March 26-27, I had the privilege of covering the Florida International Air Show staged at the Charlotte County Airport.  The event was well-run and true pleasure.  Smaller than Sun N Fun, I particularly enjoyed not fighting huge crowds.  Below is a reprint of my article published by Examiner.com.

A crowd watched as pilot Patty Wagstaff maneuvered her Extra 300S through the twists, turns, and tumbles of an aerobatic ballet on the first day of the Florida International Air Show in Punta Gorda.   One boy excitedly shouted, “That was awesome!” and his mom reminded him it was just the beginning.

The Florida International Air Show celebrated its 31^st year this past weekend.  More than family- fun and entertainment, the show also raises money for local charities and promotes aviation and aerospace education through displays, hands-on activities, and commentary during performances.

The show hosted a historical event this year.  For the first time, three of five surviving Doolittle Tokyo Raiders met with a Chinese delegation for a “Commemorative Gathering,” representing their appreciation for the effort and sacrifices made by the Chinese people to protect the Raiders from capture during World War II.   The Doolittle Raid, depicted in the film Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, is the popular name given to a mission flown by the United States Air Force, Army, and Navy in April, 1942.  As the announcer introduced the three war heroes and the Chinese delegation, applause erupted and the crowd stood in respect.  Following the gathering, Colonel Richard E. Cole, Staff Sgt. David J. Thatcher, and Major Thomas C. Griffin, met with the public to answer questions and sign autographs.

New this year, the Heavy Metal Jet Team performed. This is the first air show season for the team of five L-39s, one of only a few civilian jet teams in North America.  Their planes looked dapper in a grey-tone Arctic camouflage paint-scheme as they executed a precision routine to grinding heavy metal music.  The formation team of four alternated with their soloist, keeping the action constant and the crowd’s heads swiveling.

Performances by an A-10 Warthog, F-22 Rapter, F-4U Corsair, two B-25s, a P-51 Mustang, F-16, OTTO the Helicopter, Jacquie “B” Warda in her 1986 Pitts S-1T, and the Misty Blues All Woman Skydiving Team filled the sky with exhilaration and history.  On the ground, the Glory Days Jet Dragster burned three gallons of Jet A fuel every second as it raced down the runway producing 8,000 pounds of thrust with its afterburner.

Throughout the day, announcers Danny Clisham and Charlie Shoe shared their knowledge of history, aircraft, and pilots, adding interesting background to the breathtaking maneuvers and gut-vibrating noise.  The pool in the kid’s play area, and vendors serving fresh squeezed lemonade, became increasingly popular as the day warmed up.

The Florida International Air Show is a non-profit corporation donating all profits to local charities, a reported $2.5 million to date.  Last year inclement weather forced the cancellation of one day of the show, sadly preventing any contributions.  This year clear skies and mild temperatures attracted roughly 55,000 people over the weekend, raising hopes that the charitable gifts will be significant for 2011.