Several times each summer Sid Nelson climbs into the cockpit of a tiny plane, takes off, turns the plane upside down and flies underneath a ribbon stretched 20 feet above the ground across an airport runway.
It’s limbo time!
Because Nelson, the self-styled “Flying Farmer” from Harvard, Ill., is just warming up.
“After I go under the first time, they lower the ribbon to 15 feet,” he explains in a casual drawl. “I limbo under it again, then they lower the ribbon to 10 feet. This time I cut the ribbon with the plane. My wings are about five feet above the ground, and I’m going 160 miles an hour.”
Adrenaline anyone? Nelson doesn’t bother with a parachute or helmet, and denies getting scared. “I’m really confident,” he says. “To me, being upside down is second nature.”
Each summer dozens of gutsy pilots like Nelson, armed with the instincts of space explorers and the technical aptitude of NASA geeks, take to the friendly skies in Midwest air shows, dazzling earth-bound spectators with precision feats of derring do.
Nelson, who will appear at the Morris Skyfest later this summer, has been flying his re-fitted 1939 Taylor Craft one-seater at regional festivals for the past 14 years. “I was 5 years old when I saw people flying planes at my first air show,” he says, “and ever since, that’s what I wanted to do.”
As if flying small craft isn’t challenge enough, there’s an entire sub-culture of aviation buffs who build their own airplanes. Members of Experimental Aircraft Association, which hosts its “Fly In” this weekend in Oshkosh, Wis., construct their own airborne vehicles, usually working from kits that provide step-by-step instructions. And while some may think the words “Experimental” and “Aircraft” don’t belong in the same sentence, home-built models boast safety records equal to or better than commercial craft, according to Alan Shackleton, president of the EAA’s Aurora chapter, known as Fox Valley Sport Aviation Association.
Here are area air shows coming up between now and Labor Day:
– Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh ’98, July 31-Aug. 4 at the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis. This mammoth event offers a dizzying spectrum of activities featuring 2,500 show planes. Performers range from hang gliders, wingwalkers, “tandem” teams, parachutists and helicopters to Bearcats, Ravens, Shrikes and Warbirds of America. There also will be workshops, forums, exhibits, lectures and a vendors’ tent featuring “kits” for planes to build at home. British Airways’ Concorde, which can travel at twice the speed of sound, will be on display with four non-supersonic flights available to visitors. Daily admission is $22; $11 for ages 8-13; free for 7 and under. Parking on the EAA grounds is $5. Take tollway through Milwaukee to Hwy. 41 north, EAA grounds are at Hwy. 41 and Hwy. 44. Call 920-426-4800 or visit the EAA’s Web site at www.eaa.org.
– The 40th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show, Aug. 22-23 at the Chicago lakefront, centered at North Avenue Beach. Billed as the nation’s largest two-day event, this high-flying extravaganza typically draws a couple million thrill-seekers. Headliners: longtime favorites, the Blue Angels. The Navy’s legendary squadron of F/A-18 Hornets can be counted on to demonstrate airborne choreography executed with pinpoint precision, culminating with the team’s signature “delta” formation. Other performers include the Navy Leapfrog parachute team, the Naperville-based Lima Lima team of six T-34’s, John Mohr Barnstorming, Star Aerobatic Team and Skytypers Squadron.
Performances are tentatively scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The water portion of the show begins at 9 a.m. Free admission. Call 312-744-3315 or visit the Web site at www.ci.chi.il.us.
– Prairie Air Show ’98, Aug. 21-23 at the Bloomington/Normal Airport, Bloomington. The theme this year is “The Russians are Coming, the Russians are Coming.” Tentatively scheduled are a Soviet cosmonaut and an assortment of privately own Russian Migs, once the pride of the Soviet military and now privately owned by American citizens. There also will be a “Night Show” on Friday starting at 7 p.m. featuring skydivers, fireworks and a performance by Bob Davis, who will take his semi truck for a spin powered by three jet engines. Weekend hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take Int. Hwy. 55, to Business 55, drive south to Rt. 9, and drive east for 1 1/2 miles to the airport. Admission is $7 ($4 for children 12 and under). Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 309-663-7632.
– Fifth Annual Morris Skyfest, at the Morris Municipal Airport Sept 5-6. Attractions include a vintage bi-plane, wing walking, the Lima Lima aerobatic team, featuring six T-34’s, and this bizarre showdown: a 1940 Ford, rigged up with jet engines, races a showplane. There also will be country music, childrens games, food and a car show. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with demonstrations starting at 1 p.m. Admission is $5, children under 5 free. There’s free parking at the airport. Take Int. Hwy. 80 to Ill. Hwy. 47 and drive 2 miles north to the airport, 9980 N. Rt. 47. Call 815-942-1600.
