VAN NUYS AIRPORT’S FREE ROCKIN’ AIRFEST 2006 CELEBRATES AVIATION’S LIVING HISTORY

(Van Nuys, CA)- A collection of rare historic aircraft from world-famous flying museums will be on display at Van Nuys Airport’s free Rockin’ AirFest 2006 on Sunday, June 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – with the event showcasing the City of Los Angeles’ first-ever flyover by the advanced F-22 Raptor, the world’s only fifth-generation fighter jet. Live band performances, aerial demonstrations, airfield tours and ground attractions also will highlight the event celebrating aviation’s living history.

"It’s an honor to host such a magnificent display of air power that shaped history during the last half-century," said Van Nuys Airport Manager Selena Birk. "Rockin’ AirFest 2006 offers Los Angeles residents a unique opportunity to honor these legendary aircraft and pay tribute to the pioneering men and women who built, serviced and flew them."

Making its first public appearance in the skies above Los Angeles, the F-22 Raptor jet will soar overhead at 1 p.m. The Raptor combines supersonic speed with stealth and advanced targeting, weaponry and defense capabilities to make it the most advanced fighter jet ever built. Additional military and civilian aircraft flyovers are scheduled throughout the day, including a U.S. Navy Legacy flight featuring a modern F/A-18 Hornet flying in close formation with a classic Corsair at 3 p.m.

More than 50 restored former military combat and civilian aircraft will be exhibited, including the only flying Curtiss SB2C Helldiver and Tuskegee Airmen AT-6 in the world, and only flying Lockheed Super Constellation ("Connie") in the nation. The World War II-era B-25J Mitchell Bomber, made famous by Gen. Doolittle’s historic Tokyo Raid following the attack on Pearl Harbor, and formidable B-17 Flying Fortress, best known for daylight strategic bombing of German industrial targets, will be among the celebrated aircraft on display.

Rockin’ AirFest 2006 will pay tribute to the Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), the local chapter of an international nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring, preserving and demonstrating historic aircraft. The CAF operates the world’s largest fleet of World War II combat aircraft, enabling nearly 10 million spectators per year to experience America’s military aviation heritage.

The Misty Blues All Woman Skydiving Team, whose members hold 34 world records, will launch the AirFest 2006 opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. with a patriotic American flag jump. The team will perform again at 3 p.m. with a variety of breathtaking aerial maneuvers.

Set against this backdrop, the show will include non-stop live band performances, headlined at 3:30 p.m. by Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries, a high-voltage 1950s-’60s rock and roll band that has performed at world-class venues throughout North America, Europe and Mexico. Other featured artists include Klass I, performing the hit sounds of Motown; Jay Bolan Band, playing classic and contemporary rock; and Sol de Alegria, providing a unique blend of Latin guitar and Rumba flamenco music.

"We’re very excited to offer the community an event that is both educational and entertaining," said Birk. "We invite people of all ages to enjoy exciting flyovers, top-notch entertainment, airfield bus tours and the opportunity to view dozens of vintage aircraft displays."

Free event parking and shuttle bus service for Rockin’ AirFest 2006 will be available at two remote parking lots: California State University, Northridge, 18000 Lassen St. and the Woodley Golf Course, 6335 Woodley Ave. On-site disabled parking will be available at 8050 Balboa Blvd. The event pedestrian entrance will be located at 8030 Balboa Blvd.

AirFest 2006 sponsors include Anheuser-Busch, Daily News of Los Angeles, Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley, K-EARTH 101, KFWB News 980, Los Angeles Times, 95.5 KLOS and San Fernando Valley Chapter of the Ninety-Nines.

For additional event and parking information, call (866) 869-3976 or visit www.lawa.org/vny.

Van Nuys Airport Rockin’ AirFest 2006 Featured Aircraft Displays

 

• Curtiss SB2C Helldiver – Called the "Big-Tailed Beast" by Navy crewman, this carrier-based dive bomber is the only flying aircraft of its kind in the world. Designed in 1939, it proved a formidable and highly versatile weapon in World War II, delivering bombs and depth charges with pinpoint accuracy. The West Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve the stories and lessons of World War II, maintains the aircraft in flying condition to serve as a reminder to every American that "freedom isn’t free."

 

 

• Tuskegee Airmen AT-6 "Double Vee" – The only authentic fully restored North American AT-6 Texan flown by the Tuskegee Airmen, its name reflects the twin battle the first African American fighter pilots waged for air superiority in combat and racial equality in their hometowns. Accompanied by a display of rare color photographs depicting military base life, the airplane has been honored by the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and National Aviation Hall of Fame. The aircraft was purchased and restored by airline pilot and warbird enthusiast Steve Cowell, a San Fernando Valley native.

 

 

• North American B-25J Mitchell Bomber "Heavenly Body" - One of the only remaining bombers of its kind, the B-25J Mitchell is one of America’s most celebrated airplanes of World War II. After the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, it was used by Gen. Doolittle for the famous Tokyo Raid in which all 16 bombers flown reached their targets. When news of the raid was released, American morale zoomed from the depths to which it had plunged following Japan’s successes. In April 1992, "Heavenly Body" was the first B-25 in 50 years to fly from the deck of an aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Ranger in San Diego Bay, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Doolittle flight. Based at Van Nuys Airport, the aircraft is flown by an all-volunteer crew to air shows throughout the U.S., preserving aviation history for generations to come.

 

 

• Boeing B-17 Bomber "Miss Angela" - One of the most famous airplanes ever built, the B-17 Flying Fortress served in every World War II combat zone, but is best known for daylight strategic bombing of German industrial targets. The Eighth Air Force based in Great Britain had the largest number of B-17s in its fleet and most challenging duty. They become known as the largest and most feared air armada of any country in any war, with the ability to task 2,000 bombers and 1,000 fighters on a single mission. The B-17 "Miss Angela" visits the San Fernando Valley for the first time from the Palm Springs Air Museum.

 

 

• Lockheed Super Constellation "Star of America" - Once the most luxurious airliner in the sky, "Star of America" is the only flying Lockheed Super Constellation in the U.S. The idea to locate and restore the "Connie," as it is affectionately called, was conceived in 1985 by a group of aviation enthusiasts in Kansas City well after the aircraft had disappeared from the skies. The aircraft was located in the Arizona desert, flown to Kansas City and restored to like-new condition, complete with an original TWA paint scheme. The "Star of America" is based at the Airline History Museum at Kansas City and has been featured in motion pictures and television, including the Academy-Award winning film “The Aviator.”