"We have monster trucks and the Oakland Raiderettes Cheerleaders," said Julie Ann Lozano, coordinator of the show at Salinas Municipal Airport. "We want a show that appeals to everybody, entertainment for families at a reasonable price."
"One of the things I most enjoy is the Heritage Flight," said Tom Friedkin, 75, of Houston. "That's where modern jets and antique aircraft fly together symbolizing the old and the new."
Friedkin and his son, Dan, displayed two P-51 K aircraft built in 1944, the famed Mustangs, whose outstanding performance, durability and range helped turn the tide of World War II.
"When you learn to fly this, you never take your mind off the airplane, even if you have a broken arm," Friedkin said. "Top speed on the P-51 is 505 mph. It's a joy to fly."
Highlights of the show Saturday included a jet-powered car capable of acceleration to 300 mph in a few seconds; stunt plane flying; on-the-ground flight simulators; static displays of exotic, kit and antique airplanes; military fly-bys; classic cars; music; souvenirs; entertainment and food.
Navy Lt. j.g. Jeremy Hans answered questions about the MH-60 S helicopter based in North Island, San Diego, that he pilots off an aircraft carrier, the USS John C. Stennis.
"We can do search and rescue, or be modified to fire Hellfire missiles in combat," he explained.
Terry Norbraten, 46, of Monterey, stood next to a yellow-painted Beech Mentor T-34B U.S. Navy trainer built in 1956. The plane is owned by the Monterey Navy Flying Club, of which he is a member."I'm retired military, and I work at the Naval Postgraduate School as a programmer and teacher," he said. "This is a trainer, so it's easy to fly. The Navy gave it to the club, and we have to maintain it. The plane is flown recreationally by active duty personnel, retirees, reservists and their families."
Ron Blakey of San Luis Obispo, who turns 74 today, visited the show with his sons, Dale and Ernest.
"I'm a pilot and retired, and I've been involved with the air show in Santa Maria," he said. "We're enjoying it here because the temperature at home was 104. What I like about this show is its diversity. It has good variety."
Two local men who grew up in the area and are serving in the military, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mark Brophy, a graduate of Carmel High School, and Maj. Scott Downey of the Idaho Air National Guard, flew aircraft in to participate in the show.
Downey, a 1984 graduate of Monterey High School based in Boise, Idaho, piloted an A10 Warthog, a ground-attack aircraft that can fire missiles or rapid fire from its nose-mounted cannon. The aircraft type has been used in combat in the Middle East.
"This has been a big factor in Afghanistan," he said.
Air show organizers said they expected 50,000 visitors during the weekend. The show has raised approximately $7 million for local charities over its 30-year run, organizer said.
If you go ·What: 30th annual California International Airshow Salinas ·Where: Salinas Municipal Airport, 37 Mortenson Ave. ·When: Today; gates open at 9a.m., show starts at 11a.m. ·Tickets: $15 to $60 ·Information: 888-845-7469, www.salinasairshow.com
