Stocking stuffer General Admission and VIP tickets to the 2012 California Capital Airshow are now available online and can be easily purchased at the Airshow web site. Purchase before December 24 and receive 25% off General Admission, 10% off Flight Line Club and Governor’s Club seating, and get a free 2012 Commemorative Airshow Poster with each purchase. Space is limited for all VIP seating and VIP parking.

This enormous flower drop was followed by a Missing Man formation, which included  a P-38 Lightning, P-40 Warhawk, two P-51 Mustangs, a F6 Hellcat and a F8 Bearcat, all led by Steve Hinton. The choreography was beautiful and ‘Taps’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ could be heard for miles on Air Show One’s premium sound equipment.  Well-known Airshow announcer, Rob Reider, planned far in advance for this unforgettable memorial and we are proud to share his words:

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Today we remember the victims who died in the extremist terrorist attack 10 years ago. More than that we honor those who gave their lives trying to save others. And most of all we remember those million and more Americans who have given their very lives for freedom.

For some this 10th anniversary is a day of pain – because of the loss of a loved one. For some it is a day of vivid memories of a horrible tragedy. For others it is a day to remember the honor, courage, and commitment to an ideal that formed the foundation of our country – freedom.

An iceberg, with all its grandeur and beauty, is only about 10% visible. We forget about the 90% that is hidden underwater. The same seems to have become of our freedom. Our way of life is so easy. We have instant communications with our friends, families, and loved ones. We have unlimited supplies and choices of food. We have more TV channels than we have hours in a week. And regrettably, we have worshipped our lifestyle and forgotten about the immense foundation that, like an iceberg, is out of sight.  And that foundation – freedom – has been eroding because we’ve become unwilling to pay the price to protect our freedom. As many have said, “Freedom is not free.” It is purchased at great price.

The “First Responders” in New York and Washington who rushed into those buildings and those aboard United flight 93 who rushed the terrorist hijackers did so knowing that their lives were in peril. Yet they all exhibited amazing courage. Winston Churchill said, “Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities…because it is the quality which guarantees all others.”

Having lost a wife of 36 years and a 30-year-old daughter to cancer, I have some sense of the loss of loved ones who died in the 9/11 attack. But my situation was different – I was able to say good-bye to them. Most of those who died that day never got the chance to say good-bye. They were unaware that it was the last day of their lives.

I will never forget the horrific images of the airplanes hitting the Twin Towers. I cannot begin to understand what went through the minds of the people who jumped to their deaths rather than be burned alive so many floors high in the buildings. But beyond that, I don’t know if I would have the courage and commitment to race into those towers or the Pentagon to try to save lives and put out the fires. The “First Responders” – the men and women of the New York City Fire and Police Departments and the Port Authority laid their lives on the line for those trapped in the World Trade Center. Others who worked in the buildings stayed to help those who were unable to get out on their own. I will quote one verse from the Bible – John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

We mourn the loss of those who perished that day. We honor those who responded to the attack and tragedy. And may we recommit our lives as citizens of the United States to protect and defend freedom so that we, our children, and the generations to come will look back and say, the United States was tested – and found true to preserving the foundation of our great country – Freedom.

May we also honor those in all branches of our military service, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard who have volunteered to protect our freedom; and who have, in essence, written a blank check of their lives to defend our freedom. May I paraphrase Charles M. Province: “It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. And it is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who gives the protester the freedom to burn the flag.”

Rob Reider, September 11, 2011 – Sacramento, California

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Thank you to US Coast Guard Air Station McClellan, Jim Relles of Relles Florist, Allan Nishita of Flora Fresh and their many floral partners, the CCA management team, the army of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly, a long list of deeply committed sponsors, and CCA’s devoted board of directors — there wasn’t  a dry eye on the ramp. I believe we all walked away from this weekend with a greater knowledge of our nation’s history, a deeper appreciation for our veterans who have served and sacrificed, and a little deeper appreciation for the freedoms that we all enjoy. This is what a great Airshow is all about.

On a personal note, I would like to offer thanks from the bottom of my heart to all of the agencies that helped keep the Airshow secure and without incident, and to Airboss, Ralph Royce, for honoring  his promise and ensuring a safe, yet entertaining show.

Darcy Brewer

Executive Director, California Capital Airshow

In 1997, the US Air Force celebrated its 50th anniversary.  This branch of the military has grown tremendously in such a short time period, making exceptional advances in aviation technology possible along the way.  To honor the milestone, the Heritage Flight Program was formed in 1997 in cooperation with the US Air Force.  The concept was simple (showcase modern day USAF talent and fighter jets alongside vintage warbirds like the popular P-51 Mustang), but the impact was far-reaching.  With as many as sixty Heritage Flight demonstrations taking place around the country in any given year, the Heritage Flight Program has supported hundreds of events in its fourteen years, attracting millions of viewers to everything from air shows to funerals, sporting events to parades.

Americans loved the program, appreciating its unique approach to honoring the past while welcoming the future.  In 2010, the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation was formed to keep this popular program flying. Today, the core of Heritage Flight remains true to its original vision: honor the past, welcome the future, and provide an aerial monument to the achievements of the US Air Force.  From here on out, the sky is the limit.

For more information visit www.AirForceHeritageFlight.org.

The Airshow will be roaring into Sacramento again this September 10-11^th.  This year’s BIG event will entertain, mesmerize, and educate fans of all ages with exhilarating jet demonstrations, world-renowned aerobatic performers, a jet truck, warbirds, vintage aircraft and an endless variety of interactive displays. Honoring the courage and sacrifice of our veterans, as well the men and women who currently serve our great nation, this is sure to be an unforgettable event!

To learn more and be part of our team, join us for the upcoming Volunteer Rally on July 13th at 6:30pm at Rancho Cordova City Hall (2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670).  Volunteer applications are being accepted online at http://www.californiacapitalairshow.com/contact-cca/volunteers.  We hope to see you there!

The 2011 Show will thunder into Sacramento on September10-11, 2011!  Tickets to the 2011 Show are now available online and can be easily purchased at the Airshow web site, www.californiacapitalairshow.com.  Airshow fans will get to see an exciting line-up of performers from the electrifying Patriots Jet Team debuting their new six-jet performance, to the explosive, heart-pounding, live 3-D museum, Tora! Tora! Tora!, to a thrilling array of military jet demonstrations, world-renowned aerobatic performers, wing walking pirates, warbirds and so much more!  Mark your calendars today so you don’t miss out on the explosive excitement set to blow into Sacramento this September.

Volunteers get a mere t-shirt and some lunch, but for them it’s about the passion of the project and the opportunity to inspire and educate others. Whatever the reason, we appreciate each and every one of our dedicated volunteers and certainly couldn’t succeed without their hard work. So, thank you for all that you do!

It was thrills, chills and jaw-dropping excitement the entire time! With jets screaming over head to the fire-breathing, car eating Robosaurus to the historic gathering of P-38 Lightnings there was truly something for everyone. The static display area was hopping with excitement with over 100 aircraft displays for all to see, explore and experience.

Stay tuned for 2011 details and dates!

Yep, that’s right. The Goulian Aerosports Team is literally gearing up for the 2010 edition of the CCA! In fact, after we finish our last performance at the Boston – New England Air Show in the great state of New Hampshire, we’ll be shipping almost 500 pounds of “gear” to Sacramento for the BIG EVENT at Mather Airport.

The equipment we’re shipping contains everything we need to “rock the house” this coming September 11 & 12. The most important equipment being shipped to Sacramento is our music system. Our air show is synchronized to some pretty awesome music, which punctuates the hard-core aerobatics we’ll be flying during our performance.

When we’re flying, don’t look away or you might miss an amazing end over end tumble. If you take a lengthy sip of your drink, you’ll probably miss one of our crazy rolling maneuvers near the ground. It’s all pretty cool and very cutting edge.

Our team is honored to be flying at this incredible event with so many amazing civilian and military performers. There are not many shows where you will see the F-22 Raptor, B-2 Stealth Bomber, and P-38s, all at the same show.

This will be a weekend air show not to be missed. Let’s get to know each other prior to my visit. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Or, just cruise on over to www.mikegoulian.com and take a look.

See you there. We can’t wait!!!

Mike Da Mustang videos will also be playing and if you’re not familiar with this action-packed, humorous and heartfelt look at the world of performance aviation and the characters that populate it – you have to check it out!

Aimed at a young audience, the series follows the dysfunctional family of Mike, a legendary P-51 Mustang, and his fellow inhabitants of a remote and enchanting airport. Mike, Buzz, Axel, Angel, Max and a host of other non-human characters give the viewer an insider view of life in the clouds the lessons learned, the bonds formed, and the challenges faced. Never talking down to the viewer and always looking up, Mike and his crew are the kind of friends you wish you had, having adventures you’re invited to join in on… teaching children the important lessons of life. You can check out the first episode here: http://www.asb.tv/videos/view.php?v=a888c11q

Your child loves to paint? Well, you’re in luck because the California Highway Patrol and RC Country Hobby are donating wood airplanes that kids of all ages can paint.

Everything in the Kids Zone is fun, educational and interactive, so grab your kids, head to the Airshow and become a kid again as you watch aircraft soar overhead, play in the belly of a cargo plane or blow bubbles at the Kids Zone! What makes you feel like a kid again?

I have seen this quote attributed to several different, notable personalities in the annals of times gone by, and no matter where it comes from or from whose lips it passed, it’s pure, unmitigated truth. It was as valid back then as it is now.

As you walk around the California Capital Airshow this year, you might notice a few things perhaps out of the ordinary. You might see a young lady sporting a baseball hat and sunglasses with long dark hair and an infectious smile. You might also notice the fact that she does everything with her feet, as she was born without arms. Be sure to tell her hello and take a moment to listen to what she has to say, as you might learn something — either about flying or about yourself and your perception of what the world has taught you about limitations. Her name is Jessica Cox, and she’s an FAA-certified sport pilot.

Yes, I did say pilot. I also said FAA-certified. She flies a 1961 Aircoupe F-1A, and what allows her to do so is the fact that the rudders on the aircraft are manipulated by the control wheel instead of traditional rudder pedals; which brings us back to the “does everything with her feet” part. Jessica’s story personifies the dedication, innovation, and pioneering spirit that women have brought to the aviation industry, and she is truly an inspiration to all of us who fly.

As you continue to journey across the ramp and start checking out static displays, you might also notice a lot of women in flight suits. Congress removed the ban on women in combat aircraft in December 1991 with the passage of Public Law 102-190, but the Department of Defense policy still prohibited women from taking combat aircraft assignments. However, on April 28, 1993 the policy ban was lifted by then-Secretary of Defense Les Aspin opening the gates of opportunity to female jet pilots.

Seeing a woman in a flight suit with a set of wings on her chest flying combat missions has certainly ruffled a few feathers, but these brave warriors offer no apology–nor should they. They’re just as vibrant, confident, capable, aggressive, and….lethal….as their male counterparts. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t be where they are. The armed services have not relaxed the standards in pilot training to accommodate women. You either make the grade, or you don’t. You either fly the airplane and employ it, or you don’t. Simple as that.

It’s important to remember something – the airplanes they fly and the ordnance at their disposal doesn’t care about the physiological differences between men and women. An aircraft responds to control inputs made by the person flying it, and weapon systems do what they are designed to do at the request of the person in charge of them. Aircraft are colorblind, could care less about your religion or what you had for dinner – none of that matters.

Another woman that will be present at the show is LT Meagan “Vargas” Flannigan. The diehard enthusiasts among us might recognize her as “Meagan” from the documentary film “Speed and Angels.” She was the last female to be qualified to fly the F-14 Tomcat before the aircraft was retired from service a few years ago. More recently, she is an instructor pilot at NAS Oceana, Virginia, and teaches students how to fly and fight with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Not too shabby for a girl, wouldn’t you say?

From 1942 to 1944, more than 1,000 women were trained to ferry aircraft, test planes, instruct male pilots, and tow targets for anti-aircraft artillery practice. The women came from all socioeconomic backgrounds: teachers, nurses, secretaries, factory workers, waitresses, students, housewives, debutantes, and actresses. They were, and still are, known as Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) and the California Capital Airshow is fortunate enough to have several of them in attendance.

Often shunned by their male counterparts, they were pioneers, fearless and committed. The WASP program was the brainchild of Jacqueline Cochran, a successful businesswoman and legendary aviator, and General Hap Arnold, Chief of the Army Air Forces. More than 25,000 women applied for the program, and to qualify each applicant needed 200 hours of certified flight time (later reduced to 35 hours). 1,830 women were accepted and received pilot training at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. Thirty-eight women were killed in the line of duty.

The WASPs earned an amazing place in our history and opened the doors for women such as LT Megan “Vargas” Flannigan and so many others. If you have time to learn more about these remarkable women, I encourage you to do so.

These are just a few of the women that will be representing and celebrating the Centennial of Women in Aviation at this year’s California Capital Airshow, and we encourage you to talk to them, to listen to their personal stories, and to be inspired by what they’ve had to overcome to reach the pinnacle of their careers.

Buy your ticket today and stop by the Performers Autograph tent and… Ask for a photo. Ask for an autograph. Ask questions. You’ll remember each of them. And, history will too…