Page 11 - Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona

10 Nov. 6 & 7, 2021 Thunder and LighTning over arizona Desert lightNiNg News Desert lightNiNg News Thunder and LighTning over arizona Nov. 6 & 7, 2021 11
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Two Airmen have ejected into hostile territory from a
downed aircraft. Time is of the essence as these airmen de-
pend on the quick response of the combat search and rescue
team to come to their rescue and save their lives.
This year’s Thunder & Lightning Over Arizona Air Show
will feature a realistic demonstration of the aircraft and tech-
niques used in a CSAR exercise. It will be loud and explosive! For years, there
Highlights from this exciting demonstration include: was only one pilot
• Two Pararescuemen (PJs) jumping from a HC-130J licensed in the world
Combat King to simulate downed airmen from a jet that was by the FAA to per-
just shot down. form aerobatics in
• A four-ship formation of A-10 Thunderbolts will roll onto a helicopter. That
the scene and take control of the communications, which will pilot, Chuck Aaron,
be broadcast to the crowd, and will continue throughout the thrilled air show au-
demonstration. Courtesy photo diences around the
• The lead A-10 will call in a two-ship of HH-60G Pave Kirby Chambliss is one of the most outstanding pilots ever Courtesy photo world with his feats
Hawk helicopters to pick-up the downed Airmen. to fly air shows and in the Red Bull Air Races. He can boast in the MBB-BO 105
• The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters will need additional The Red Bull Skydive Team constantly until he retired from
gas to make it through the rescue. Providing the fuel will two world titles and 10 race victories, which puts him third pushes the realms of possibility for its spec- Courtesy photo flying air shows in
be the HC-130J as it flies in formation with the helicopters on the all-time wins list. The American with the never-say-die tacular wingsuit and skydiving projects! The 2015.
to perform in-air refueling, while the A-10s fly a protection spirit has been a leading force in the sport throughout his wingsuit flyers can reach speeds well over 100 That’s when another “Aaron”, Aaron Fitzgerald stepped up
formation around them. career that began in 2003. His prowess in the raceplane has mph while hovering within feet of each other. to learn to fly the Red Bull Helicopter. And after several years
seen him on the podium in 11 of his 12 seasons, a remarkable
• The A-10s will suppress a threat with two strafing runs The team is known for their experimental without the Red Bull Helicopter appearing on the air show circuit,
that will include pyrotechnic displays. string of consistency that was only snapped in 2014. jumps in which they accomplish stunts that fans are clamoring to see this very unique act again.
• The HH-60 Pave Hawk Helicopters will infil two PJs Chambliss grew up racing motocross but always knew he no other group has ever done in the world. Fitzgerald is not new to flying. After serving as a paratrooper in
with a “fast rope” to stabilize and protect the downed Airmen. wanted to become a pilot. He began flying at the age of 13 and The Red Bull Skydive Team — consisting of the U.S. Army, he went on to civilian flight training in California,
• The A-10s will protect the helicopter, PJs and downed by 24 became the youngest commercial pilot at Southwest four exceptionally gifted aerial acrobats -show and began flying everything from crews building power lines to
airmen with bomb runs that will use pyrotechnic displays. Airlines. By the time he made it to captain at 28, he was which possibilities the playground of the third news helicopters.
• The HH-60 Pave Hawk will hoist the PJs and downed already polishing his aerobatic skills. His interest piqued dimension offers. This show builds up the ex- From there, he had an opportunity to learn to fly aerobatics
Airmen into the helicopter and all aircraft will depart. when completing his aerobatic training for an earlier job tra rush for sports events, concerts, business with Red Bull when his predecessor, Chuck Aaron, retired, and
We’re calling this CSAR Demo “The Desert Lightning flying a business jet. parties or product presentations. No matter the rest is history.
Team (DLT) CSAR Demo” to highlight the interoperability After fueling aircraft to earn money in his high school years, if day or night, over land or water — with “I was honored to be chosen for the training,” Fitzgerald said.
of the attack and rescue functions in the 355th Wing. Major he flew as a freight pilot and later took to aerobatics in 1985. breathtaking light and smoke effects this ac- “I wasn’t sure how well I would do because I hadn’t flown a lot of
Josh “Nomar” Geidel will lead the CSAR Demo as the Rescue He now flies the Zivko Edge 540 and jokes that the controls tion is a perfect highlight on special occasions. aerobatics ... but I’ve really been enjoying it.”
Courtesy photo Mission Commander known as “Sandy 1.” and wings are mere extensions of his own arms.

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