Air show proves to be the ‘First, Fastest, Farthest’

                                                                                                                                     Photograph by John Battey

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor flown by Demo Pilot Major Paul “Loco” Lopez performs an afterburner pass.

by Linda KC Reynolds                                                                                        pretty cool!” Daniel said he was happy to see that the aviation legends were so humble and approach-
staff writer                                                                                                able. History panels were led by Army veteran and author, Dennis Anderson.

   The fifth annual Los Angeles County Air Show at Gen. William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster, Calif.           While some guests enjoyed inside activities, others bundled up as they watched classic aircraft,
— appropriately titled ‘First, Fastest and Farthest’ — was sponsored by Lockheed Martin and had as          aerobatic flying, parachute jumpers and the famed Red Bull Team. “It just goes to show how dedicated
much action on the ground as it did in the air.                                                             aerospace fans are,” said volunteer, Cathy Hart, speaking of the cool temperatures.

   Kids of all ages filled STEM tents to fly aircraft demonstrators, color their favorite airplane and         Guaranteed a front row seat and special access to the aircraft and performers, participants of the Photo
even build jets using virtual prototyping. Undoubtedly, many left with a newfound desire for science,       Tour walked away with numerous prize photographs.
technology, math and art.
                                                                                                               “Since we work around aircraft every day and see them flying, we sometimes take them for granted,
   “My husband and I come for the aerial acts but my kids can’t get enough of the STEM tents,” said         but seeing them never gets old,” confessed Cathy Driver, a Lockheed Martin employee who works at
Janice Travis from San Diego, while her children Jessica, 5, and Danny, 11, entertained themselves in       Edwards Air Force Base on the F-35 program. She and her husband, Lockheed Martin graphic artist,
the Northrop Grumman STEM tent. “I only wish there was a place like this that was open every week-          Bob Driver, hosted the tour. Guests came from as far away as Germany, Japan and Canada, while many
end.” Her husband, Daniel, a plastic surgeon, said that the highlight for him so far, was listening to Joe  were from the Santa Clarita photo club.
Kittinger, Art Thompson and Alan Eustace share their adventures of free falling from space and Bob
Gilliland, the first man to pilot the SR-71 Blackbird. “These guys are the real deal, right here — it’s        Driver’s grandson, Bryce Sanden, 4, is the little boy appearing in numerous ads and billboards adver-
                                                                                                            tising the LA County Airshow. He sat alongside pilots and legends, such as Joe Kittinger, autographing

                                                                                                                                                                                             See AIR SHOW, Page 3

April 6, 2018• Volume 32, Issue 5  Serving the aerospace industry since 1986                                Use your smartphone to
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