Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival

Military Demos

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds *NOTE: Military Act Participation suspended due to Sequestration

US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet Demo Team *NOTE: Military Act Participation

suspended due to Sequestration

Warbird Acts

Aerostars

       DAV Flight Team B-25J Mitchell "Panchito" from Rag Wings & Radials

Wingwalker Tony Kazian aboard Dave Dacy's Super Stearman

Dave Dacy Super Stearman Solo

Jim "Fang" Maroney Super Chipmunk Air Shows

Tim Brutsche L-39 Demo

*NOTE: Military Act Participation Suspended due to Sequestration

Statement from Barb Haluszka, Field of Flight Executive Director:
As a result of SEQUESTRATION, The Department of Defense has directed the Air Force and all the military services that provide aviation support to “public events” to stand down for the 2013 fiscal year. As Brig. Gen. Les Kodlick, Director of Air Force Public Affairs, said in early March, “engaging with the public is a core Air Force mission, and communication and connecting with the public is more important today than ever before. However, faced with deep budget cuts, we have no choice but to stop public aviation support.” We are optimistic that our government will reassess the value of that mission soon. Meanwhile, the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival IS A GO!

With a thundering roar, the United States Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet returns to Battle Creek skies at the 2013 Field of Flight.

Hailing from Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, this years F/A-18F Super Hornet is part of Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) known as the "Gladiators". This year's pilot is Lieutenant Jared "Stewie" Strout, a Super Hornet Instructor at VFA-106 that has numerous hours built up in the Super Hornet.

The F/A-18F Super Hornet was developed, along with the E Model Super Hornet from the older F/A-18 Hornet models. The plane was planned back in the 80's by McDonnell Douglas under the project name "Hornet 2000". McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) decided to initially call it the "Hornet II" to improve early F/A-18 models and serve as an alternate replacement for the aging Grumman A-6 Intruder attack aircraft. The Navy had planned on getting a naval version of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, which was the Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter.

However, that program was cancelled, so the "Super Hornet" was proposed. The Super Hornet is 20 percent larger, and 7,000 pounds heavier when empty. The Super Hornet is able to carry 33% more internal fuel with a higher mission range and endurance. The Super Hornet, compared to the older Hornet models, also serve as a refueling platform for other aircraft. In addition to it filling a tactical airborne tanker role, the aircraft has a payload almost matching the mighty Grumman F-14 Tomcat.

The Super Hornet first flew on November 29th, 1995 and have been in service ever since 1999. They have replaced Grumman F-14 Tomcats in service for the United States Navy. Super Hornets are powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofan engines which ensure the aircraft can reach a speed of Mach 1.8 (which is roughly 1,190 miles per hour), the speed of its predecessor, the F/A-18 Hornet. However, it's increased size, operations, payload and range ensure that it is actually a completely new aircraft.

The Super Hornet will help take the Navy into the future. Presently, 500 Super Hornets have been built and they are still in production by Boeing and will remain in service for many years to come.

Make sure you see this amazing aircraft July 6th-7th at the Field of Flight.

VFA-106 Website: http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/vfa106/Pages/default.aspx
US Navy TAC Demo Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/US-Navy-Tac-Demo/140116396072816?fref=ts

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Airshow Outreach Program will be in Battle Creek for the Field of Flight this year and they will be bringing the amazing, beautiful and historic B-25J Mitchell "Panchito" from Rag Wings & Radials with them.

About the DAV & the DAV Flight Team: "DAV Flight Team travels to airshows across the country spreading the DAV's message of care and compassion for the nation's sick and disabled veterans. Twin engine B-25 Mitchell Bomber assists with the mission reminding us of the sacrifices veterans make for freedom" (DAV Flight Team Website). 

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) are a non-profit charity organization that helps and empowers wounded, injured or ill veterans to lead successful and healthy lives following their service to our nation. The DAV is a strong and influential advocate that makes sure no one forgets the sacrifices they made and to ensure that they are getting the treatments they deserve and need. Each year, they assist with more than 300,000 claims to obtain benefits throughout the USA and Puerto Rico. No other organization has helped more veterans lead high-quality lives. Make sure you visit the DAV website to receive more information on them and possibly make a contribution to making sure these veterans get what they deserve. From educating the lawmakers of our country, to educating the public about important issues regarding disabled veterans, the DAV promotes its message of hope to all who have served.

The DAV Flight Team is the driving (or flying?) component of the DAV Airshow Outreach Program. This program was "developed to increase public awareness of disabled veterans and to serve veterans in communities across the nation. The program reminds the public of the sacrifices veterans have made and continue to make to keep our nation free. Each event features an extensive media campaign, airshow performance and interactive DAV Flight Team Display. The Display includes your chance to see the B-25 "Panchito" up close and personal. In addition, you can sign the DAV guestbook, the framed B-25 Photo, meet the crew and much more. The DAV representatives will be on hand throughout the event to talk to veterans and their families. The DAV Aviation Outreach program is presented by the Disabled American Veterans with efforts provided by AirSupport LLC as well.

About the B-25 Mitchell: The B-25 was developed by the North American Aircraft Company and named after the outspoken General Billty Mitchell, who proved that bombers could destroy targets and that wars could be decided from the air and not just from land and sea. The B-25 is a powerful and famous twin engine medium bomber that was used in numerous theaters during World War II and following. The B-25 Mitchell is most famous for the mission the aircraft was used for on April 18th, 1942. Of course, this was the "Doolittle Raid", America's response to the attack on Pearl Harbor the previous December. This is when sixteen B-25s commanded by Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle launched from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (the first time Army bombers and non-fighters had ever been launched from an aircraft carrier) and lead a daring raid over Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya & Kobe. Just this year, the Doolittle Raiders met up and had their final reunion.

About "Panchito": The B-25J "Panchito" appearing in Battle Creek sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans Airshow Outreach Program and coming to the field from Rag Wings & Radials. This is, without a doubt, one of the most beautifully restored B-25s that are flying today. While this is not the original "Panchito", the aircraft is painted and named to replicate its namesake. The original "Panchito" served with the 396th Bomb Squadron, 41st Bomb Group, 7th Air Force stationed in the Central Pacific. It was named after the rooster from the Disney animated musical "The Three Caballeros". The aircraft served a vital role in several attacks on Japanese strongholds in Southern Japan as well as in Eastern China. "Panchito" was scheduled to fly another important bombing mission over Japan, but this was the same day that Japan surrendered, ending World War II.

Make sure you come see Living History at this year's Field of Flight. The B-25 "Panchito" will fly Saturday & Sunday during the Air Show. When not flying, the aircraft will be on Static Display with the DAV Exhibit. Make sure you stop on by, see the aircraft up close, sign the picture and learn more about the DAV and on how you can contribute to this organization.

DAV Website:  http://www.dav.org/

DAV Airshow Outreach Program Website: http://davflightteam.blogspot.com/

Rag Wings & Radials "Panchito" Website:  http://www.ragwingsandradials.com/main/main_message.aspx?db=B25story

AirSupport LLC "DAV Outreach" Website:  http://www.airsupport.com/dav-flight-team.html

DAV Flight Team Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/davflightteam

B-25 "Panchito" Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/B-25-Panchito/135332682696

Tony Kazian will be returning to Battle Creek in 2013 to walk on the wings of Dave Dacy's Super Stearman.

Tony Kazian is a second generation wing-walker. His father is the legendary Johnny Kazian, who is known for reincarnating barnstorming, wing-walking antics. Tony trained with his father, so he has amassed a terrific amount of experience. With this experience, Tony began wing-walking in 1988 and took over the families show business when his father retired.

Tony Kazian has been performing as part of the Dacy Airshow Group since 1997. He brings the thrill and excitement of Super Stearman Wing-walking to the center stage. With no parachute, no ropes and no cables, Tony's freestyle performance on and about the wings of Dave Dacy's Super Stearman is awe-inspiring and is guaranteed to capture the attention of all in attendance. By day, Tony is a skilled auto mechanic. On weekends however, he walks on air.

Don't miss the incredible talents of two highly skilled airshow professionals teaming up to present an amazing wing-walking performance that is 'second to none'. The duo will perform on July 6th & 7th. Dave Dacy will also perform a Solo Routine in the Super Stearman.

Website: https://dacyairshows.com

Jim "Fang" Maroney will be making his Battle Creek debut at this year's Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival. "Fang" is one of the most respected pilots in the world, with so much flight experience stemming back to when he was 4 years old.

Jim Maroney joined the Navy/Marines and began flying T-34C's out of NAS Pensacola, Florida and graduated #1 in 1981 out of 1500 pilots. Just two years later, he received the coveted TOP GUN Trophy for ranking #1 in his class at Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOP GUN) in Miramar, California. His military career would continue following his career with the Navy/Marines when he began flying F-4s and eventually F-16s for the North Dakota Air National Guard. While with the guard, Jim Maroney flew Combat Air Patrols over Washington from September 11th, 2001 to November of 2001. Jim retired from military service in 2002 and has been an airline captain flying 757s since. Jim has always had a love of aerobatics and has been performing aerobatics & airshows for over 27 years.

Jim "Fang" Maroney flies a DeHavilland Super Chipmunk. The Super Chipmunk is a modified DeHavilland Chipmunk. Chipmunks were built in 1956 for the Canadian Air Force as a primary trainer and served numerous years in this role essentially making it a warbird. The Chipmunk became the "Super Chipmunk" by being modified, in numerous ways. The aircraft had 3 feet of the wings clipped off, 30% more rudder added, 10% more elevator, airframe strengthened, inverted oil system added and an upgrade from 145 HP engine to a 260 HP IO-540 Lycoming Engine. This gives the aircraft a top speed of 200 miles per hour and gives it more agility than the original Chipmunk.

"Fang" takes the Super Chipmunk and performs an amazing & breathtaking display. The thrill begins right from takeoff when you see a modified warbird do what a warbird wasn't meant to do. The performance is complete with slow speed flight, fast maneuvers, outside loops and some crazy gyroscopic maneuvers. The performance ends with a "standing ovation"...not necessarily by the audience, but by "Fang" himself. As the aircraft makes it down the flightline, Jim will be standing up in the cockpit waving at the audience with both hands. Talk about amazing!

Website: http://www.superchipmunkairshows.com/

Battle Creek's own Tim Brutsche will take to his hometown skies this summer in his Soviet Bloc L-39 Albatros.

The L-39 is one of the most popular jet warbirds in the United States. The aircraft was built by the Czechoslovakian Aero Vodochody in the 1960s to replace the L-29 Delfin. The aircraft was the first of the second-generation jet trainers and the first to use a turbofan engine. The aircraft began mass production in 1971 and concluded production in 1999. It experienced service in many locations around the world (some still using L-39s) including the Soviet Air Force, Czechoslovak Air Force, Libyan Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and many others. Here in the United States however, they are all civilian owned.

Tim "Dawg" Brutsche is the owner and president of Brutsche Concrete. He has been flying for 34 years (12 of those in jets) and holds an ATP commercial pilots license as well as an instrument rating. Over the years, he has accrued over 5800 hours of flying. Dawg loves encouraging kids to follow their dreams. This is proven by his 28 year volunteer check pilot and instructing service he has done with the Civil Air Patrol. Tim resides in Battle Creek with his wife of 29 years, Kathy.
Dawg's performance in Battle Creek will consist of amazing maneuvers that showcase what the L-39 was capable of in both training and attack settings. It's a demonstration that will surely be amazing.

Don't miss this performance on July 6th & 7th.