Stepping Out

Flying high at Bethpage Air Show

Gazing at the sky over Memorial Day weekend

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The much-anticipated arrival of Memorial Day on Monday is a welcome relief, especially to the many south shore residents who struggled through recovering and rebuilding from Superstorm Sandy. And, as always, in what is an annual tradition for Long Islanders, the unofficial kickoff to summer fun begins with a trip to Jones Beach to watch those amazing aerial maneuvers that take over the sky during the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show. This spectacular two-day display of flying stunts over the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26, marks the start of the summer season for many families.
Despite the difficulties caused by the stalled federal budget and its repercussions, the air show is ready to celebrate its 10th anniversary with an all-star lineup that will still elicit those oohs and aahs from spectators.
Those ready to brave the crowds will be treated to performances from some of the world’s most elite military and civilian pilots, Filling in this year for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s acclaimed F18 Demonstration Team is ready step in with a thrilling demonstration of precision maneuvers, along with some of the top civilian aerobatic performers performing today.
Besides the Canadian Forces team, this year’s lineup includes Dusty, star of Disney’s “Planes;” Lt. Col. John Klatt of the National Guard Reserve; Sean D. Tucker of Team Oracle; Aerobatic Pilot Matt Chapman; Rob Holland Ultimate Air shows; the Raiders Demonstration Team; Kirby Chambliss of Team Chambliss; the Red Bull Air Force Skydiver Parachute Team; the Misty Blues All-Woman Skydiving Team; Chuck Aaron of the Red Bull Helicopter Aerobatics; the GEICO Skytypers; Miss GEICO Speedboat; the American Airpower Museum Warbirds; and David Windmiller.
These renowned fliers will perform precision demonstrations over the shores at Jones Beach that continue to amaze and delight the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected, gazing at those acrobatic turns and commanding displays of
flying expertise.

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