District I
Event overview
The Rhode Island National Guard Air Show returned to Quonset, Rhode Island, May 17–18, 2014, after being canceled the previous year because of the sequester. It was one of the top air shows in the U.S., attracting 70,000–90,000 visitors each day.
I attended the show as a guest of air show director and AMA member, USAF Captain Mike Martin. This year was special because Captain Martin allowed the AMA Lazy Loopers Flying Club (LLFC) to set up a booth at the show to promote model aviation.
LLFC participation
District I Associate Vice President Steve Brehm and I attended the air show after returning from a great week at the Joe Nall event. Rick Heaton, LLFC president, and several club members set up a terrific display under two large shade structures.
The display included:
- Electric- and glow-powered fixed-wing aircraft
- Helicopters
- Multirotors (drones)
They handed out AMA brochures and provided model aviation information to attendees all day.
Activities and public interest
The multirotors/drones attracted the most attention and kept club secretary Tim Bailey busy fielding questions. The biggest hit with kids of all ages was getting flight time on one of the three RC flight simulators.
Air show highlights
The air show featured a range of vintage and ultramodern aircraft performing to their ultimate capabilities. Highlights included:
- U.S. Navy Blue Angels — spectacular team routine (video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ebw_kH8Azx4)
- Sean D. Tucker in his Oracle — aerobatic performance (video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kGqo_gzG0g)
- Jeff Boerboon flying the John Klatt jet-powered Waco (video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSMriUsxMJM)
- Rob Holland in the MX-2 (video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohs0qPW0_hQ)
Acknowledgments
Thanks to Captain Mike Martin, the Rhode Island National Guard, and members of the LLFC for their efforts in making this air show an outstanding event for promoting all facets of aviation.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
