircraft. Two B-17s, a B-24, four B-25s and the Queen of the CAF Fleet, the world’s only flying B-29, FIFI, will take the skies over Midland/Odessa. And, we aren’t stopping at World War II. The B-1B Lancer and the B-2 (best known as the Stealth Bomber) will be soaring over AIRSHO crowds.”
AIRSHO also will feature World War II training, observation, transport and fighter aircraft, as well as the aerobatic displays of Corkey Fornof, Jan Collmer and the A-10 West Demo Team.
The 2011 AIRSHO will also feature a performance of the CAF’s Red, White & Loud Tour starring country music star Aaron Tippin and the B-29 FIFI. The concert is included in AIRSHO admission and does not require an additional ticket.
Also making its debut appearance at this year’s AIRSHO is the CAF Red Tail Squadron RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit. The RISE ABOVE exhibit brings public awareness of the Tuskegee Airmen by taking their story to young people and exposing them to an immersive educational experience. The exhibit, which houses a 30-seat movie theater with a 180° screen, travels to air shows, schools, youth gatherings and malls where visitors can sit in climate-controlled comfort to enjoy an experience documentary about the Tuskegee Airmen created by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Adam White. The experience is free to AIRSHO audiences.
On Saturday, Oct. 8, and Sunday, Oct. 9, the CAF AIRSHO gates will open to the public at 8:30 a.m. to give attendees plenty of time to view the static aircraft before the flying begins.
Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation.
For more information: AIRSHO.org or CommemorativeAirForce.org or 432-563-1000.
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