By L.J. Gambone
For the Apple Valley Review
Prepare for takeoff.
For the 15th year in a row, the Apple Valley Airshow will bring its exciting lineup of aerobatic pilots, skydivers, warbirds and more to the Apple Valley Airport, 21600 Corwin Road, Apple Valley. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
According to Terry Stover, manager of the Apple Valley Airport, the event will feature some of Southern California’s most renowned performers, including Tim Just, John Collver, Rob Harrison, Dr. D and West Coast Ravens.
Stover said the show is the only one of its kind in the High Desert and is an experience local residents won’t want to miss.
“We are offering an airshow that is extremely unique and packed with all kinds of great activities,” said Stover. “And it’s very inexpensive, so people can afford to bring their whole family. As far as I know, there’s nothing like this at all in the High Desert.”
Stover said among the planes that will be featured in flight will be the F4U Corsair, Yakovlev YAK-3, B-25 Mitchell, P-51 Mustang and Wardog Zlin 142C. Collver will fly a World War II trainer aircraft and Just will dazzle airshow spectators with a daredevil performance in his Extra 300, Stover said.
Dr. D is set to perform aerobatic moves in his antique Taylorcraft plane.
“Dr. D’s little plane is old and slow but he will really wow the crowd with different maneuvers,” said Stover.
Along with the flights, the airshow will feature a variety of static displays of aircraft, as well as a glider demonstration by the Antelope Valley Soaring Club. Antique aircraft from the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino also will be on display.
“We’re honored to have aircraft from Planes of Fame and love how they bring a touch of nostalgia to the show,” said Stover. “Some of these planes are 60 to 70 years old.”
For the first time ever, the Apple Valley Airshow will present a glider demonstration in which the aircraft will be towed into the air by a larger plane and then let go. Stover said it’s sure to be a thrilling sight.
“We’re very excited about this taking place,” said Stover. “I’m sure it’s going to be really something to see and a big hit with our attendees.”
Those who attend the airshow also will have the opportunity to view experimental planes, as well as 25 classic and modern cars. Several pilots also are scheduled to be on hand to sign autographs and answer questions.
And back by popular demand will be the All 4 Kids Pediatric Dentistry Kids Area, according to Stover.
“The area for the kids is going to include rock climbing and a mini bungee jump,” said Stover. “The parents love this feature of our event because it keeps their children busy while they’re watching the show. And we put it in a place where the kids can be seen by their parents at all times.”
The Apple Valley Airshow’s festivities are set to kick off with a performance of the National Anthem by the Hi-Country Harmonaires, a four-part barbershop group.
“While the guys are singing, Just in Time Skydivers will parachute out of a plane and open a huge American flag,” Stover said.
“The Harmonaires also are going to have a booth at the show, as well. They are looking to recruits singers and also plan on doing performances at their booth throughout the day.”
Aerial demonstrations are scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admission is $5 and youngsters under the age of 11 are free. Parking also will be free.
No animals except service animals will be allowed at the event. Large coolers, alcoholic beverages, canopies and large umbrellas will not be allowed. The airshow staff suggests bringing chairs, sitting blankets, sunglasses, hats and sunscreen.
For more information, visit www.sbcountywingscom.