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 Transportation Today
 

Boeing Field staff stirring in preparation for Angels

Every summer in early August, King County International Airport (KCIA) at Boeing Field sees a rich variety of aviation talent come through for the annual Seafair Air Show. Organizers of the show say KCIA staff is a big help when it comes to organizing such a massive event.

"Boeing Field provides an excellent base of operations for the air show due to close proximity to the show site over Lake Washington, and the availability of all needed support services," said Seafair Air Show Committee Chairman Frank Sebastian.

photo: Blue Angels flying
The Blue Angels fly over Seattle with another air show act. (courtesy: Seafair)

The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels squadron is easily the most recognizable act in the air over Seafair weekend, but it’s only a part of the things to see.

“In addition to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, 18 aircraft are scheduled to perform over Lake Washington," said Sebastian. "These include civilian aerobatic performers Patriots Airshow America, Sean D. Tucker, Ed Hamill, Gregg Poe, Bill Leff, and John Klatt. Each will perform a dramatic aerobatic routine over Lake Washington."

Since the Blue Angels are the biggest draw, most of the preparation by KCIA staff is for their arrival and show. There are periodic meetings throughout the first half of the year, but the week of the show is when KCIA staff kicks things into high gear.

The first of the Angels arrives the Wednesday before the show, and droves of fans turn out – some of whom come during the day to catch a glimpse and others who camp out overnight to see the arrival.


(courtesy: Seafair)

During Seafair, the airport’s maintenance and operations crews have the largest workload. Operations must make sure the runway is clear of any debris that could get caught in a jet engine. Maintenance is hard at work before the Angels’ arrival sprucing up the airport-owned Ruby Chow Park, which is north of the airport and provides an excellent vantage point for the practice flights and takeoffs and landings.

Rita Creighton, KCIA’s Community Relations and Aviation Education Coordinator, sends out notices and schedules about air show activities at Boeing Field.

“Our noise office sends out an advisory to make sure people know the Angels will be here,” said Creighton. “But, most people are anticipating their arrival anyway.”

Creighton also helps set up the pilots’ visits to Aviation High School and Opportunity Skyway, programs that educate students interested in aviation careers.

This year's Seafair festivities including the hydroplane races and air show will take place the weekend of August 4-5.

 
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Updated:  July 24, 2007

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