Back in the early spring of 2011 I had become aware of an air show coming to the Lynchburg Regional Airport (KLYH) in Lynchburg, Virginia. Having spent 5 years of my life living in Lynchburg, in addition to working as a flight instructor at KYLH, I immediately planned to attend the air show just to see the Blue Angels in my old “backyard” on May 21st, 2011.
Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, a good friend of mine from Lynchburg had called to discuss meeting up during my upcoming visit to town. It turns out his wife, who works for Freedom Aviation (the sponsor and organizer of the air show) was in need of some volunteers to work the air show. I quickly volunteered myself in addition to my roommate and my special lady friend.
Volunteering at the air show gave us, in addition to free admission, access to the VIP seating area and the private dinner reception after the air show. Of course we had some work to do throughout the day but there was still plenty of time to enjoy the demonstrations and snap some great photos.
During the post air show dinner reception, we were joined by the entire US Navy Blue Angels crew, from the pilots, to maintenance, the ENTIRE group was there. They arrived to dinner in style, sporting a a motorcade of Lincoln Town Cars, SUV’s, and mini-vans. Upon entering the dinner reception the crowd broke out in a full standing ovation and round of applause. The Angels, after all, hadn’t been to Lynchburg since 1982, some 29 years ago! The locals were happy to see them on their home turf once again.
After being presented a “Key To The City” of Lynchburg by the Mayor, the Blue Angels joined the dinner reception by immediately engaging the attendees in a warm, friendly, sociable manner introducing themselves to everyone they could. We took that opportunity to snap a few photos with the pilots of course.
One thing I was impressed with was their humble and appreciative attitude to have been invited to perform in Lynchburg. Every Blue Angel we met thanked us for our hospitality and volunteer work and were extremely outgoing. Not a single one of them denied a photo or autograph request, even if they were immersed in their dinner. They all took a few moments to dedicate to each person whom approached them and I was very impressed with their friendly and welcoming demeanor. I guess I thought they might be a little cocky. I mean, their like the world’s greatest pilots, right?
The entire experience with the US Navy Blue Angels only made me respect them even more. If you ever have the chance to catch one of their performances at an air show near you, run, don’t walk, straight to the ticket line!
Clear Skies & Calm Winds,
Len @ ThePilotReport.com