Performers train before big air show in Thermal
Pilots were rolling and tumbling in the skies above Thermal Friday morning in preparation for the 12th edition of the Jacqueline Cochran Air Show.
The drone of plane engines fills the sky above the airport in thermal with bi-planes dipping and diving like acrobats in the sky, It’s a an exhilarating feeling for one pilot who he’s enjoys putting on a show for fans.
“It’s about connecting with the crowd afterwards to give them high fives,” Jon Melby, an air show performer, said.
He is practicing for Saturday’s air show at the airport in his bi-plane. It’s his 7th time performing, and will be one of eight different performers in the show, which is expected to attract about 15,000 people. Melby goes through preparation that requires a commitment to being fit.
“Right now, I’m 200 pounds, and I can feel one G,” he said. “When I’m flying my airplane, I’m ten times more weight in gravity. All the blood wants to leave your head. Your vision wants to go as you’re fighting constantly to get blood pressure, so you have to be in good shape.”
For one fan watching the training, he says his love of aviation keeps him coming back.
“We love airplanes. I have been flying for 70 years and I’m not about ready to quit now,” Don Frier of La Quinta said.
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Melby said he hopes the performances will inspire some fans to pursue a future in aviation.
“That’s really all were doing is demonstrating that the beauty of flight and that they can see there’s nothing to be afraid of when you fly,” he said. “We’re knuckleheads. If we can do it, you can too.
The air show will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Admission is free. More information cane be found here.
