DAYTON, Ohio — Some of the most fascinating flying machines at this weekend’s Vectren Dayton Air Show will also be some of the tiniest.
While massive military jets such as the Air Force C-17 Globemaster III airlifter and KC-135 refueler will dominate the static display area at Dayton International Airport, spectators will also have a chance to discover the world of light-sport and ultralight aircraft, organizers noted.
As many as six light airplanes are scheduled to be on display both days of the weekend air show. While numbers and types are subject to change, the lineup includes examples of Challenger, Phantom, Quicksilver, Rans, Titan and Xenon aircraft.
Put on by local enthusiasts, the ultralight display is new to the air show this year.
Instead of streamlined hulls and jet engines, these one- or two-seat machines are made with tubes, wires and fabric. They typically have two-stroke engines that deliver 30 to 60 horsepower. They don’t go fast, but their open-air designs offer spectacular views.
“They give the pilot a bird’s eye view of the world with the wind in his face,” said Paul Lindamood, director of Dayton Ultralights, an informal group of recreational fliers based at Moraine Airpark.
“Ultralight flying is largely about the simplicity, the romance and the glory days of flying—the sheer exhilaration of being a part of the wind, the sky and the elements,” said Lindamood, who plans to display his Quicksilver 2S both days.
This year’s headliner act will be the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Joining them will be the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, U.S. Army Golden Knights and a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue (SAR) demonstration. Making its first appearance in Dayton will be the Breitling Jet Team from Dijon, France, on its first North American Tour.
The show will also feature Jack Link’s Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet WACO (pictured above), Mat Younkin’s Beech 18 aerobatics, the legendary Sean D. Tucker, the Shockwave Jet Truck and the Wright “B” Flyer (pictured below), a lookalike of the Wright brothers’ first production airplane.
