Community Corner

Manassas Airshow Preparing for Takeoff

Thrilling new acts added for second annual Wings, Wheels & Warriors Airshow.

Attention all thrill seekers, the second annual Wings, Wheels & Warriors Airshow is just weeks away, and with exciting new acts added to this year's show it is revving up to be one of the biggest events along the east coast.

This year's lineup includes the U.S. Golden Knights Parachute Team leaping out of airplanes performing stunts and world famous National Aerobatic Champion, Sean D. Tucker and his Oracle Challenger III high performance bi-plane.

The event, also touted as an open house, will take place at , Saturday May 12, from 10-4 p.m.  and will begin with a 10K/5K run along the airport's tarmac. There will be over 70 aircraft and military vehicles on static display, creating some awesome photo opportunities for the entire family.

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New to this year's event:

  • A real airshow! Multiple waivers were granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to shutdown airspace surrounding the airport for a two-hour live airshow. Performing aircraft include the , YAK-9, YAK-52, C-47 and a T-6 Texan Fighter.

  • National Aerobatic World Champion, Sean D. Tucker and his Oracle Challenger III bi-plane will be taking to the sky performing jaw-dropping tricks. Tucker is considered the world's best airshow performer, having flown in more than 400 airshows for over 80 million people. Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2008, he is the only civilian performer ever allowed to fly in close formation with the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds.

  • US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team will be leaping out of their 'jump' aircraft forming stunts. Dozens of the Knights outfitted with smoke canisters will join into formations of various geometric shapes as they ascend to the ground.

  • Radio Controlled Jets! Yes, radio controlled jets. Outfitted with real jet engines, powered by kerosene, turning 120,000 RPMs and zooming around at 200 miles per hour, these miniature aircraft are a must see. They act and sound like the real thing!

There will also be an array of exotic cars on display, dirt bike performances by the Metal Mulisha and remote controlled helicopters and airplanes. Admission is free but there is a suggested donation of $40 per family, all proceeds benefit Warrior Aviation, Virginia Airborne Search & Rescue Squad, Freedom Museum & Manassas Rotary Club.

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"Not just a hangar party anymore" commented Manassas Airport Regional Business Alliance President and owner of Kevin Rychlik. "The key difference this year, last year and the year's before we were just a bunch of business owners on the airport that got together and said let's put on a airshow. This year we have an official airport association that we formed to put on this year's show."

Sponsorship packages are available that could even land you a 30-minute aerobatic fighter jet flight experience.

So get your flight suits and cameras ready for some intense, adrenaline-fueled, full-throttle action at the 2012 Wings, Wheels & Warriors Manassas Airshow.


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