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Jed Boal ReportingThe Heber Valley has a colorful half-century history of aviation. For years pilots have literally flocked to the valley to enjoy its beauty and wind patterns. The pilots show off that history Saturday and tip their wings to the pioneer of Heber Valley aeronautics.
When Greg Petersen flies his Extra 300 stunt plane he slices through the sky and climbs then tumbles through the clouds, and feels the freedom of aerobatic flight.
Greg Petersen, Airshow Pilot: "The biggest thrill for people at air shows is that people are just enamored with aviation."
The former Navy fighter pilot and Top Gun instructor took me for a ride. Petersen showed off tricks you'll see at the Heber Valley Airshow Saturday. He and his partner are the barnstormers of our time.
Jed Boal: "This aerobatic plane is very responsive. Right now, I'm flying the plane and it's pretty simple just to do a roll. Take it on all the way over, and may sure I stop."
Greg Petersen: "In this airplane, the mission is flying. Your hands and your feet and your head and your mind, everything you do, the airplane responds to instantaneously."
This more intimate air show helps highlight aviation history.
Steve Guenard, Heber Valley Aero Museum President: "Everyone gets to see everything up close."
And this year pays tribute to Russ McDonald, the founder of the airfield in 1947. McDonald turned a pasture into an airfield and taught World War II veterans to fly. He flew for United Airlines for three decades then came home.
Steve Guenard, Heber Valley Aero Museum President: "Russ spent virtually every day spent some time at this airport."
MacDonald watched the airport grow, nurtured the museum, and took hundreds into the air in his World War II Fighter.
Steve Guenard, Heber Valley Aero Museum President: "He just couldn't say no, this is too expensive or the risk is too great. He had to share that and he did."
The airport has carried his name since 1996. McDonald passed away in December. Greg Petersen says pilots today know exactly why McDonald loved to fly in the valley.
Greg Petersen, Airshow Pilot: "All have this affinity for the mountains, either a fear of it or a love of it. Even the ones who fear it respect it. There no where better to have a 20 mile wide valley with 13-thousand foot mountains around it."
They'll share a bit of that love and fear with everyone.
General Information
Airshow specifics
- July 9, 2005
- Heber City Airport
- 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Remote Control Aircraft show, 10:30 a.m.; airshow 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Admission is $5 for adults, children are free.
Tribute to Russ McDonald, the airport namesake who passed away last December
Proceeds benefit the Heber Valley Aero Museum
For more information or to volunteer, call 435-657-0755
Airshow Performances
*Aerobatic performances
- P-51 Mustang
- Pitts S-2C
- Team OK3AIR Edge 540 and Extra 300L
- Aerobatic Glider
- B-25 Bomber
Parachute Team – "Jump for the Cancer Cause"
Fly-bys
- T-28
- TMB Avenger – WWII Navy Torpedo Bomber
- T-6
- CJ6 Nanchang – Chinese Air Force Primary Training Aircraft
- L-39 Albatross
- Mig 15
- Cessna 182 Turbo Skylane
- Christian Eagle II – Hom built aircraft
- Stearman N25-5
- More!*
Static Aircraft Displays>
Warbirds
Russ McDonald's P-51 Mustang and Pitts
Experimental Aircraft
Antique aircraft and cars photo ops
- 1949 Piper Clipper
- Stinson
- Cessna 195
Aircraft Rides
B-25 Bomber "Miss Mitchell"
- $375 for 30 min. history ride. Call 800-620-9005
- $10 to purchase chance to win a ride. Call 435-657-0755
*Park City Helicopters -- $25 for 5 minute rideOther Activities
Book signing by aviation author Greg Brown
Food Booths
Children's activities
Opportunities to win fabulous prizes*
- Airplane Rides
- D.B. Mueller's original poster art
- Gift Certificates to local businesses
Museum displays
Swing dance party
Aviation Seminars
