THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 16, 1994 TAG: 9406150179
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940616 LENGTH: Medium
The free annual event began four years ago as a way to show off the Chesapeake-based airport's services, facilities and businesses, said airport administrator Brenda Mauldin.
{REST} Businesses based at the Bowers Hill airport include Backus Aerial Photos; Bay Avionics airplane radio equipment; Custom Sport Surfaces; Aerodyne machine shop and engine rebuilding; Rice School of Aviation, an engine repair school; Curtis Eads Flight School; and the Mercury Flight Center.
``We had always wanted to do something on an annual basis,'' Mauldin said. ``We wanted to show that we're not just planes flying, that we're more. We wanted to showcase the airport. A lot of people don't even know who we are.''
The Experimental Aircraft Association, a regional organization that builds and/or flies unique planes, will have a display of choice aircraft, including the the Baby Great Lakes, a blue-and-white, one-seat biplane.
``The association gives plane rides to children (ages 8-17),'' Mauldin said. ``After the plane ride, the youngster gets a certificate making him or her an `EAA Young Eagle.' ''
Also included at Aviation Adventure Day are demonstrations of radio-controlled airplanes, crop duster stunts that will have planes flying two feet above the ground, radio-controlled model helicopter flights by the Tidewater Whirlybirds, rides in one- and two-seat gliders and flights by the Paraplane, a special one-seat combination airplane and parachute built by Chesapeake police officer Ben Thacker.
If it's stunts you want, the high-flying event will have those, too.
``We will be featuring aerobatics by the Curtis Eads Flying School,'' Mauldin said. ``Mr. Eads will perform many exciting flying stunts in his Pitts Special airplane.''
The Confederate Air Force also will be there. Mauldin said the group's runway display will feature classic World War I and II warplanes, including the C60A Loadstar transport plane.
``That plane will be the biggest thing on the airfield,'' she said.
Weather permitting, the event will feature tethered hot air balloon rides for brave fans of lighter-than-air aircraft.
There will be demonstrations by the Virginia Power Bucket Truck, clog dancing by the Country Kickers and soap bubble stunts.
Displays will include a military pilot encampment, fire engines and ambulances, classic and customized cars, the Nightingale, cars from the Porsche Automobile Club and military aircraft, including a Coast Guard H-60 Jay Hawk, an Air Force F-15 mini-jet and military vehicles from World War II through the Vietnam War era.
For children, there will be a hay ride, pasta art by Olive Garden Restaurants, a petting zoo, face painting, prize drawings and other games and surprises.
Hungry patrons will be able to purchase all manner of food, including barbecue, hot dogs, funnel cakes, soft drinks and other snacks.
by CNB