Scottsdale Air Fair 2011
The Scottsdale Air Fair returned Nov. 5th and 6th after an almost 11 year hiatus, due to the events of September 11 2001. I remember this Air Fair as one of the best in the valley, fast jets and good people.
The 2011 Scottsdale Air Fair lived up to this. On hand were many local aircraft including the Deer Valley Warbirds, flying the Nanchang CJ-6 aircraft. They performed a flawless close formation flight with smoke and tight turns.
The Deer Valley Warbirds are all pilots with a lot of military flying experience,with a few of the members serving as current airline captains with major US carriers. The CJ-6 aircraft are painted in eastern bloc colors with Bort numbers on the nose,they looked spectacular performing in the clear Arizona Skies.
The city of Scottsdale went all out to bring in an armada of aircraft both military and civilian, all this done while the airport remained open for normal flights. One of the most unique aircraft on display was the Red Tail P-51, painted to honor the Tuskegee Airmen who fought color barriers in World War II to fly as fighter pilots in combat. This aircraft is making its way across the country with the CAF Red Tail Squadron Rise Above Traveling Exhibit.Visitors to the display could enjoy the moving Rise Above Experience and then take a ride in the flight simulator. The tour is a must see,check them out at http://www.redtail.org
This year’s show featured 3 F-18 Super Hornets from VX-9 China Lake,CA . The Marines sent several helicopters from HMLA 367, one AH1W Super Cobra, AH1Z Viper and a UH1Y Venom, along with a classic CH46E (FROG) from HMMT 164.
Two of the Super Hornets performed a demo flight, albeit on the low side of its performance level. Considering the noise abatement procedures in the area it was still good to see 2 super bugs over Scottsdale.
One surprise of the day was a VFA -122 Super Hornet that landed and parked near the other military static display aircraft. The events continued into the evening including a dusk hot air balloon lighting and a concert by the the Bellwethers. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bellwethers/74633715834
The show was a great success and one can only hope that this event will take place for many years to come. I would like to personally thank Alexandria Pierce and the entire staff of the Scottsdale Air Fair 2011.
