This weekend’s Thunder In The Valley Air Show relies on a perfect balance of risk and caution.
“I think what people want to see is something that looks really dangerous, but people do it every day on a routine basis,” said pilot Gary Ward.
He’ll showcase solo and group performances at the annual Columbus air show. In an MX2, an aerobatic airplane, Ward will mesmerize guests while performing a variety of maneuvers in the air, including flying upside down.
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Thunder In The Valley Web site
Learn more: Team Chaos Extreme Airshows
What: Thunder In The Valley Air Show
When: Saturday and Sunday — gate opens 10 a.m., pre-show is noon-1 p.m., show is 1-5 p.m.
Where: Columbus Airport
Cost: $8 advance, $10 at gate, $6 military at Omega World Travel, $6 military at gate, free for kids 6 and younger. Advance tickets available at Columbus-area McDonald’s, Piggly Wiggly, Cricket Communications, JD Kinder's Furniture, Omega World Travel at Fort Benning and local Wachovia Banks.
Parking: $10 at airport, $5 at Walmart, free parking with shuttle service from old Sears parking lot on the corner of Macon and Rigdon Road. Access lot from Rigdon Road.
Reminder: Tickets good for one day. Air show is scheduled rain or shine. No coolers, food or alcohol allowed upon entering gates.
Also, in an act dubbed Team Chaos, Ward’s MX2 and another airplane will be joined by a truck with a jet engine. The truck can travel 375 miles per hour, the team says.
“It’s all about showmanship. We’re there to entertain people,” said Ward, who hails from Lincolnton, Ga. His MX2 can travel about 240 miles per hour at level flight.
That kind of entertainment is one of the draws of the two-day air show at the Columbus Airport, an event Ward says he’s participated in for at least five years.
The show, which started as a local fly-in for aviation lovers, transformed quickly into a family-friendly event that attracts thousands of people in the Chattahoochee Valley. It benefits local youth organizations.
In addition to Ward’s acts, the Saturday and Sunday performance lineup includes the Silver Wings Parachute Team, Paradise Aerobatics and much more. There will also be airplane rides and a variety of aircraft displays.
Like many aviation enthusiasts, Ward’s interest in flying began early.
“I’ve just been passionate about airplanes all my life,” said Ward, who started performing in air shows in 1998.
Along with the standard “oohs” and “aahs,” he receives a common response from spectators after completing his act:
“I was expecting somebody much younger to get out of the aircraft.”
Ward’s age? That’s top secret information, he maintains, noting only that he’s among the older pilots on the circuit.
Thankfully, the friendly skies don’t discriminate.
Sonya Sorich, reporter, can be reached at ssorich@ledger-enquirer.com or 706-571-8516.
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