From Flying to Fireworks

   I hope that everyone had a safe a safe and wonderful 4^th of July.   Tullahoma, TN had a combination fireworks and air show featuring pilots Chris Round and Julie Clark, sponsored in part by the Kiwanis, Goodrich Landing Gear of Tullahoma and The Tullahoma New.  I am not an aircraft expert.  It was only by chance that I got to go to the hanger.  Goodrich Landing Gear http://www.goodrich.com/portal/site/grcom/home of Tullahoma had a drawing among its employees for a barbeque dinner and select seating to the air show and fireworks. The winners can be seen here with the T-33 Silver Star belonging to Chris Rounds, “The Red Knight.” They also gave away a ride to one of the employees. The winner of the drawing was Brad Holt, plant manager, who has been with Goodrich for 6 years and living in Tullahoma for 3.

Once again I am not an aircraft expert. 

Chris Rounds http://www.redknightairshows.com fly’s “The Red Knight”a T-33 Silver Star.  In Jayne terms a small jet?  Thanks to Sam Crimm II http://www.distinctivephotography.net/bio.html a pilot and photographer I was on the tarmac and able to take a few pictures of this small mighty plane in action. The Red Knight has a rich history that is Canadian in origin.  Because The Red Knight is a jet there are a few different rules for flying an air show than those for the smaller and slower Beech craft. Distances from fans and the airport and, as always, the risk to housing in the area remain the main concerns. Reaching speeds of 580 miles an hour while twisting and turning over such a small venue is an amazing for the feat for both plane and pilot. Chris Rounds not only fly’s the T-33A but has his own business. “Rounds Aviation” which restores war planes for other people. If you would like more information on Chris Round and the Red Knight go to http://www.redknightairshows.com

The next performer on the evening was Julie Clark. www.americanaerobatics.com Julie fly’s a Beechcraft T-34 and has a 15 minute show which features Julie “sky dancing” to the music of artists such as Lee Greenwood and his patriotic songs “God Bless the U.S.A” and “God Bless Canada”. Julie, who was inspired by her father Ernie Clark, has been flying and performing for about 30 years.  First flying for Northwest Airlines then her creating her own aerobatics show Using her Chevron Mentor T-34 named “Free Spirit”. Patriotism is very important to Julie Clark. She named her plane “Free Spirit” in honor of America and the Freedoms we enjoy. Personally, I think from watching her fly the name describes her spirit.  If you get a chance to see Julie Clark fly you won’t be disappointed. For more information on Julie Clark or her plane go to www.americanaerobatics.com

Special thank to  , Goodrich Landing Gear of Tullahoma,TN.,Tullahoma Kiwanis, The Sunday News, Robertson and  Worsham Law

Special thanks to the Kiwanis for the Fireworks go to kiwanisfireworks.com to see more pictures