Aviation Officials Say Expo Will Soar to New Heights

VAN NUYS —  The Aviation Expo has for years been known for filling the skies with the artistry of aerobatic flying, but organizers say Aviation Expo ’99 on Saturday and Sunday at Van Nuys Airport will be bigger and better than ever.

The event, the only air show held yearly in Los Angeles, historically draws several hundred thousand people. Organizers say they expect an estimated 300,000 this year.

“The lineup of aerobatics is the most impressive we’ve ever had,” Van Nuys Airport spokeswoman Charlene Klink said.

Among the air show performers are former U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Champion Sean Tucker, California Unlimited Aerobatic Champion Wayne Handley and pilot-musician Tim Weber.

Tucker, who ironically spent his early career overcoming his fear of flying, has gained an international reputation for his aerobatic stunts. Handley will make his first Los Angeles appearance, demonstrating the fastest climbing propeller-driven aircraft in the world. Weber will fly to music he has composed and recorded.

A variety of other pilots will perform death-defying tricks including loops, spins and rolls, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team will launch its performance with a jump in which the entire squad holds an American flag during its descent.

Seventy vintage and classic aircraft, including a C-121 Lockheed Constellation, a B-25 Stealth bomber, a P-51 Mustang and a MIG 17, will be on display both days.

A flyover by a squadron of vintage AT-6 Texans will kick off opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. Saturday and City Councilman Joel Wachs, the event’s grand marshal, will honor legendary aviator Bobbi Trout.

Trout, 93, made headlines 70 years ago when she took off from Van Nuys Airport and set a record for the fastest all-night flight by a woman. She went on to set several other flight records, many of them originating in Van Nuys.

Admission to the expo is free. Pedestrians may enter at 8030 Balboa Blvd. Parking and shuttle service is also free, but only handicapped parking is available adjacent to the show at 8050 Balboa Blvd.

More information is available by calling (818) 773-3293 or visiting the Van Nuys Airport Web site at www.lawa.org on the Internet.