FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2008
Punta Gorda, Florida
“ONE OF OUR BEST SHOWS EVER!”
That was the response of Fred Buckingham and Bucky McQueen who head up the Florida International Air Show board. Their comments came after the 28th air show in the Punta Gorda community wrapped up Sunday night at the Charlotte County Airport.
The attendees on both Saturday and Sunday were near record levels, and they enjoyed outstanding shows on both days. The weather, which was a concern early, was beautiful. The amazing blue skies made a great back drop for all of the acts. It was so clear both days that the crowd never lost sight of the Thunderbirds as they soared around the airport.
While the exact figures will not be known for several weeks, what is known is this year’s show will be in the top three of all time, both in attendance and financially. That is good news for the charities of the area that receive support from the sponsors of the Florida International Air Show.
The success is also good news for the 800 volunteers who put the show together. Their jobs this year were made a little harder by the sharing of the tarmac with Skybus and the probability of severe weather arriving during the show. On Friday, in fact, weather conditions up north kept some acts from making it to the show.
By Saturday morning, Skybus was no longer flying. That change became a major issue for air boss Bob Hall. He had planned openings in his flying schedule for Skybus. Without them, and with the loss of acts from the weather, he needed to fill those holes in the flying schedule. That was accomplished with help of several of our performers who stepped up and flew additional performances.
Fred Buckingham summed it up for all of those involved: "It was a great weekend and a safe air show."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2007
Las Vegas, NV
Next April, a new look is coming for the 28th annual Florida International Air Show, and some old friends are returning.
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds announced today in Las Vegas that they will return for the 7th time to the southwest Florida show. And, for the 11th time the US Army Golden Knights will kick off each show with their dramatic “Flag Jump.”
When they arrive, the team will find a new and better look at the Charlotte County Airport. With the coming of Skybus and commercial air service to Punta Gorda, some changes needed to be made by airport management. It also means some changes for the Florida International Air Show.
A better layout with better seating and more crowd pleasing entertainment will make for an exciting weekend. Skybus is already here, and with the return of the Thunderbirds, Air Boss of the show, Bob Hall, is excited. He said, “We are happy with the changes. The people will see more of the Thunderbirds, and we will actually incorporate flights by Skybus into our show.”
Also returning to this years show is Hall of Fame pilot Patty Wagstaff. Patty is a six-time member of the US Aerobatic Team, she has won the gold, silver and bronze medals in Olympic-level international aerobatic competition and is the first woman to win the title of US National Aerobatic champion. And, she has won it three times.
The 2008 version of the show will be presented on the weekend of April 5th. For more information on the show and performers, watch the show website at www.floridaairshow.com.
VIRTUAL ARMY EXPERIENCE
Number 526 on the Ramp Layout
THE VIRTUAL ARMY EXPERIENCE COMES TO THE 2008 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW
Virtual Test Drive of the U.S. Army Offered in Interactive Mission Simulation
WHAT:
Florida International Air Show attendees will have the opportunity to employ state-of-the-art military technology in a virtual terrorist mission in the U.S. Army’s Virtual Army Experience. This high-tech, team-based experience that immerses participants in the operational roles of Soldiers will be open to the public from April 5-6.
The Virtual Army Experiences lets participants choose from a variety of activities. Participants employ teamwork, rules of engagement, leadership and high-tech equipment as they take part in a virtual mission. They also play the popular America’s Army PC game against real Soldiers.
Visitors can also meet heroic Soldiers featured in America’s Army Real Heroes program, which tells the stories of Soldiers who have earned citations for bravery and valor. America’s Army Real Hero, Sergeant Jason Mike, who received a Silver Star for his role in Operation Iraqi Freedom will be onsite and available for media interviews.
THE MISSION EXPERIENCE:
This Virtual Army Experience provides participants with a clear insight into today’s high-tech Army. In the 20-minute experience, participants receive a mission briefing to prepare them for entering the virtual combat operation Participants then fall-in on HMMWV simulators modeled on vehicles employed by Army Special Forces, and onto a covering position where they work as a team to employ light arms and TOW anti-tank missiles to defeat the enemy. Upon mission completion, participants receive a debriefing on their performance.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
The Media is invited to follow participants through the Virtual Army Experience. Onsite interviews are currently available with America’s Army Real Heroes and Army Soldiers from April 5-6
