AirSho 2017 ready for take off in Burnet
Crowds in 2016 enjoy aviation exhibits before the Burnet AirSho begins. This year, The Highland Lakes Squadron Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and the City of Burnet will sponsor the annual event this weekend.
By Jennifer Robison
HIghland Lakes Newspapers
No plans this weekend? The Highland Lakes Squadron Commemorative Air Force (CAF) can help with that!
This Saturday, Sept. 9, is the 26th anniversary of the Bluebonnet CAF Highland Lakes Airsho, sponsored by the City of Burnet, at the Burnet Municipal Airport. It will be full day of excitement with the gates opening at 9 a.m. for spectators to look at all the displays. The air show will begin at noon.
Historic planes scheduled to appear include the T-6 “Twisted Texan,” piloted by Aaron Taylor. This advanced training plane was instrumental in training virtually all of America's great World War II aviators. Taylor will provide a display of the aerobatic capability of the T-6 and perform all of the aerobatic maneuvers that would have been required of an advanced air cadet in the U.S. Army Air Force of the 1940’s.
A native Texan from Alpine, Taylor is currently employed as a pilot for a major U.S. airline; however, his true passion is flying and preserving WWII airplanes and performing in the T-6 Texan.
Another crowd favorite, the PBJ-1J “Devil Dog,” will be soaring and twisting through the sky. Few people know the U.S. Marine Corps flew bombers in the WWII and one of the missions of the Devil Dog Squadron is to keep that history alive.
The Marines designated the B-25 bombers "PBJ.” PB indicates Patrol Bomber and the J is an alpha-code designating the manufacturer, North American Aviation. The Devil Dog represents a PBJ-1J (the second J designates the model) of the VMB 612 squadron.
Another thrill will be watching Cowden Ward pilot his beautifully maintained P-51 Mustang "Pecos Bill" in an in-flight demonstration.
The Airsho attracts thousands of visitors and aerial enthusiasts every year, said Burnet Chamber of Commerce officials. Tickets can be purchased at the Highland Lakes Squadron website and are priced at $15 for each adult, $10 for military member and seniors, $5 for students and free admission for children five and under. For more information on the event go to bluebonnetairshow.com
The Highland Lakes Squadron is a branch of the Commemorative Air Force, founded in 1992.
