Up into the wild blue yonder

Last weekend the Slidell Municipal Airport was abuzz with the roar of jet engines, and the appreciative gasps of spectators who watched a myriad of aircraft swoop, turn and dive during the fifth annual Slidell Air Show.

This year’s show was dedicated to the veterans, men and women who are serving in the global war on terrorism. In fact, one of the highlights of the air show was the U.S. Air Force A-10A Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team. The A-10A is an instrumental weapon in the war on terrorism. This jet fighter, commonly known as the “tank killer” has served in the Iraq and Afghanistan war fronts. Known for its low-flying capabilities, crowds at the Slidell Air Show were treated to how the A-10A Thunderbolt comes in low to attack tanks and ground troops.

Crowds at the show were also regaled by the aerobatic stunts of the Red Thunder Air Show Team, and the loops and dives of James Thibodeaux flying in his Pitts S2C biplane. There were also skydiving demonstrations by the local Skydive N’Awlins team, who opened the show by skydiving with an American flag during the opening ceremonies.

Spectators were also treated to a hands-on feel of all the aircraft. A company offered rides on a Huey helicopter to those who had the heart and nerve to take an aerial tour of the area around the airport. On the ground there were many aircraft, old and new lined up for people to look at and touch. A group of pilots from the Pensacola Naval Air Station helped kids get into the cockpit of a T-34 trainer plane so they could get a feel of what it was like to fly a real military plane.

The U.S. Coast Guard was also there, with an HH-65-C Dauphin helicopter and the crew demonstrated how they use the helicopter for search and rescue missions.

The picture-perfect weather with deep blue skies made the Slidell Air Show a huge success for the thousands that came out to see aviation at its finest.