Scott AFB Air Power Over The Midwest September 19-20, 2009

Brief by Carmelo Turdo

1
2
3
4
5

  The Scott AFB “Thunder Over the Midwest” was held September 19-20. Saturday’s weather was delightful, with occasional cloud cover and pleasant temperatures that satisfied the crowd of 60,000. The weather did not cooperate on Sunday, however, with rain canceling flying for the day.

  The performers were traditional Scott AFB favorites, with a few additions. Typical Scott performers included the Golden Knights, local Air Mobility Command C-21, KC-135 and C-40 aircraft, F-16C Viper West, John Klatt, C-17, Randy Ball’s MiG-17, F/A-18C, and F-15E Demo Team. Also featured were Viper North MiG-15 and L-29, Tim Weber, Greg Poe, the F-4 Demo Team, Tora! Tora! Tora! and the Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. Aircraft based at Scott AFB were on static display, along with other military and civilian aircraft. The 747 Dreamlifter made another appearance, and a specially decorated DC-3 was also in attendance.
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

  The flying displays were spectacular, with special mention of the Heritage Flight consisting of Vlado Lenoch’s P-51D “Moonbeam McSwine” leading the F-16C, F-15E and QF-4E in numerous fly-bys. The headliners of the show, the Canadian Snowbirds, performed in their graceful formations and thrilling opposing solo maneuvers to the delight of the audience. After their show, a once-in-a-generation event in the Midwest, the Snowbird pilots graciously autographed team programs for all who gathered near the flight line.