Skyfest puts air power on display

Some truly knowledgeable aviation buffs might be able to spot Bill Shepherd’s Yak 11 warbird and recognize it’s been painted to model the fighter flown by the highest-scoring Russian World War II pilot, Ivan Kozhedub, who shot down more than 50 Germans in low-altitude dogfights.

For everyone else at Inland Northwest Skyfest 2004, this weekend’s highly anticipated aviation show at Fairchild Air Force Base, well … the planes will look cool and the tricks will look even cooler.

More than 20 events are scheduled Saturday with a similar number planned for Sunday, enough to keep sightseers’ necks craned both days at the annual, free event. It is the one time each year when Fairchild opens its gates to the public, albeit after a thorough search.

Skyfest showcases “the unmatched power of our Air Force,” Col. Anthony M. Mauer, wing commander at Fairchild, said in a written statement.

Of special interest this weekend will be the aerial theatrics of civilians Tim Weber and Greg Poe, the parachute shows, vintage World War II aircraft and, of course, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

For the second straight year, the event is being spearheaded by the base and the Armed Forces & Aerospace Museum. Fairchild landed most of the performers, while the museum brought in the glider act and Poe and his Edge 540, said Greg Staples, museum treasurer.

Last year, Shepherd flew from Sequim, Wash., at the last minute to participate in the show for the first time. This year, he’ll reach speeds of 300 mph while doing loops and rolls. For an airplane that started production in the 1940s, the Yak 11 “does nice military-type acrobatics,” he said.

Shepherd, a retired Delta Airlines pilot, grew up in aviation and started flying when he was 16. He has spent about 200 hours in his Yak 11 and said the stunts aren’t too tricky to pull off.

“It’s like riding a bike: Once you know how to do it it’s not so hard,” he said.

Skyfest crowds are expected to be well into the tens of thousands. Gates open at 9 a.m. both days.

The show traditionally causes long traffic delays. For those looking to avoid the frustration of driving, Spokane Transit Authority will offer service to the Fairchild front gate. Cameras and camcorders are allowed, but it’s recommended not to load film until after entering because all items are subject to search.

Fairchild will offer food, souvenir and concession stands. People may bring their own coolers of food, but those containers must remain in cars.

Temperatures this weekend are supposed to be in the mid- to upper 90s.