Amador County – After 25 years, the Rancho Murieta Airshow is back, and set for Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 19.
Rancho Murieta airport owner Bradley Beer wants to bring back the “magical mix of top notch talent and military might that makes this airshow memorable and recognizes our troops on Armed Forces Day.” He plans it to be an annual event every May on Armed Forces Day.
Rancho Murieta Airshows are considered legendary. Beer said his idea is first and foremost to have fun. Beer is passionate about connecting with his community and with others who love flying as much as he does and he wants to bring back the magic that Fred Anderson achieved 25 years ago with the original Rancho Murieta Airshow, first staged with John Sullivan in 1984.
Sullivan said it started “as an airshow for our friends.” They came out, enjoyed a catered lunch, took their seats, and were treated to non-stop airshow action for more than four hours. The aerial demonstrations were unprecedented. ¶ The mastermind of the airshow was Art Negrette who worked with Sullivan to choreograph what Sullivan calls the “aerial ballet.” One 1987 show schedule lists performers and military flights from 12:50, then every 5-15 minutes depending on the performance, right up until the Thunderbirds’ 45-minute show at 4:07. Four hours of non-stop action.
The seemingly ancient rosters include the U-2, B-1, F-117, AV-8 Harrier, SR-71 Blackbird, and appearances by B-52s, B-25s and B-17s; with aircraft flown by Bob Hoover, Team America, Jimmy Franklin, Julie Clark, and Craig Hosking.
The 2012 Rancho Murieta Airshow will honor veterans and troops with the top talent in the industry, and is hosted by Rancho Murieta’s EAA Chapter1476. A portion of the proceeds will directly benefit the U.S.O., supporting our soldiers and their families, giving the show direction, and a worthy goal.
Airshow announcer great, Sandy Sanders of Sutter Creek will be the Master of Ceremonies. Airshow veteran Wayne Handley will be on hand to give play-by-play commentary on the aerobatics.
The talent is Julie Clark (in her T-34 Mentor), Bill Stein (in a Zivko, Edge 540), Eddie Andreini ( in a Stearman, PR13D with a 540hp Pratt Whitney), Vicky Benzing (in an Extra 300/S), Dan Buchanan (in the Buchanan Airwave Pulse), Dan Vance (in a P-51 Mustang), and the Sanders’ (in a Hawker Sea Fury).
Gates open at 8:30, Saturday, May 19. Fly-ins are welcome, but check NOTAM’s. Call (916)354-9889 for ticket information.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
