Top-flight air show to soar into Sparta

If you’d like to see breath-taking airplane aerobatics and death-defying wing walking, you might want to make the short trip to Sparta this Saturday.

A first-rate air show is scheduled to take place from noon to 4 p.m. at the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport.

Scheduled to perform are the Swift Magic Team, Greg Shelton, Greg Koontz, the Red Stars, War Birds, and the Army Black Dagger Parachute Team. Also on display will be historic war birds and other unique and sensational aircraft.

Gates open at 9 a.m., and the show will begin at noon. Admission is $5, with children 10 and under admitted free.

‘With this caliber of air show, we’re really expecting a large crowd,’ said airport manager Mike Douglas. ‘We have four professional groups that will be flying and really putting on an entertaining show.’

Douglas said the show will begin at noon with the six-member parachute team. He said pilot Greg Koontz is sure to provide a highlight with his comedy flying routine.

‘He’ll end up landing his airplane in the bed of a pickup if the weather permits,’ said Douglas.

Greg Shelton has a solo act, but what truly sets his routine apart is his partner ‘ who rides outside the airplane. The Red Stars routine features eight airplanes flying in formation.

A Stealth B-2 Bomber is scheduled to do a fly-over at 3:45 p.m.

Douglas said the airport has been planning the show since the beginning of the year. He said the show will allow people to have an enjoyable day while also giving them a glimpse of the airport.

With recent air show accidents, Douglas said safety is a top concern.

‘The airplanes won’t be flying over the crowd,’ he said. ‘That’s not going to happen.’

Upper Cumberland Regional Airport is located just off Highway 111 at the Hampton’s Crossroads exit, approximately three miles south of Interstate 40 at Cookeville.For more information go to www.uppercumberlandairshow.com or call (931) 739-7000.