On Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:06:33 -0700 (PDT), Ricky
wrote:
In 4 weeks I will attend an airshow I've never been to; "Wings Over
Houston." Show is going on in spite of Ike, which was a concern.
The main reason is to experience the most hardcore, insane aerobatics
I've ever seen, Sean D. Tucker. Follow links to a 13 minute, full
performance video here if you'd like; http://www.oracle.com/cluboracle/teamoracle/index.html
If you've never seen Tucker perform I highly recommend this if you
enjoy aerobatics.
The Late Jimmy Franklin came pretty dang close to Sean Tucker's
spectacular flying, especially with the jet-powered Waco biplane,
simply unbelievable! In fact, it was during the intensity of that
performance that Franklin lost his life. Here's a video of his jet-
powered Waco; http://www.youtube.com/watchv=BqVkbq...eature=related
Thunderbirds are also featured this year.
Has anyone been to Wings Over Houston? Dumb question but should I
expect a big crowd? Which is the less-crowded day, saturday or sunday?
Thanks for any help.
Ricky
************************************************** *******
Ricky
I'm in Houston and have heard nothing about any canx of the show. Wx
has been dry and power back on to almost all of the area since Ike
went thru..
I'm retired AAC/USAF and enjoy the heavy iron I flew during my long
time in Military.
Last year got in cockpit of the P-40 and P-51, which I last flew over
60 years ago, to refresh my memory so my War stories would continue to
be correct.
There are two types of tickets. Regular ticket gets you on ramp and
close up to all the aircraft. You have access to talk to the owner or
his rep about the bird. The ramp is a hugh ex military ramp. Lots of
room for people and birds. If ground activities in Air Show are a
priority then you should 'camp out' in the front row near fence as you
will see a lot of old heads do. Check the show time on the schedule
you get.
They close part of the static display area before the Air Show and run
every one out so they can start engines and taxi without hitting any
one.
There is an area where you can buy souvenirs, food and beverage, also
on ramp. Don't think there is any prohibition to coolers if you want
to carry around?
Many people carry folding chairs to sit down when Air Show goes on.
Most years the sun has been out with no clouds (date is in the fall
and normally good Wx) and you need some kind of a hat/cap and possibly
some sun cream for exposed arms if not tanned prior.
Parking is in open areas behind the flight line where old military
buildings were removed years ago. It is on grass and not good if
rainy. There is no shuttle busses in parking area and if you arrive
late you may have to walk up to a quarter mile to a entry gate.
There is good control of cars entering Field and individuals at all
intersections to direct you to the open parking areas so you don't
have to wander around to try to find a spot, There will be spots to
park where you are directed.
I have gone both days (Sat and Sunday) and there was to the eye, lots
of people both days, so I'd say what ever is ur best day. I'd check
the Wx and go the best Wx day as if we have T-storms in area it
sometimes effects the Air Show.
The other type of ticket is the VIP ticket. You get to park on cement
close to the VIP gate and have access to a tent with free food and
drink. Also a spot to watch Air Show with chairs or at tables where
you can eat and drink (Bud draft last year) to keep from getting
dehydrated in hot sun
)
You also get a bag with a cap (did last year) and other trinkets.
If you have any specific questions I have not covered ask and I'll try
to answer. I have never talked to anyone who was disappointed with
their day there, so am sure you will enjoy it unless we have another
Ike come thru
).
I live in NW Houston in a heavily wooded area. A number of big trees
2-3 foot in diameter went down, some without hitting anything but
others into houses and other structures and power lines. Lots of
neighbors, some who had chain saws, cut the trees that fell across
streets up and moved the sections out of street so that fire and
police could get in subdivision and of course the residences could get
in and out. Lots of mutual help here not like New Orleans. Lots of
limbs 2-3 inches in diameter and also lots of smaller branches in my
yard. I have a pile of these 6 feet high and 20 feet long in the road
easement along with about 25 bags of small stuff to be picked up by
city. I came thru very good. No damage to any of my structures. but
had no power for 12 days and an hour after I finally borrowed a
generator from a friend, the power came back on. (should have gotten
earlier as always happens when you take some action for a problem and
is solved as soon as you make ur move). Made him an offer after we
were back in business (power back on) and bought (have talked for
years about doing) and now have a good size one that I need to figure
just what I can run with it. Think I can run A/C, Ice box, TV and a
few reading lights but will see. Maybe just everything but A/C? Am
going to put in a double pole double throw knife switch in a locked
box (for safety) so I can use the house wiring instead of stringing
drop cords all over to get power to where I want.
Not sure which day I have the VIP tickets for, as one of the group
bought the tickets for all of us (carload) but probably Sunday. If
there, you can look for an old guy with white hair and a close cut
beard in a electric scooter and we can shake hands.
Hope u enjoy the show.
Big John