Binghamton Blue
It's been a long time since the skies over Binghamton New York have been filled with blue jets. The US Navy Blue Angels returned to Binghamton for the first time in over thirty years, and the good people of the normally quiet little city could not have been happier. Binghamton welcomed the Blues and other performers at NYSEG Stadium on Friday evening. The Golden Knights jumped into the stadium, Blue Angel #1 threw out the first pitch, and Matt Chapman, Rob Holland, Jack Knutson and Kendal Simpson did flybys.
The weather was near perfect for the event. Unseasonably cool with light breezes. It's no wonder an estimated 40,000 spectators showed up to watch and be amazed. The Golden Knights started off the show with their precision freefall jumps. Their narrator stated that they hit a mark the size of a medium pizza. The flying lineup was impressive. World Aerobatic Champion Rob Holland dazzled everyone with his skills. It is no wonder that Rob is a member of the US Advanced Aerobatic Team 
and the World's #1 Aerobatic Competition pilot for 2008. Rob flew solo and alongside Jack Knutson. Together they form the Firebirds XTreme. Jack pilots an Extra 300 and Rob commands his MX2. Whether they are performing together or individually, they are a sight to behold. The Mid Atlantic Air Museum in Reading Pa. showed off their B25 Mitchell bomber "Briefing Time". It is said to be one of the "most original" B25s flying today. Carol Pilon showed off her wing walking skills. Matt Chapman showed off his 20 plus years of airshow experience. With over 14,000 hours of flying time Matt shows why he was one of only six elite pilots in the Championship Air Show Pilots Association. An unusual display of the KMAX helicopter took place on Sunday. The medium lift helicopter showed off its unique abilities. It has counter rotating blades and no tail rotor. It can also be remotely piloted. The US Military added some "heavy metal" to the show. On static display was the USAF C5 Galaxy. Everyone loves walking through the giant cargo plane. The USMC AV8B II Harrier demo team thrilled everyone with their unique capabilities. Watching a fighter jet hover, take a 
bow, then turn and accelerate vertically just never gets old. The USAF F-16CJ Viper West team tore up the skies with their demonstration. The sight and the sound of the F-16 thrilled everyone. The finally of the show was the performance by the United States Navy Blue Angels. It started off Saturday with their C130 support plane, affectionately known as "Fat Albert" doing a JATO shot. The cargo plane leaps into the sky with the assistance of 8 solid fuel rocket bottles. These are becoming a rare sight due to the shortage of the rocket bottles. It was a treat on July 4th to watch a JATO shot. The six Navy pilots took to the skies in their usual display of precision, discipline and grace. Saturday they flew a low show due to some cloud cover. Sunday they performed the full high show. Their formations were crisp and precise. The opposing solos thrilled everyone. After the flying display the Blues made themselves available to sign autographs and have pictures taken. This is where they truly excel. While they are great pilots, they are even better ambassadors for the Navy and Marine Corp.
I can't think of a better way to spend a July 4th weekend. We are very lucky to live in a country such as ours. We owe a debt of gratitude to many for our freedom. It's great to see that air shows can still bring out the crowds. Thousands can celebrate freedom at these events and thank those who keep us free.
Mike Sherba