Monday, August 04, 2014

Waterloo air show planners turn up throttle: Thunder in the Valley II at Waterloo Regional Airport (KALO), Iowa

WATERLOO | Thunder in the Valley II will roar in less than three weeks, and organizers have just two scheduled planning sessions left to discuss final preparations. 

Committee members at a meeting Tuesday expressed confidence remaining loose ends will be securely tied by Aug. 23-24.

"I feel like we are miles ahead of where we were three years ago," said Chris Harshbarger, the air show's director.

Preparing to host the event, which builds off the inaugural show in 2011, naturally includes thousands of details, concerns, priorities and opportunities. Folks addressing each of those items offer the following advice for the 50,000 or more spectators anticipated each day.


Traffic


Waterloo Police Capt. Joe Leibold, in charge of ground traffic and security, has this advice: "Get here early and avoid traffic."

Gates at the Waterloo Regional Airport will open at 8 a.m. Aerial entertainment will begin about 10:30 a.m.

Most vehicles will reach the venue by taking Airport Boulevard, which Leibold said will change as showtime approaches.

"There will be two lanes coming in when it gets busy," he said.

"We got a lot of positive feedback on traffic control. That's why we're not changing many things," Leibold added.

Alcoholic beverages will be available, but organizers bill Thunder in the Valley as a family-friendly event. Results from the show in 2011 support the description.

"There were no issues. We had two medical issues, and that was it," Leibold said.

Guests cannot bring knives, weapons or explosives onto airport grounds, and officers will use metal detectors at each of the four entrances.

With a little forethought and patience, guest should be able to get in, enjoy the show and leave without much trouble.

"Plan to get here early, plan to walk a little ways and plan for the weather," Leibold added.


Parking

Doug Walters, in charge of parking, said parking is free. Organizers' want to keep the air show within reach of families' budgets.

Despite good reviews in 2011, Walters said, volunteers are looking for greater efficiency in the parking process.

"More streamlined, more golf carts to shuttle people and more land in front of the airport," he said.

"Even though there's more people this year, we've designed it to keep flowing," Walters added.

A temporary lot off Leversee Road available in 2011 will not be in use this time. Handicapped-accessible parking will be in front of the airport terminal.

Volunteers from the United Auto Workers will once again be directing motorists.

"They stepped up. They're supplying a little more than 50 parking attendants," Walters said.


What to bring


Roger Pease, air show chairman, said "Number one, they should bring a lawn chair. And they should wear a hat to protect themselves from the sun."

Ear plugs might also prove useful, especially for children, according to Pease.

Once spectators are situated on the airfield, expect a lineup worthy of attention. Headliners once again will be the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, but the day will include many pilots and entertainers who are the best at what they do.

Organizers recently added the U.S. Army Parachute Team, also known as the Golden Knights. They will drop in both days, taking the place of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team, also known as the Black Daggers. The Daggers appeared in 2011 in Waterloo but were recently deployed, Pease said.

"We do have a world-class air show, and there's no doubt in the minds of the professionals that this will be one of the largest air shows in the country this year," Pease said.


Expect the unexpected


Said Terry Junker, Thunderbirds project officer, "When it comes to the Thunderbirds, it's always unexpected. You don't know where they're coming from."

As their name suggests, the Thunderbirds will provide the air show's growl. The F16Cs are capable of mach 2 at altitude, or 1,500 mph. The aircraft can generate 27,000 pounds of thrust and withstand nine Gs.

So finding men and women who can handle the machines is vitally important.

"They don't take just anyone. They take the best," Junker said.

The Thunderbirds feature flashy jets, but the team also includes a Boeing C-17 Globemaster. The massive cargo plane will arrive Aug. 21 and will be difficult to miss.

The Globemaster has a wingspan of 170 feet, nearly 3 1/2 times longer than the Thunderbirds' F16Cs. The Globemaster is 174 feet long and at its tail 55 feet high. Its four Pratt & Whitney engines each generate 40,440 pounds of thrust, which allows the aircraft to haul a 165,000-pound payload.


Plenty of room

 
Mike Wilson, outgoing Waterloo Regional Airport director, said spectators will "have a much better view if they walk out a little ways further."

Spectators in 2011 tended to bunch up along the fence closest to the performance area. In reality, seating is available on many, many acres on the airfield.

Wilson also reminds potential guests the air show will feature plenty of static displays, aircraft and other entertaining attractions on the ground.

"Make sure to take in all the sights," he said.


Volunteers needed

Chris Roberts, volunteer coordinator, said, "It's all about the volunteers. We couldn't do this without volunteers."

Organizers figure about 600 people are needed to make the air show run smoothly.

There's still time to get involved and get a T-shirt. For information on how to sign up, go online at www.cedarvalleyairshow.com or email volunteers@cedarvalleyairshow.com.

"Shifts are more or less morning and afternoon," Roberts said. "They'll have lots of fun."

Orientation is scheduled at 6 p.m. Aug. 19.

"We're grateful to the Cedar Valley for all their support," Roberts said.


Pilot fly in


Pilots can visit the airport for a breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. Aug. 23 hosted by Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 227, said Tim Newton of Livingston Aviation. Pilots get a free meal and access to the air show.

During the air show, Newton recommends pilots pay particular attention to briefings and notices to airmen supplied by the Federal Aviation Administration.


Support the troops

Harshbarger said attending the air show is a good way to support the troops.

"The important thing for people to understand is this is a community event paying tribute to our active-duty service men and women, veterans and their families," he said.

The air show's website notes the event helps "assure public confidence in our fighting forces and to demonstrate the sheer might of the U.S. armed forces."

Patrons this year will ensure future air shows, according to Harshbarger. They will also be part of history.

"It will be an all-day event, and it will be unforgettable."

Tickets for the Thunder in the Valley II air show cost $15 in advance and are available online and at participating Hy-Vee stores.

Children 12 and under get in free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets at the gate will cost $20.

 For information about Thunder in the Valley, performers, directions, vendors, parking and sponsors, go online at www.cedarvalleyairshow.com.
 

Story and Photo Gallery:   http://wcfcourier.com

The Thunder in the Valley air show began in 2011. It makes a return visit Aug. 23-24 at the Waterloo Regional Airport.

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