Pilots know that weather on any given weekend can be a toss-up. Such was the case for the ninth Wings Over North Georgia airshow, hosted by the Russell Regional Airport (KRMG) in Rome, Georgia, on Oct 30-31, 2021.
Saturday brought low clouds, brisk winds, and marginal VFR conditions. Some performers were able to put up a “low show,” although the headliners, the US Navy Blue Angels, were constrained to a very brief demonstration. Sunday dawned grey and chilly, but by afternoon the crowd was cheered by mostly sunny skies.
For the second year in a row, the show was a drive-in event, offering reserved parking spots with a dedicated “tailgating” space adjacent to each vehicle. Introduced in 2020 to foster social distancing, the format was a hit, and positive reviews brought a repeat this year. On Sunday morning, I joined a near-capacity crowd as they settled in to enjoy the day’s spectacle.
Aerobatic action kicked off at noon, and the skies were soon filled with the soundtrack of high speed props and twisting trails of smoke oil.
Modern-day warbirds of the U.S. Air Force were represented by the C-130H, a C-17 Globemaster III, and the A-10 Warthog. The C-17, assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, impressed the crowd with a short-field takeoff followed by a series of high- and low-speed maneuvers. The finale was a short field landing, bringing the massive aircraft to a stop in less than half of the 9,000-foot runway.
The USAF Air Combat Command came to town on the wings of a Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II, known universally as The Warthog. In command of the aircraft was Captain Haden “Gator” Fullham, who put the aircraft through its paces, demonstrating the aerobatic capabilities and tight-cornering characteristics that make the Warthog the Air Force’s preeminent ground-attack and close air support aircraft.
Not to be left out, civil jet aircraft were well-represented by Scott Farnsworth of the QYON Aerosports Racing Team. His performance in the Czechoslovakian Aero L-39 left no doubt why Scott holds several air racing championships, both at Reno and abroad.
Adding to the smoke and noise, Michael Wiskus seemed to be having the time of his life in the Lucas Oil Pitts S-1-11B. A pilot for more than 40 years and the 2002 U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, Mike wrung out the Pitts “Super Stinker” in this, his final airshow demonstration.
After the performance, firefighters acknowledged his long career with the traditional water cannon salute.
When 3:30 p.m. rolled around, the airspace was turned over to the Blue Angels. Celebrating the team’s 75th anniversary and flying their new aircraft, the F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Blues proceeded to own the sky.
Under scattered clouds bathed in bright sunlight, the team performed a fast-paced series of four-ship aerobatics, interspersed with precision maneuvers from the two solo pilots. Joining into a six-ship formation, they rounded out the show with the thunder of over 200,000 pounds of combined thrust and a blanket of smoke.
Despite the marginal weather on Saturday, the event proved an unqualified success. Organizers estimate attendance topped 30,000, a respectable number considering the blustery weather, and given that most of those folks were parked along the show line.
The drive-in format seemed suited to the down-home setting, and afforded spectators the ability to settle in comfortably and enjoy tailgating fare throughout the day. A host of vendors also provided varied dining options and the usual airshow bling.
It should be noted that the airport was closed to transient aircraft throughout the event, as all available ramp space was dedicated to the show layout. But airport entry, parking, and exit were well-orchestrated and traffic flowed smoothly.
If you’re within driving distance of Rome, Georgia, put this show on your list.