Cape Girardeau Air Festival Offers Variety of Aerial Entertainment and Aviation Exhibits

By Mark Nankivil

The Cape Girardeau Air Festival held over the weekend featured a variety of great aerial entertainment and aviation exhibits. Along with the headlining U.S. Navy Blue Angels Aerial Demonstration Squadron, there were nationally known civilian aerobatic performers, military aircraft and warbirds flying in the show. The Aero Experience was on site for the Friday media day and practice session, and we have an overview of the attractions below.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels Aerial Demonstration Squadron on the apron.

Warbirds participating in the show and on display included an early Douglas DC-3, Commemorative Air Force Corsair, P-51 Mustang, T-28 Trojan, and the only TP-40N dual control Flying Tiger named American Dream. 

Two A-10 Warthogs from Whiteman AFB, MO flew a tactical attack demonstration and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Troopship was on the apron.

 

Civilian aerobatic performers included Joseph "Rifle" Shetterly, Tin Stix of Dynamite featuring Skip Stewart, Gary Ward and Shockwave Jet Truck, and the Aerostars.

Other military aircraft on display included a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter, U.S. Navy T-45 Goshawk and the Dream Big A-7 photo cockpit.   

The Aero Experience thanks the Cape Girardeau Air Festival staff, airport management and Cape Aviation FBO for their hospitality during our visit.