ROME, GA (SEPTEMBER 2021) – The U.S. Army Special Operations Command Black Daggers Parachute Team and C-17 Globemaster II Demonstration Team have officially entered the lineup of military performers for the 2021 Wings Over North Georgia Hybrid Drive-In Air Show. The ninth annual air show will take place at the Russell Regional Airport in Rome, GA on Oct 30-31.
The U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Team, the Black Daggers, will kick off the elite lineup of military and civilian performances during opening ceremonies with an abbreviated aerial demonstration. Later in the show, the team will return for an extended performance, dropping from an altitude of 12,500 feet and free-falling for about two miles at approximately 120 mph. The ram-air parachutes utilized by the team allow jumpers to carry an extra 100 pounds in weight when dropping behind enemy lines.
The C-17 Globemaster will also participate in opening ceremonies, serving as the launch aircraft for the elite group of skydivers, and will also return later for a full demonstration. The C-17 Globemaster II West Coast Demo Team, piloted by Maj. Nick Cobilo, is assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing and is based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. As the newest and most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force, the Globemaster was designed to rapidly and strategically deliver troops and cargo to bases in deployment areas. The C-17 helps sustain combat forces near potential battle areas as well as assisting with humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.
Measuring 174 feet long with a wingspan of 169 feet, the Globemaster is powered by four fully reversible, FAA-certified Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 engines. With 40,400 pounds of thrust per engine, the maximum payload capacity of the C-17 is 170,900 pounds with a gross maximum takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds. The aircraft can travel for 2,400 nautical miles before requiring fuel and has a cruise speed of 450 knots. Because of the design of the cargo plane, the Globemaster can take off and land on runways as short as 3,500 feet. The air show demonstration provides spectators with a rare chance to witness the amazing maneuverability of this expansive, flexible, and powerful aircraft.
The 2021 Wings Over North Georgia Air Show will utilize a hybrid format offering drive-in with tailgate style viewing, vendors, exhibitors, helicopter rides, military displays, kids zone, in addition to hill-top patio club seating. Those purchasing a general airfield parking ticket will receive a 10-by-20-foot spot for a vehicle with an adjacent 10-by-20-foot space for enjoying the air show in a tail-gate fashion with friends and family. The premium ticket covers the cost of admission for the carload of guests. The maximum number of people per carload is based on the number of manufacturer-installed seatbelts available. The hill-top patio ticket option includes a table, chairs, and umbrella for parties of six. Due to overwhelming popularity, only a limited number of Friday rehearsal tickets are available for the patio club.
The Wings Over North Georgia Air Show was recently voted USA Today’s No. 7 fan favorite air show in the world and is also the top-rated fall event for northwest Georgia. The ninth annual air show promises to be the best yet.
Additional acts rounding out the lineup of world-class performers include: the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in celebration of their 75th Anniversary, the A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team, Scott Farnsworth Aerosports Team, Michael Goulian, Mike Wiskus, Greg Koontz, Larry Kelly in the B-25 Mitchel, Scott “Scooter” Yoak in the P-51 Mustang, and Jerry “Jive” Kirby in the T-28 Mad Dog. Preshow aerial demonstrations include C-130 airdrops, Georgia State Patrol SWAT Team, and the Full Throttle Airshow Team beginning at 10 a.m. each day with the performances for the main show beginning at noon through 4:30 p.m. each day.
Tickets for the Drive-In Air Show are now available at https://www.wingsovernorthgeorgia.com/guest-information/ticket-options. Tickets must be purchased online and in advance as no tickets will be sold on the day of the air show performances. Both show days are expected to be a complete sellout. For additional show information, follow the air show’s Facebook page or visit the Wings Over North Georgia website at https://www.WingsOverNorthGeorgia.com.
