Wind doesn’t stop pilots at South Tahoe air show

By Kathryn Reed

Gusts of 40mph did not stop the annual Lake in the Sky Air Show, but it did prevent some planes from landing.

The show at Lake Tahoe Airport wraps up Aug. 28 at 3:30pm with closing ceremonies.

Stunt pilots are defying Mother Nature, what with her high winds and sprinkles, as they race straight up, seem to stall, float down tail first and level themselves as though it’s no big deal.

Planes of various sizes are at Lake Tahoe Aiport for the air show. Photos/Kathryn Reed

Various sizes of military planes and helicopters arrived at the South Shore airport late this week for the event. Many are accessible to the public to climb into.

Air Force pilot Steve Cochran was showing Jimmy Donnelly, 4, of Hayward which throttle makes the plane go fast.

“It’s the best office in the world,” Cochran said from the cockpit.

Navy Sgt. Matt Vasquez strapped Scott Vernon, 30, of Portland into a hook-up that would prevent him from falling out of the helicopter while operating a 50-caliber machine gun. That’s exactly what this bird has been used for in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Some planes date to World War II, while others are used now.

ngg_shortcode_0_placeholder (Click on photos to enlarge.)