Thursday, August 30, 2018

Coles County Airport Airshow 2018: Bob Richards, Pitts S-1SS and Air Tractor

By Carmelo Turdo
The Aero Experience continues our coverage with a look at an aerobatic performance by Pitts S-1SS pilot Bob Richards and several spray passes by an Air Tractor agricultural aircraft. Chicago-based Bob Richards performs at Midwest airshows in his distinctive yellow single-seat Pitts S-1SS, a newer aircraft than the red and white Pitts he flew in our previous airshow coverage. Another yellow aircraft, this one being the turboprop-powered Air Tractor agricultural aircraft, flew several low passes illustrating the crop spraying maneuvers used by skilled pilots throughout the growing season across America. We thank Bob Richards and Coles County Memorial Airport for their hospitality.   





























Coles County Airport Airshow 2018: Phillips 66 Aerostars

By Carmelo Turdo
The Aero Experience continues our coverage of the 2018 Coles County Airport Airshow with a look at the Phillips 66 Aerostars. Their graceful four-ship formations and opposing passes filled the afternoon skies continuously with smoke trails. The team previously flew radial-engine Yak-52TW trainers in airshows across the nation, including for the large crowds at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and now flies their show with the modern Extra 300/L. Here we feature the Phillips 66 Aerostars in the air and as they come and go from the hot ramp. We thank the Phillips 66 Aerostars and Coles County Memorial Airport for their hospitality.