EDITORIAL- At
this writing millions of dollars will be lost to small business and
professionals that depend on the Air Show industry each season. This is just
one consequence of out of control government spending and a political gaming
exercise named "sequestration". The financial ax is poised to fall on March 1,
2013.
Taxpayers, the supporters of our magnificent military and backboneof air shows large and small, will be denied their participation. The result is a crushing effect on annual events that yield millions of dollars to communities across the nation, support a variety of small business, aviation professionals, ancillary companies and non-profit organizations. When the military shows are cancelled it takes the civilian performers down with them.
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US Navy Demonstration Team- USN
According to the International Council of Air Shows, tens of millions of spectators attend air shows each year. The air show industry represents one of the very largest, if not the largest, outdoor professional sports in North America. ICAS estimates that the total industry revenue is approximately $110 million per year and the average number of shows each year in U.S. and Canada is 325-350. The economic impact to cities is far greater.
Morale, recruiting and patriotism with military participation in these public venues could end, as we know it. A proud tradition of over 67 years of US Navy Blue Angels performances may be over. All service teams will be equally affected this season. Military show operations and preparations remain nominal until March 1 but end reportedly on April1. After that, some air shows will go on without them. Not all were fortunate to have them on their schedule. Other venues that are dependent on a military headliner to draw a big enough crowd to justify having an air show already have or will cancel. Shows held on military bases will likely be cancelled.
What becomes of 67 years of military demos in air shows when they are grounded? Is there any thought to putting it all back together, up in the air again? Aside from the millions of dollars lost to communities and small business, scheduling and producing these types of annual shows consume up to two years or more. How does "sequester" end?
I recall an amazing view from a small airplane flying along the Potomac looking down at Washington DC landmarks, but wait -that was forbidden since 2001.... Will I fondly remember air shows in ten years as what they used to be, the shade of a C-17, watching the "Blues", a Heritage Flight, Golden Knights, Fat Albert, U.S. Thunderbirds, Harriers, Wart Hog demos and....
We, the people, provide the money for the best military, let us insist that we experience and cheer our heroes in a way only a traditional United States airshow can provide. -B Meyer
Taxpayers, the supporters of our magnificent military and backboneof air shows large and small, will be denied their participation. The result is a crushing effect on annual events that yield millions of dollars to communities across the nation, support a variety of small business, aviation professionals, ancillary companies and non-profit organizations. When the military shows are cancelled it takes the civilian performers down with them.
US Navy Demonstration Team- USN
According to the International Council of Air Shows, tens of millions of spectators attend air shows each year. The air show industry represents one of the very largest, if not the largest, outdoor professional sports in North America. ICAS estimates that the total industry revenue is approximately $110 million per year and the average number of shows each year in U.S. and Canada is 325-350. The economic impact to cities is far greater.
Morale, recruiting and patriotism with military participation in these public venues could end, as we know it. A proud tradition of over 67 years of US Navy Blue Angels performances may be over. All service teams will be equally affected this season. Military show operations and preparations remain nominal until March 1 but end reportedly on April1. After that, some air shows will go on without them. Not all were fortunate to have them on their schedule. Other venues that are dependent on a military headliner to draw a big enough crowd to justify having an air show already have or will cancel. Shows held on military bases will likely be cancelled.
What becomes of 67 years of military demos in air shows when they are grounded? Is there any thought to putting it all back together, up in the air again? Aside from the millions of dollars lost to communities and small business, scheduling and producing these types of annual shows consume up to two years or more. How does "sequester" end?
I recall an amazing view from a small airplane flying along the Potomac looking down at Washington DC landmarks, but wait -that was forbidden since 2001.... Will I fondly remember air shows in ten years as what they used to be, the shade of a C-17, watching the "Blues", a Heritage Flight, Golden Knights, Fat Albert, U.S. Thunderbirds, Harriers, Wart Hog demos and....
We, the people, provide the money for the best military, let us insist that we experience and cheer our heroes in a way only a traditional United States airshow can provide. -B Meyer