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Nov 5, 2009 2:18 pm US/Eastern
Thunderbirds Roar Into Town For Homestead Air Show
"Wings Over Homestead," Show Is Back After 17 Year Hiatus
HOMESTEAD (CBS4) ―
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The world famous Thunderbirds will headline the air show at Homestead Air Reserve Base.
Courtesy of Wings Over Homestead /CBS
The U.S. Air Force's jet fighter show squadron The Thunderbirds roared into Homestead Air Force Base Thursday for this weekend's "Wings Over Homestead Air Show."
The free shows, which will feature more daredevil stunts than ever before, will take to the skies this Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. at the Homestead Air Reserve Base. This is the first time the show is being staged since Hurricane Andrew ripped through South Miami-Dade County 17 years ago.
"It is fantastic to be back in Miami," said Air Force Major Sean Gustafson, a Thunderbird pilot who used to call South Florida home. "I lived in Palmetto Bay for about three years and absolutely loved it, loved the community, loved the area, loved the weather and its just great to be back here in Miami."
The world famous Thunderbirds acrobatic team will headline this year's show with their breathtaking show. Thunderbird pilot Major Rick Goodman said while the crowd 'oohs' and 'aahs' on the ground, it's a very different story in the air.
"We definitely get a chance to look down, see the crowd, see the reaction but to be honest we're concentrating on doing the best show we possibly can," said Goodman. "While we're flying it's an absolute exhilarating work out. There's a lot of G-force acting on our body and we're thinking a million miles a minute."
Wings Over Homestead will also feature everything from biplanes and supersonic jets to rocket cars. Aerobatic and wing-walking routines will also be a part of the action in the air.
"We have a huge schedule of events and we are aiming for no dead time in the show." Katie Spencer- Senior Airman 482 Fighter Wing at Homestead Reserve
Admission and parking are absolutely free. The Air Force is sponsoring the show to thank the South Florida citizens and communities for their continued support of the military and veterans. No food will be allowed on the base for security reasons, but there will be vendors serving food and drink on site. Show officials suggest bringing lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable viewing.
At 3 p.m. the gates to the base will close both days and aircraft enthusiasts are urged to arrive early to make sure they have a prime seat for the "Thunderbirds," performance.
This year's show has added significance for former Homestead Air Reserve base pilot and Palmetto Bay resident Major Sean Gustafson who is a pilot with the Thunderbirds. Sean has been flying with the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Team since 1953, and now after the rebuilding of the base following Hurricane Andrew, will have an opportunity to fly over his hometown once again.
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