Media Contact: Brenda Little (813) 391-4542 [email protected]
ROME, GA (MAY 2019) – The Air Combat Command F-16 Demonstration Team and Heritage Flight Team will headline the lineup for the eight annual Wings Over North Georgia Air Show on August 31 – September 1, 2019. The Viper and Heritage Flight teams are based at Shaw Air Force Base near Sumter, SC.
The air show at Russell Regional Airport will be the only Georgia appearance for the co-performing demo teams for the 2019 season. The F-16 Fighting Falcon, affectionately called the “Viper” by many of its pilots, is a fourth-generation modern fighter with incredible capabilities. The aircraft is a single-seat, multi-mission fighter with the ability to switch from an air-to-ground to air-to-air role at the touch of a button. Powered by a General Electric engine generating more than 31,000 pounds of thrust, the “Viper” can reach speeds in excess of twice the speed of sound. Major John “Rain” Waters. a native of Peachtree City, GA and graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, serves as the Viper Demo Team commander and pilot.
Immediately following the high-speed, fast-turning aerial demonstration, a P-51D Mustang will join Maj. Waters for U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight. The flight program showcases the evolution of the U.S. Air Force air power by flying today’s state-of-the art fighter aircraft in close formation with vintage fighter planes. The Mustang was first introduced in Western Europe during World War II. The aircraft often served as an escort for heavy bombers during missions over Axis territories. The addition of the Mustang to the U.S. fighting fleet was instrumental in turning the tide of the war effort in favor of the Allied Forces. During the 2019 air show in northwest GA, Philadelphia, PA resident and founding member of the Air Force Heritage Flight Program Jim Beasley, Jr will pilot the Mustang.
Airport parking lots will open at 8:00 a.m. with the gates opening to guests at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The opening ceremonies will kick-off each day at 12:30 p.m. followed by the first flying performances at 1 pm.
For the 2019 air show, a new beer garden viewing area offers a great selection of craft beers from Georgia best beer makers including SweetWater Brewing, Terrapin Beer, and Rome City Brewing Companies. Premium food, music, beverages, and desserts will also be available to those purchasing this special ticket option. For more information on tickets, visit the Wings Over North Georgia at https://www.wingsovernorthgeorgia.com/guest-information/ticket-options.
The public can follow the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show across social media through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For the most-up-to-date air show news, parking tips, and other event information, please visit the show’s social media sites.
The Wings Over North Georgia airshow is an FAA, DoD, and International Council of Air Shows recognized event. For the full list of performers, activities, and ticket options air show fans, exhibitors, vendors, and sponsors can visit the official Wings Over North Georgia air show website.
