Feature Acts

Feature Acts

USAF Thunderbirds

We welcome back the USAF Thunderbirds as our feature act of WOH 2008. The demonstration show team of the United States Air Force will grace the skies over Ellington Field with amazing four- and six-ship flight formations, and breathtaking head-on passes by the two solo pilots.

From their fabled past to their storied present, the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is the premier demonstration squadron of the most elite air and space force the world has ever known. They are the best of the best: U.S. Air Force professionals teamed together to present precision aerial maneuvers that exhibit the capabilities of modern, high performance aircraft and the high degree of professional skill required to operate those aircraft.

The demonstrations themselves are unimaginable before you see them and unforgettable afterwards, but that is only a small fraction of what this team represents. The Air Force is engaged in global operations every day, fighting the Global War on Terror, defending our homeland, providing strategic deterrence and giving our nation unparalleled global vigilance, reach and power.

This year, the Thunderbirds celebrate 55 years of representing the more than 500,000 Airmen, National Guardsmen and Reservists worldwide. Whether at home in Las Vegas or at an air show on the other side of the world, the team embodies the same pride, precision and professionalism required to achieve uncontested air dominance anywhere, anytime.

Sean D. Tucker and "Team Oracle Extreme" Aerobatics

No one who has seen a performance by Sean D. Tucker will ever forget it. Tucker's work in the Oracle Bi-Plane provides his audiences with feats that are truly death-defying. Since beginning his air shows career in the mid-70's, Sean has flown more than 700 performances at more than 300 air shows, in front of more than 60-million fans. More than half of Sean's maneuvers are original and have never been duplicated by another aerobatic pilot. During his performance, Sean will fly the Oracle Challenger backwards at a speed of more than 100 mph, cut three ribbons in a single pass, perform his legnedary "Centrifuge" and "Son of Edwin" manuevers. The G-forces exerted on Sean when he is flying are greater than those on the pilots in modern fighters like the Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels.

Air Force Heritage Flight

The USAF Heritage Flight, this year featuring the A-10 Thunderbolt II and P-47 Thunderbolt, will take to the skies and make formation passes along the flight-line allowing you to compare the two eras of Thunderbolt jets and warbirds. The Air Force Heritage Flight is only flown by select civilian and military pilots who train together to learn the characteristics and differences between the modern jets and the prop-driven warbirds. (Aircraft to participate may vary.)

Julie Clark's CHEVRON Mentor T-34

A pilot for more than 38 years and a retired Northwest Airlines Captain, Julie Clark has logged more than 29,000 accident-free hours in the air and is rated in more than 66 types of aircraft. Julie's aerobatic routine in her restored CHEVRON Mentor T-34 is remarkable in its beauty and splendor and even more remarkable in that she exhibitis elegance in an airplane with flying manners best described as rugged. Her unique and patriotic presentation is breathtakingly choreographed to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA". Julie is sponsored by Chevron Global Aviation, a subsidiary of Chevron Products Company.

A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog" Demo

The A-10 was the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. It is a simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The A-10 Demo Team West is based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

Tora! Tora! Tora! / WWII Airpower Demo

Warbird fans will appreciate the World War II airpower demo, recreating many famous battles from WWII with prop-driven aircraft from the round-engine era. Favorite acts include the reenactment of the attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as many other flying examples of WWII trainer, fighter, and bomber aircraft. The sky will be filled with warbirds!

Navy Legacy Flight

An amazing comparison of modern and historic Naval aircraft will take flight in the US Navy Legacy Flight, this year featuring the F-18 and the Bearcat. Authorized by the U.S. government, select civilian and veteran pilots flying World War II-era aircraft will perform low-level formation flights with the modern military jet fighter aircraft of today. This match-up of jet and prop-driven aircraft will thrill the crowd as it makes passes along the flight line. (Aircraft to participate may vary.)

Korea / Viet Nam Firepower Demo

New this year will be a firepower demonstration with the Korea / Viet Nam era aircraft. Aircraft such as the Huey helicopter, AD-4 Skyraider, O-2 Forward Air Command "Oscar Duece", and AC-47 Spooky Gunship. These were some of the aircraft used during the Korean conflict, and the Viet Nam war.

RE/MAX Skydiving Team

Soaring through the clouds, the RE/MAX® Skydiving Team is a show-stopping start that leaves crowds wide-eyed and breathless. The jump team will "officially" open the Airshow with an artistic multi-jumper parachute leap over the airfield. The jump team will spiral and swirl trailing smoke, and will unfurl and deliver our Texas and U.S. flags at show center as the National Anthem is played.

Flash Fire Jet Truck

Racing airplanes at Air Shows at 350 miles per hour or screaming down the 1/4 mile drag strip in just over 6 seconds, this 12,000 horsepower fire breathing Flash Fire Jet Truck is a real crowd pleaser. With a thrust to weight ratio of almost 4 to 1, if pointed straight up, the Chevy extended cab pick-up could accelerate faster than the Space Shuttle. The 0-60 mph time is 1.5 seconds. During acceleration, Neal Darnell, the pilot of this awesome machine experiences 6 g's and when the 16' chute deploys to stop the truck it's 9 g's negative. The truck will actually slow down an unbelievable 100 mph in just over 1 second. The parachute when deployed will slow the truck from 350 to 250 mph in the 1st second, sometimes creating enough force for the truck to pull a 300 mph wheelie with the front wheels up to 18"in the air. Watch closely!

F-18 Hornet Demo

The F-18 Hornet is a carrier-based, single-seater, that serves two roles, representing the trend towards multi-use aircraft that are both fighters and attack airplanes. The Hornet joined the service in 1983. It was designed to replace the Navy's F-4 and A-7 aircraft. The F-18 and its variants is now the standard fighter in the Navy and Marine Corps, and is also flown by the US Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration team.

Dan Buchanan

Dan Buchanan launches with his glider from atop a moving vehicle driving down the runway at about 30mph with the flag, streamers and bright orange smoke trailing. He steadily tow-climbs to an altitude of 1,200 -1,800' while speaking live via a radio link to the audience. Now, watch as he descends, wheels, circles and dives to a stirring musical accompaniment. During his graceful descent, smoke and streamers trail behind, punctuated with brilliant flashes and streaks of custom special effects. Dan continues the fun by talking and waving to the crowd while landing smooth and slow right near the showline. It’s now when the crowd discovers that Dan can’t walk – as a police car with lights and siren screaming arrives and delivers his wheelchair.

C-17 "Globemaster III" Demo - Pending

The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft is also capable of performing tactical airlift and airdrop missions when required. The design of the aircraft allows it to operate through small, austere airfields. The C-17 can take off and land on runways as short as 3,000 feet and only 90 feet wide.

John McGillis' Extra 300L

John was born and raised on a ranch in the wide open ranges of Montana, but now calls Friendswood home. In 1978, he learned to fly in a PA18-150 Super Cub and a Cessna 185. In his 28 years of flying experience, John has flown numerous civilian aircraft models while developing his love of aerobatic manuevers. He has flown in competition in a Pitts and Extra 300S, and currently flies an Extra 300L in his thrilling show. John has competed in numerous aerobatic competitions and has won the "Highest Scoring First-Time Competitor" award. John also flies the corporate King Air 350 for BK Enterprises and Coastal Bend Property Development.

US Coast Guard HH-65C Dauphine Helicopter Demo

The United States Coast Guard will demonstrate the effectiveness of its short range recovery helicopter, the Aerospatiale Dauphine ("Dolphin") HH-65C. The Dolphin will "rescue" a person from the ground, demonstrating one if its important capabilities to the Coast Guard. The USCG rotary wing aircraft (HH-65 Dolphin and HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters) operate from flight-deck equipped Cutters, Air Stations and Air Facilities. The HH-65C is based at CGAS Houston.

D.A.V. B-25 "Doolittle Raider"

The Disabled American Veterans, representing more than 1.3 million disabled veterans, is a non-profit organization founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. It is dedicated to one, single purpose: building better lives for our nation’s disabled veterans and their families.

As part of a national airshow tour, the DAV will bring its timely and patriotic message on the wings of Dolittle Raider, a fully restored B-25 Mitchell Bomber. Throughout the airshow, DAV representatives will be on hand to provide information about veteran’s benefits and answer questions about DAV programs.

To learn more about DAV stop by our display at the airshow or go to www.dav.org.

AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter Demo - Pending

The AH-64A Apache is the Army's primary attack helicopter. It is a quick-reacting, airborne weapon system that can fight close and deep to destroy, disrupt, or delay enemy forces. The Apache is designed to fight and survive during the day, night, and in adverse weather throughout the world. The principal mission of the Apache is the destruction of high-value targets with the HELLFIRE missile.

"Glacier Girl" P-38 - Pending

Early morning on July 15, 1942, six Lockheed P-38's escorting two Boeing B-17's, were airborne on their way to Iceland. Hampered by bad weather and low on fuel, they were forced to land on the eastern coast of Greenland. After several days the pilots were rescued and planes were left to be recovered at a later date.

In the spring of 1992, the Greenland Expedition Society returned to Greenland for their fifth recovery attempt and using steam burrowed through 268 feet of ice to reach one of the Lockheed P-38s and brought it up piece by piece to the surface.

A decade later, on October 26th, 2002, after thousands of hours of work, the P-38 they recovered, now dubbed "Glacier Girl," took flight again. In March, 2007, Glacier Girl was sold to Lewis Aeronautical and now resides in San Antonio, Texas.

Oklahoma Air National Guard F-16's

Joinging us from Tulsa, Oklahoma, the 138th Fighter Wing of the Oklahom Air National Guard F-16's will perform formation fly-bys to help open our Airshow. The OkANG F-16's are on a constant state of readiness, protecting our nation for our Homeland Defense Air Sovereignty Alert mission.

Participating aircraft and flying schedules are subject to change without notice.

A few reminders...

Though set for the fall, Houston weather typically is hot and humid. Comfortable shoes and clothing, as well as sunscreen and sunglasses, are recommended as there are no indoor facilities.

Food and drink vendors will be set up throughout the grounds. Attendees may bring lawn chairs onto the grounds; however, glass bottles and alcoholic beverages may not be brought in. Airshow souvenirs will also be available.

Pets are not allowed on the grounds, and please don't leave them in the parking area!

No skateboards, bicycles, or rollerblades, please.

Alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, coolers, and large tote bags are prohibited.

Back to Main Page

October 25-26 Ellington Field Houston, Texas
	Feature Acts USAF Thunderbirds We welcome back the USAF Thunderbirds as our feature act of WOH 2008. The demonstration show team of the United States Air Force will grace the skies over Ellington Field with amazing four- and six-ship flight formations, and breathtaking head-on passes by the two solo pilots. From their fabled past to their storied present, the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is the premier demonstration squadron of the most elite air and space force the world has ever known. They are the best of the best: U.S. Air Force professionals teamed together to present precision aerial maneuvers that exhibit the capabilities of modern, high performance aircraft and the high degree of professional skill required to operate those aircraft. The demonstrations themselves are unimaginable before you see them and unforgettable afterwards, but that is only a small fraction of what this team represents. The Air Force is engaged in global operations every day, fighting the Global War on Terror, defending our homeland, providing strategic deterrence and giving our nation unparalleled global vigilance, reach and power. This year, the Thunderbirds celebrate 55 years of representing the more than 500,000 Airmen, National Guardsmen and Reservists worldwide. Whether at home in Las Vegas or at an air show on the other side of the world, the team embodies the same pride, precision and professionalism required to achieve uncontested air dominance anywhere, anytime. Back to Top Sean D. Tucker and "Team Oracle Extreme" Aerobatics No one who has seen a performance by Sean D. Tucker will ever forget it. Tucker's work in the Oracle Bi-Plane provides his audiences with feats that are truly death-defying. Since beginning his air shows career in the mid-70's, Sean has flown more than 700 performances at more than 300 air shows, in front of more than 60-million fans. More than half of Sean's maneuvers are original and have never been duplicated by another aerobatic pilot. During his performance, Sean will fly the Oracle Challenger backwards at a speed of more than 100 mph, cut three ribbons in a single pass, perform his legnedary "Centrifuge" and "Son of Edwin" manuevers. The G-forces exerted on Sean when he is flying are greater than those on the pilots in modern fighters like the Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels. Back to Top Air Force Heritage Flight The USAF Heritage Flight, this year featuring the A-10 Thunderbolt II and P-47 Thunderbolt, will take to the skies and make formation passes along the flight-line allowing you to compare the two eras of Thunderbolt jets and warbirds. The Air Force Heritage Flight is only flown by select civilian and military pilots who train together to learn the characteristics and differences between the modern jets and the prop-driven warbirds. (Aircraft to participate may vary.) Back to Top Julie Clark's CHEVRON Mentor T-34 A pilot for more than 38 years and a retired Northwest Airlines Captain, Julie Clark has logged more than 29,000 accident-free hours in the air and is rated in more than 66 types of aircraft. Julie's aerobatic routine in her restored CHEVRON Mentor T-34 is remarkable in its beauty and splendor and even more remarkable in that she exhibitis elegance in an airplane with flying manners best described as rugged. Her unique and patriotic presentation is breathtakingly choreographed to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA". Julie is sponsored by Chevron Global Aviation, a subsidiary of Chevron Products Company. Back to Top A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog" Demo The A-10 was the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. It is a simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The A-10 Demo Team West is based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. Back to Top Tora! Tora! Tora! / WWII Airpower Demo Warbird fans will appreciate the World War II airpower demo, recreating many famous battles from WWII with prop-driven aircraft from the round-engine era. Favorite acts include the reenactment of the attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as many other flying examples of WWII trainer, fighter, and bomber aircraft. The sky will be filled with warbirds! Back to Top Navy Legacy Flight An amazing comparison of modern and historic Naval aircraft will take flight in the US Navy Legacy Flight, this year featuring the F-18 and the Bearcat. Authorized by the U.S. government, select civilian and veteran pilots flying World War II-era aircraft will perform low-level formation flights with the modern military jet fighter aircraft of today. This match-up of jet and prop-driven aircraft will thrill the crowd as it makes passes along the flight line. (Aircraft to participate may vary.) Back to Top Korea / Viet Nam Firepower Demo New this year will be a firepower demonstration with the Korea / Viet Nam era aircraft. Aircraft such as the Huey helicopter, AD-4 Skyraider, O-2 Forward Air Command "Oscar Duece", and AC-47 Spooky Gunship. These were some of the aircraft used during the Korean conflict, and the Viet Nam war. Back to Top RE/MAX Skydiving Team Soaring through the clouds, the RE/MAX® Skydiving Team is a show-stopping start that leaves crowds wide-eyed and breathless. The jump team will "officially" open the Airshow with an artistic multi-jumper parachute leap over the airfield. The jump team will spiral and swirl trailing smoke, and will unfurl and deliver our Texas and U.S. flags at show center as the National Anthem is played. Back to Top Flash Fire Jet Truck Racing airplanes at Air Shows at 350 miles per hour or screaming down the 1/4 mile drag strip in just over 6 seconds, this 12,000 horsepower fire breathing Flash Fire Jet Truck is a real crowd pleaser. With a thrust to weight ratio of almost 4 to 1, if pointed straight up, the Chevy extended cab pick-up could accelerate faster than the Space Shuttle. The 0-60 mph time is 1.5 seconds. During acceleration, Neal Darnell, the pilot of this awesome machine experiences 6 g's and when the 16' chute deploys to stop the truck it's 9 g's negative. The truck will actually slow down an unbelievable 100 mph in just over 1 second. The parachute when deployed will slow the truck from 350 to 250 mph in the 1st second, sometimes creating enough force for the truck to pull a 300 mph wheelie with the front wheels up to 18"in the air. Watch closely! Back to Top F-18 Hornet Demo The F-18 Hornet is a carrier-based, single-seater, that serves two roles, representing the trend towards multi-use aircraft that are both fighters and attack airplanes. The Hornet joined the service in 1983. It was designed to replace the Navy's F-4 and A-7 aircraft. The F-18 and its variants is now the standard fighter in the Navy and Marine Corps, and is also flown by the US Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration team. Back to Top Dan Buchanan Dan Buchanan launches with his glider from atop a moving vehicle driving down the runway at about 30mph with the flag, streamers and bright orange smoke trailing. He steadily tow-climbs to an altitude of 1,200 -1,800' while speaking live via a radio link to the audience. Now, watch as he descends, wheels, circles and dives to a stirring musical accompaniment. During his graceful descent, smoke and streamers trail behind, punctuated with brilliant flashes and streaks of custom special effects. Dan continues the fun by talking and waving to the crowd while landing smooth and slow right near the showline. It’s now when the crowd discovers that Dan can’t walk – as a police car with lights and siren screaming arrives and delivers his wheelchair. Back to Top C-17 "Globemaster III" Demo - Pending The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft is also capable of performing tactical airlift and airdrop missions when required. The design of the aircraft allows it to operate through small, austere airfields. The C-17 can take off and land on runways as short as 3,000 feet and only 90 feet wide. Back to Top John McGillis' Extra 300L John was born and raised on a ranch in the wide open ranges of Montana, but now calls Friendswood home. In 1978, he learned to fly in a PA18-150 Super Cub and a Cessna 185. In his 28 years of flying experience, John has flown numerous civilian aircraft models while developing his love of aerobatic manuevers. He has flown in competition in a Pitts and Extra 300S, and currently flies an Extra 300L in his thrilling show. John has competed in numerous aerobatic competitions and has won the "Highest Scoring First-Time Competitor" award. John also flies the corporate King Air 350 for BK Enterprises and Coastal Bend Property Development. Back to Top US Coast Guard HH-65C Dauphine Helicopter Demo The United States Coast Guard will demonstrate the effectiveness of its short range recovery helicopter, the Aerospatiale Dauphine ("Dolphin") HH-65C. The Dolphin will "rescue" a person from the ground, demonstrating one if its important capabilities to the Coast Guard. The USCG rotary wing aircraft (HH-65 Dolphin and HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters) operate from flight-deck equipped Cutters, Air Stations and Air Facilities. The HH-65C is based at CGAS Houston. Back to Top D.A.V. B-25 "Doolittle Raider" The Disabled American Veterans, representing more than 1.3 million disabled veterans, is a non-profit organization founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. It is dedicated to one, single purpose: building better lives for our nation’s disabled veterans and their families. As part of a national airshow tour, the DAV will bring its timely and patriotic message on the wings of Dolittle Raider, a fully restored B-25 Mitchell Bomber. Throughout the airshow, DAV representatives will be on hand to provide information about veteran’s benefits and answer questions about DAV programs. To learn more about DAV stop by our display at the airshow or go to www.dav.org. Back to Top AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter Demo - Pending The AH-64A Apache is the Army's primary attack helicopter. It is a quick-reacting, airborne weapon system that can fight close and deep to destroy, disrupt, or delay enemy forces. The Apache is designed to fight and survive during the day, night, and in adverse weather throughout the world. The principal mission of the Apache is the destruction of high-value targets with the HELLFIRE missile. Back to Top "Glacier Girl" P-38 - Pending Early morning on July 15, 1942, six Lockheed P-38's escorting two Boeing B-17's, were airborne on their way to Iceland. Hampered by bad weather and low on fuel, they were forced to land on the eastern coast of Greenland. After several days the pilots were rescued and planes were left to be recovered at a later date. In the spring of 1992, the Greenland Expedition Society returned to Greenland for their fifth recovery attempt and using steam burrowed through 268 feet of ice to reach one of the Lockheed P-38s and brought it up piece by piece to the surface. A decade later, on October 26th, 2002, after thousands of hours of work, the P-38 they recovered, now dubbed "Glacier Girl," took flight again. In March, 2007, Glacier Girl was sold to Lewis Aeronautical and now resides in San Antonio, Texas. Back to Top Oklahoma Air National Guard F-16's Joinging us from Tulsa, Oklahoma, the 138th Fighter Wing of the Oklahom Air National Guard F-16's will perform formation fly-bys to help open our Airshow. The OkANG F-16's are on a constant state of readiness, protecting our nation for our Homeland Defense Air Sovereignty Alert mission. Back to Top Participating aircraft and flying schedules are subject to change without notice. A few reminders... Though set for the fall, Houston weather typically is hot and humid. Comfortable shoes and clothing, as well as sunscreen and sunglasses, are recommended as there are no indoor facilities. Food and drink vendors will be set up throughout the grounds. Attendees may bring lawn chairs onto the grounds; however, glass bottles and alcoholic beverages may not be brought in. Airshow souvenirs will also be available. Pets are not allowed on the grounds, and please don't leave them in the parking area! No skateboards, bicycles, or rollerblades, please. Alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, coolers, and large tote bags are prohibited. Back to Main Page	Jump to: Buy Tickets Ticket Info Thunderbirds Sean Tucker Heritage Flight Julie Clark A-10 Thunderbolt Tora Tora Tora WWII Airpower Demo Legacy Flight Korea / Viet Nam RE/MAX Skydivers Flash Fire Jet Truck F-18 Hornet Dan Buchanan C-17 Globemaster John McGillis USCG Dauphine DAV B-25 Dolittle Raider AH-64 Apache Glacier Girl OkANG F-16s And more to be added!
	© Copyright 2008 by Wings Over Houston Airshow except as otherwise marked. All rights reserved. Wings Over Houston and the Wings Over Houston Airshow logo are registered trademarks of the Commemorative Air Force, Inc.