Regional Air Show ends county's 2007 celebration
By Marcy Horwitz CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The 2007 Chesterfield Regional Air Show will include a B-25 Mitchell bomber. The plane will participate in simulated bombing runs, and hour-long rides will be available.

Soar and explore when the 2007 Chesterfield Regional Air Show comes to the county airport from October 20-21. Whether your passion is vintage aircraft, historic cars, children's rides and activities, aerobatics parachutists, food or entertainment, you'll find it at the air show.

For auto enthusiasts, there's Denny Hamlin's show car, and a group of classic Mustangs will be on display. The Golden Knights, the Army's acclaimed parachuting team, will perform. The younger set will enjoy activities especially for them at the Kids' Zone. Live entertainment is scheduled throughout the two-day schedule.

The star of the show is arguably the B-25 Mitchell bomber. The B-25 will simulate bombing runs, with the help of German and Russian aircraft, complete with pyrotechnics.

"We work out the choreography among ourselves," says Keith Mottas, who pilots the B-25 in his spare time.

Those who want an unforgettable seat-ofthe pants experience can book hour-long rides on the B-25 bomber. Proceeds from the rides help keep the historic plane flying.

A flight instructor who has logged more than 800 in-flight multi-engine hours, Mottas had to go back to school to qualify on the B- 25 and related planes. The Commemorative Air Force, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving World War II era aircraft, was more than happy to train him. (At 53, Mottas says, "The CAF considers me 'young blood.' Most pilots who fly CAF aircraft are in their 60s and 70s.")

Mottas loves old bombers and the opportunities he gets to fly them.

"Taking these planes to the public - that's the part that's really rewarding," he says. Veterans, including a former Tuskegee airman, often come up to him to talk about their own wartime flying experiences. He's grateful for the chance to talk with the aging members of "the greatest generation."

Admission to the show, sponsored by Uppy's, Dominion Aviation, Delta Airport Consultants and other supporters, is $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. There's no charge for children under 12. Visit any Uppy's location for tickets and schedules, or go online to www.chesterfield.gov. Information about B-25 rides is available at (443) 458-8926.

Chris Ruth, assistant director of public affairs for Chesterfield County, sees the air show as the blockbuster conclusion of the county's celebration of the events of 2007. "We began in May with the arrival of the Godspeed at Henricus," she said. "We're thrilled to wind up our celebration with the 2007 Chesterfield Regional Air Show."