Santa Fean Ken Kalstad put his beautiful SNJ through its paces.  Ken is a US Naval Academy graduate with many hours experience in a variety of planes from Stearmans to F/A-18s.

  Next up was the black and yellow checkerboard Pitts with Jon Melby driving.  His routine is a great match up with his new sponsor “Verve” Energy Drinks.  The energy level is huge, the smoke is huge and the grins on the crowd were huge.

  Bob Carlton filled in during a brief intermission by firing up the jet engine on his “Super Salto” and showed the crowd the new engine smoke system.  Bob and crew chief Mark Mocho had assembled the sailplane in the static display area after an unfortunate fuel mishap had grounded the plane.  Always a sport, Bob and Mark assembled and disassembled the “Super Salto” at 2 different schools, as part of the Rotary Club’s mission, in Tucumcari the day before the show. 

  The Southern California Wing of the CAF provided a truly historic moment when they launched 3 fine warbirds from the Iron Works, an FM-2 “Wildcat”, an F6F-5 “Hellcat” and an F-8F-2 “Bearcat”.  Flying in formation, they performed a simulated bombing run with the Mad Bomber, Roger Crawford providing the pyrotechnics.  The planes piloted by Carter Teeters, Terry Cedar and Jason Somes swooped around the sky, fireballs erupted from the ground and black smoke filled the area.  The sound of radial engines and the noise and shockwaves of the pyro ignition was quite a treat.

  After the formation flying the F-8F-2 Bearcat put on a solo show.  The plane is a nimble speed demon.   Second acts were flown by both Scott Lane and Jon Melby.  In between them Greg Poe performed in the Fagan MX-2. Greg is one of the best in the business and he puts on a tremendous show.  One advantage for me of a drab sky is that I got to really watch portions of the show.  Greg’s hovering abilities were really cool and his tumbling has to be seen, photographs will never do it justice. 

  The US Army Golden Knights had launched and were now at altitude for their afternoon jumps.  Once again the X on the taxiway in front of the crowd line was a popular spot for the team members.

  As the Canadian Snowbirds walked out for the day’s closing act the sky was showing a few breaks in the clouds.   The simultaneous smoke blast before releasing the brakes to taxi away brought the crowd forward.  Soon in the air, 9 sparkling headlights lit up in the grey east sky.  Smoke on now!  The graceful aerobatic ballet of the 9 CT-114 Tutor jets soon gave way to smaller groups in unison and the opposing solo passes.  The 5 plane Maple Leaf maneuver is jaw dropping as the planes’ paths all converge into what seems like one space and re-emerge from seeming chaos to leave show center in a starburst.

A large part of what makes this airshow so special is the people.  Everyone is down to earth, friendly and warm.  This includes all the performers and crews.  The Snowbirds, while always professional, would be right at home in a folding chair at a backyard BBQ.  The Fagan MX-2 team of Greg Poe, Dax Wanless and Dale Wolin are always friendly and approachable.  My special thanks to them for the aerial photo opportunities.  Thanks guys!  It was a hoot.  The Vertigo airshow folks, Bob Carlton and Mark Mocho always have smiles and new jokes.

  Our Airboss was Laurie Carlton and Mike Stogner assisted her in keeping the flow going strong and safety at the forefront.

  Bob Stovall, kept the crowd informed of what was happening in the sky and on the static and vendor areas.  The sound crew from Cannon AFB did a superb job and kept the Voice of the Sky coming through clearly.

  After the show we wrapped up the day with a tasty meal and a few beers at the Elks Lodge.  They are one of the many sponsors of this show.  (Too many to list!  Talk about a town that comes through for you.)  Later on, after all the goodbyes and the party had broken up, the rains came.