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.

Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than locomotives, able to soar beyond our airspace in mere seconds — the superheroes of the   United States Air Force Thunderbirds Jet Demonstration Team will thunder into Sacramento headlining the 2012 California Capital Airshow (CCA). Airshow organizers announced today that the Thunderbirds along with an exciting array of thrilling jets, world-renowned aerobatic performers, and historic aircraft will captivate the crowds and inspire both young and old to dream big this September 8-9 at Mather Airport.

“The Thunderbirds are more than just the colorful Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons you see in pictures and video,” said Darcy Brewer, executive director of the California Capital Airshow. “Attendees will be fascinated by the members of the team; they are devoted to integrity, unselfish service and excellence in all efforts — a standard that young people should aspire to in any career or path they choose.”

As the Thunderbirds enter their 59^th season, they are proud to share their history, mission and message with thrill-seeking fans of all ages. These representatives of the most advanced and respected air, space and cyberspace force will be on the ramp to sign autographs throughout each day of the Airshow weekend.

“Both on the ground and in the air for every gravity-defying maneuver, the Thunderbirds will impress you, enchant you, and leave you breathless. Don’t miss a chance to see these superheroes perform and the opportunity to meet them in person,” continued Brewer.

“It is not only an honor, but a privilege to spend the weekend at the Airshow with these remarkable and accomplished men and women,” said Congressman Dan Lungren.  “An aviation event of this caliber educates and inspires our young people. America’s Ambassadors in Blue bring more than thrills and entertainment; they highlight our nation’s innovation and ingenuity while showcasing true gratitude for all military personnel both past and present.”

CCA Announces Discount Ticket Options through December 24th

Stocking stuffer General Admission and VIP tickets to the 2012 California Capital Airshow at Mather Airport 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.

The Airshow web site will be updated regularly with news, attraction information and more.  Community members and attendees can also follow the Airshow on Facebook and Twitter (#calcapairshow).

High-resolution images are available upon request or lower-resolution can be found on the CCA Facebook page.

CCA 2012 - The Thunderbirds

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

On Sunday, September 11, Airshow attendees will be witness to a heartfelt and moving tribute, honoring all of the heroes and innocent victims that gave their lives, responded without question and sacrificed everything on that tragic day, September 11, 2001.

The Airshow’s special tribute will begin with a memorial flower drop, one of the largest ever seen. The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento will proudly fly a C-130 Hercules, along the entire length of the runway at  Mather Airport, (one of the longest runways in the western United States) filled with colorful flowers, generously sponsored by local florists, Jim Relles of Relles Florist and Allan Nishita of Flora Fresh, as well as host of other floral suppliers from as far as South America, to be dropped along the mile-long crowd line.

The Airshow narrator will share a few important words accompanied to music that will leave the crowd breathless.  Petals will gently fall to the ground providing several minutes of silence in honor of those who are no longer standing by our sides.

The Airshow’s special tribute will conclude with a Missing Man formation, which is an aerial salute performed as part of a flyover of aircraft at a memorial event, typically in memory of   those fallen. The formation most commonly used in the United States is based on the “finger-four” aircraft combat formation composed of two two-aircraft elements. The aircraft fly in a V-shape with the flight leader at the point and his wingman on his left. The second element leader and his wingman fly to his right. The formation flies over the ceremony low enough to be clearly seen and the element leader abruptly pulls up out of the formation while the rest of the formation continues in level flight until all aircraft are out of sight.  The aircraft performing the pull-up, split off, or missing from the formation, represents the fact that the person (or persons) being honored has died.

The Airshow’s Missing Man formation flight will be unique as it will feature WWII fighter aircraft rarely seen together, carving a distinctive pattern through the sky, and flown by four of the finest and most highly-regarded pilots in the flying industry, led by Steve Hinton.  The music, choreography and narration will be emotional, moving and unforgettable.  Attendees will literally feel the rumble in their chests as these priceless warbirds roar by.

WHEN: Sunday Only – The 9/11 Tribute will conclude the Show on Sunday

WHERE: California Capital Airshow at Mather Aiport

**Attendees will need to buy an Airshow ticket in order to witness the memorial within the Airshow gates.  For additional information about the Airshow, tickets, performers, etc., please visit www.californiacapitalairshow.com.

The California Capital Airshow (CCA), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the importance of aviation for continued economic growth, inspiration and educational opportunities for today’s youth, and enhancing awareness for the service and sacrifice of our military men and women, today announced the current Airshow highlights, which will exhilarate, thrill and inspire fans of all ages.  The Airshow, located at Mather Airport, thunders into Sacramento on September 10-11, and will honor several important anniversaries. 2011 marks 100 years of Naval Aviation, an achievement the CCA will celebrate by featuring a fighter jet demonstration by the US Navy F-18 Super Hornet as well as a Legacy Flight starring the Grumman F6F Hellcat.

“Each year we strive to bring new and exciting performers, unique aircraft, and interactive displays to Sacramento, and this year will be an event that you will never forget!” said Darcy Brewer, executive director of the California Capital Airshow. “Tora!Tora!Tora! is making its first trip ever to Northern California and fans will not be disappointed.  Tora is a choreographed, living history lesson with pyrotechnics and precision flying all set to music, but the show certainly doesn’t stop there.  We will have something for everyone and every age – from exhilarating military jet demonstrations and aerobatics soaring overhead to a Kids Zone with interactive, educational exhibits – it’s going to be an incredible show that will leave you begging for more.”

Airshow fans will also experience the raw power and extreme capabilities of the F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration Team, the electrifying Patriots Jet Team, aerobatic champion, Patty Wagstaff, and a USAF Heritage Flight.  Rounding out the line-up will be the Shockwave Jet Truck, Otto the Helicopter, Dan Buchanan, local air show pilot, Tim Decker, more fighter jets, warbirds, vintage aircraft, and some of the largest transport jets on Earth.

Additionally, the 2011 show will pay homage to the tenth anniversary of 9/11 as well as hosting Pearl Harbor honorees and their families from across the western United States as a tribute to the 70^th anniversary of December 7, 1941.

CCA Announces Upgraded Ticket Option

Join us this year at the Flight Line Club, where Airshow fans will have prime viewing near Show Center, large tent for shade, open air seating, hosted water, iced tea, lemonade, lunch and so much more! Not available for purchase at the gate – available only online at the California Capital Airshow website or at your local Costco.  Tickets are $65.00 per person and available for limited time only.

General Admission tickets to the 2010 California Capital Airshow at Mather Airport are now available online and can be easily purchased at the Airshow web site or at all SAFE Credit Union locations throughout the region.

The Airshow web site will be updated regularly with news, attraction information and more.  Community members and attendees can also follow the Airshow on Facebook and Twitter (#calcapairshow).  High resolution photos are available online as well as the application for media credentials.

About California Capital Airshow

Established in 2004, the California Capital Airshow has become one of the largest and highly-respected airshows in the nation.  As part of its community relations, the non-profit organization has awarded over 80 scholarships to deserving students from our region with an interest in science, technology, engineering, math, aviation, aerospace, and aeronautics.  For more information about the California Capital Airshow, please visit www.californiacapitalairshow.com or join us on Facebook.

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.

WHAT:

On Sunday, August 7th, over 100 young people from the Sacramento region will be given an opportunity that many could only dream of. As part of a joint effort, the California Capital Airshow, Rancho Cordova Police Activities League, Sacramento Jet Center, Aerospace Museum of California, Sacramento County Airport System, SAFE Credit Union, Jelly Belly and several other caring community partners will introduce Sacramento youth to an eye-opening day of endless opportunity, inspiration and life-changing possibilities that await them.  The event has been aptly named, Positive Altitude.

Statistics show that exposure to such unique and interactive experiences expand a young person’s imagination and broadens their outlook on life, as well as their view of the world. ‘Positive Altitude’ isn’t just about aviation or the thrill of flying; this event is so much more. It is about the opportunities that lie ahead if these young people are given the tools to succeed. Half the battle is exposing children to life beyond their neighborhood, the latest gang, or their family  legacy. With this unique event we hope to truly inspire these kids to strive for a better life and achieve the greatness that we all know they possess.

Student Pilot Opportunity:

Training aircraft will be on standby at Sacramento Jet Center, each with an experienced flight  pilot to take five selected students on a 30 minute flight for an opportunity to get hands on experience and truly feel the thrill of flying a private aircraft! Each student pilot will receive a framed ‘First Flight’ certificate signed by the instructor pilot to keep.

To participate in this amazing opportunity, all interested parties must fill out an application, which can be found here – http://www.rcpdpal.com/.

Application Deadline: All applications must be received by midnight on Tuesday,
August 2, 2011

If you have any questions regarding the application or essay guidelines, please call: Stephanie DeShon (916) 875-9627 or email: sdeshon@sacsheriff.com.

WHEN: Sunday, August 7 from 11:00am – 6:00pm

WHERE:
Rancho Cordova City Hall
2729 Prospect Park
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

Sacramento Jet Center at Sacramento International Airport
5885 Flightline Circle
Sacramento, CA 95837

Aerospace Museum of California
3200 Freedom Park Drive
McClellan, CA 95652

**For additional information and an approximate agenda for the day, please visit http://www.rcpdpal.com/docs/PositiveAltitude.pdf.

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!

WHAT: The California Capital Airshow (CCA), 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!

Volunteer for the Airshow and experience the sights, sounds and excitement of the event from the ground up.  Each year more than 1,000 volunteers help produce and organize one of the region’s largest events and the CCA is looking for volunteers to make this year the best one yet!

To learn more and be part of our team, join us for the upcoming Volunteer Rally!  Volunteer applications are being accepted online at http://www.californiacapitalairshow.com/contact-cca/volunteers.

WHEN: Wednesday, July 13 at 6:30pm

WHERE: Rancho Cordova City Hall

Sports Travel and Tours, the leader in spectator sports travel, and one of the nation’s premiere Airshows, the California Capital Airshow (CCA), today announced a partnership, which will deliver quality sports entertainment to their ever-expanding fan base.

This is a brand new option for customers providing an all-inclusive travel package to one of the largest and most exciting airshows in the country.  This new offering builds on the popular travel packages that Sports Travel and Tours offers via organizations such as The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and The Pro Football Hall of Fame. Other programs offered include NASCAR, U.S. Open, Stanley Cup, Kentucky Derby and more.

“We are excited to have this unique sporting event to make available to our clientele, as we’ve never offered this type of an event before,” said Teresa Weybrew, Director of Sales for Sports Travel and Tours.  “We have negotiated and designed two different levels of participation with access to areas of the show that the general public is not able to take advantage of.”

“Sports fans that have never been to an Airshow are in for a rare treat.  The CCA showcases five hours of non-stop thrills, chills and jaw-dropping excitement that will literally have fans on the edge of their seats,” said Darcy Brewer, Executive Director of the California Capital Airshow. “Guests will see the ‘best of the best’ in regards to both military and civilian pilots and aircraft; literally there is so much to see and experience that you can’t see it all in one day.  With over 120 static aircraft and displays on the ground representing over nine decades of aviation history, sports fans will be mesmerized and entertained all weekend long.”

The 2011 California Capital Airshow thunders into Sacramento on September 10^th and 11^th at Mather Airport. Packages offered include:

• The Flight Line Experience: Featuring accommodations for three days and two nights at the elegant Four-Diamond Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova.  This package includes two-day admission to the Airshow and special tented Flight Line Club access for viewing of the show, commemorative poster, official souvenir program and more. For additional details visit www.sportstravelandtours.com/cca or call 800-662-4424.
• The VIP Experience: The VIP weekend features exclusive events not available to the general public such as the Performers Reception and Performers Gala. Once at the Airshow, enjoy access to the exclusive Governors Club, an escorted tour of the “Hot Zone” where you will see the world’s most impressive and highly-secured military aircrafts, like the F-15 Strike Eagle, F-18 Super Hornet, rare and priceless warbirds, and so much more.  In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet some of the world’s most renowned pilots and performers, preferred parking and more.  For additional details visit www.sportstravelandtours.com/cca or call 800-662-4424.

“Having these two major players cooperating at this level will help us continue to meet our fans’ needs and interests.  Customers have been asking for different sporting options to choose from and for the aviation enthusiast this will blow them away,” said Jay Smith, President of Sports Travel and Tours. “We have yet to scratch the surface of what we can offer to fans around the world.”

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Teresa Weybrew at teresa@sportstravelandtours.com or call 800-662-4424. Additional press materials and photos can be found at http://www.sportstravelandtours.com/blog/?tag=press

The California Capital Airshow web site will be updated regularly with news, attraction information and more.  Community members and attendees can also follow the Airshow on Facebook and Twitter (#calcapairshow).

High-resolution photos are available online at http://www.californiacapitalairshow.com/event-features/photo-gallery.  To request press credentials for the event go to http://www.californiacapitalairshow.com/about-cca/media-access.

About California Capital Airshow

Established in 2004, the California Capital Airshow has become one of the largest and highly-respected airshows in the nation.  As part of its community relations, the non-profit organization has awarded over 70 scholarships to deserving students from our region with an interest in science, technology, engineering, math, aviation, aerospace, and aeronautics.  For more information about the California Capital Airshow, please visit www.californiacapitalairshow.com.

About the Sports Travel and Tours

Founded in 1996, Sports Travel and Tours is a national tour operator based in Massachusetts. The company features travel package for groups and individuals for all the major sporting events. Travelers can also create their own trip with the “Any Game…Any Time…Any Place!” program. Through its partnerships with the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and AAA Clubs throughout the US and Canada, Sports Travel and Tours creates one of a kind, unique trips. For more information, please visit www.sportstravelandtours.com/cca.