Blue Angels to put on show over Great Falls Published July 27, 2011 By Sean McGuire 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- They have flown breathtaking routines around the world and now they are coming to Great Falls. This weekend, on July 30 and 31, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will perform as part of the 2011 Montana's Military Open House "Flight Over the Falls." It will be at the Montana Air National Guard. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. and the show begins at noon. The Blue Angels will be the final performance both days with shows scheduled to start around 3:30 p.m. Ever since their debut in June 1946, the Blue Angels have stunned audiences in the U.S. and beyond with their amazing airplane demonstrations. Their official purpose is to promote the Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps and to attract recruits for both. To that end, they fly their signature blue-and-yellow Boeing F/A-18 Hornets in several crowd-pleasing maneuvers, including the Diamond 360, where the planes come as close as 18 inches from each other. Each crew member is a volunteer. They are hand-picked from a multitude of applicants, interviewed at the Angels' practice home in Florida, and voted into the squadron by unanimous vote. During the winter, they go through 120 practice flights to prepare for the performing season. Even in the spring and summer, they practice to ensure a flawless show. The Blue Angels are far from the only stars. "Fat Albert," the proud Marine Corps C-130 that supports the Naval aerial demonstration team, will make a 10-minute flight just prior to the Blue Angels taking center stage. Also performing will be the U.S. Army Black Daggers parachute demonstration team, P-51 Stallion Solo and Heritage Flight pilot, MiG Fury Fighters and pilots Gary Rower and Buck Roetman. The show promises to be one you won't want to miss. For complete details on the upcoming Open House and all that is in store for visitors, visit www.greatfallsairshow.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wild Horse Aviation and Rower Airshows Team Up Buck Roetman of Wild Horse Aviation and Gary Rower of Rower Airshows have teamed up for select shows this summer, to include the "Flight Over the Falls" July 30-31, to debut their exciting new Eagle/Stearman formation act. Roetman brings the nimble performance of modern designs to the show while Rower and the Stearman bring the grace and power of the Golden Age of Aviation. The aircraft are separated by nearly a half century in design, construction, and performance yet Roetman and Rower bring the two aircraft together in a formation routine that will thrill audiences and amaze fellow pilots. The Eagle outperforms the Stearman in acceleration, roll, climb and just about everything except pulling power. The Stearman's 450 HP radial, swinging a nine foot prop, will pull down a barn and sure enough, drags the bigger biplane over the top, leaving the Eagle begging for more power. Meanwhile, coming down the backside of a loop, the Eagle accelerates leaving the Stearman in its dust. Keeping the two beautifully different aircraft together is a formidable task that takes incredible skill, coordination and timing. For more information, contact Roetman at buckeagle2@hotmail.com or Rower at gary@rowerairshows.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Security remains the focus Compiled by 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office staff The 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB along with the 120th Fighter Wing from the Montana Air National Guard are pleased to be hosting this year's Montana Military Open House - Flight Over the Falls. We want to enure the event is safe and fun all. In order to do so, we ask that visitors adhere to the following guidance. Prohibited Items In order to keep possibly dangerous items outside the flight line, ALL bags will be briefly inspected as visitors come through flight line entry points. In addition, all individuals are subject to search. To keep delays to a minimum, remember that the following items are not permitted on to the flight line. Persons with any of the following prohibited items will not be admitted. Ice chests or coolers, except when necessary for medicine or baby food. Large bags (bags larger than a small purse or fanny pack), duffle bags, briefcases, large camera bags. Backpacks All weapons (regardless of permit) including: firearms, knives (including pocket knives and multi-tools), walking sticks (except for handicap use) and all other items that the security forces deems dangerous. Any confiscated items will not be returned. Alcoholic beverages Pets (other than service animals) Glass containers Bicycles, roller skates, roller blades or skateboards Authorized Items All authorized items will be inspected prior to entering the flight line. It is recommended that spectators minimize the number and size of authorized items to reduce the time required for inspection prior to access into the flight line area. The following items are permitted: PCS/cellular phones, pagers and FRS transceivers (may be asked to turn off /on) Handheld portable televisions, radios and scanners Small fanny packs and purses Cameras and camcorders (owners should not load film prior to entering the show area as they may be required to open all compartments at security checkpoints). Folding chairs and lawn chairs (chairs in bags subject to search) Umbrellas and sunshades Wheelchairs Baby bags and strollers, if attending with an infant or small child (Strollers are not permitted in the grandstand area. Adjacent stroller parking is available). Smoking Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the flight line in the vicinity of aircraft, vendor tents or chalets. Notes Unattended bags and packages will be removed from the premises Neither strollers nor wheelchairs will be available for rent at the Open House Sun protection, including hat, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sun screen are recommended Water will be available throughout the Open House area Wear comfortable footgear; portions of the flight line are paved but other viewing areas are not All vendor vehicles will be subject to search. Final Thoughts Please keep in mind that safety is the primary concern. Remember the following important safety tips: Uniformed security personnel are there to help. Follow all instructions from uniformed security personnel. Very few things on the flight line are soft to the touch; most things are made of metal and have many edges on them. Keep your eyes focused in the direction you're walking and be aware of low-hanging aircraft components. Medical personnel are on call to render assistance to anyone that requires it. Notify any uniformed security person or Open House worker if you or any member of your group requires medical attention. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCATION/PARKING Montana's Military Open House - Flight Over The Falls July 30 and 31, 2011 Great Falls International Airport - ANG Ramp TAKE THE BUS! Avoid the traffic and get dropped off at the gate! Due to the limited parking available, we encourage using the free bus transportation to the Military Open House from various locations in Great Falls. Locations and schedule will be published on the website. Please check greatfallsairshow.com for current information. PARKING 1. Take I-15 to Exit 270 at Ulm. 2. Follow the Frontage Road north to parking areas. NOTE: Parking along I-15 is prohibited. Violators will be towed at owner's expense. Airport Bench Road will be closed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 30 and 31 due to aerial demonstrations.