As we enter the Labor Day Weekend, signaling the unofficial end of summer, here are some awe-inspiring sights of the season.
By Jeff Sovelove
The sounds of freedom roared through the sky at the 2022 New York Air Show at Orange County airport last weekend.
The US Air Force Thunderbirds were the headliners, but there was something for everyone at the show. For the best seat in the house, guests could sign up for rides in a helicopter or the B-25 “Panchito.”
Slideshow photos by Jeff Sovelove. Click/hover on images for captions:
Starting the show, the West Point parachute team made pinpoint landings as the National Anthem played.
Michael Goulian in his Extra 330SC thrilled the crowd with amazing aerobatics. An aviator for more than 30 years, Goulian performs all over the world.
Kent Peitsch did three different acts in his Jelly Belly Interstate Cadet, including graceful unpowered acrobatics, and a landing atop a moving truck.
2022 NY Air Show. Photo by Jeff Sovelove
A late addition to this year’s show was the P-40 Warhawk “Jacky C” from the American Airpower Museum. A Cold War jet trainer, the L-39, also performed. These jets are popular with pilots because they’re readily available and, as training aircraft, have a low cost of operation.
The B-25 Mitchell bomber “Panchito” demonstrated mock bombing- and strafing runs. During World War II, field crews modified the plane with as many as 19 forward-firing .50 caliber machine guns, and a 75 mm cannon for anti-shipping duties. That’s a lot of firepower!
And of course, the modern warbirds were there. The F-16 Viper Demo team and the US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstrated the power and capabilities of these aircraft. The Thunderbirds fly in tight formations, sometimes with only 18 inches separating their wingtips.
It’s highly unlikely that any aircraft enthusiasts went home disappointed.
