Fort Scott Airport Day set for Sept. 13

* Top aerobatic performances are to be featured in event.

Fort Scott will hold its 11th Airport Day on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport, with a full day of free activities planned. The airport is located on Indian Road, 4 miles southwest of Fort Scott.

Area pilots are invited to fly into the airport and display their aircraft. The Kiwanis Club will once again serve a breakfast of biscuits and gravy from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.

The day's flying activities begin early in the morning when the winds are light with the Iola Power Chute Club flying their motor powered parachutes. The power chutes are great for those that like to fly low and slow with a breeze in their face and the noise behind them. The Commemorative Air Force from Kansas City and Wichita will arrive mid-morning and will display the PT-23 "Cornell", a Beech C-45 "Expeditor", and other WW II trainers. A military helicopter from the Missouri Army National Guard and a Life Flight helicopter are also expected during the morning and will be available.

A classic bi-wing WACO that dates to the 1920s era is expected to be on display. A modern Cessna Citation, an executive jet aircraft, will also be featured. Returning after a year's absence will be the Trojan Phylers, from Dallas, Texas, flying formation aerobatic maneuvers in their T-28Bs. This aerobatic team is sure to repeat thrilling young and old alike.

Performing aerobatics once again will be Dr. Ray Vetsch from Joplin flying his Russian-made Sukhoi 26MX, "Turbo Shark." The Sukhoi with its powerful engine is another great highly maneuverable aerobatic airplane.

The aerobatics air show will again feature Shannon Daniel from El Dorado Springs, Mo,. flying a modified Skybolt 200. This year makes the second year at Fort Scott for Shannon who awed the crowd with his skilled aerobatic performance. The Skybolt airplane presents classic biplane lines, is highly maneuverable, make lots of noise and smoke.

Additionally, Kyle Frank-lin from Neosho, Mo., will fly aerial maneuvers with his Super Cub PA-18A. The Super Cub is specially modified and stressed to perform aerobatics and is sure to impress the crowd with what the Cub can do. Franklin is a young, seasoned, third-generation air show performer who often shows his skills at the EAA Air Adventure in Oshkosh, Wis., the world's largest fly-in and air show.

Philip Butcher from Fayetteville, Ark., will also perform maneuvers with his T-6 "Texan." The T-6 was an advanced trainer flown by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marines beginning in World War II, through the Korean conflict, and into the '60s. It was also used extensively by the British Royal Air Force and continues to be a popular performer in air shows around the country.

The Heart of America Air Show Team, with radio control pilots from the Kansas City area will demonstrate their talents in flying quarter-scale model airplanes. They will perform during the morning and again in the afternoon.

The afternoon air show begins after the noon opening ceremony with the presentation of the colors and the firing of the Fort Scott National Historic Site cannon.

Military aircraft fly-overs by F-16s, A-10 fighters, and a KC-135 airborne refueling tanker are expected during the day.

An airport display will also feature two Marine H-1 Hummers, with one having a mounted heavy machine gun. Other entertainment of the day will include musical groups from the Fort Scott High School and the Fort Scott Community College who will perform on the main stage at the big hangar. Refreshments will also be available throughout the day.