Military Aircraft Perform During North Georgia’s Drive-in Airshow

ROME, Ga. — The sound of freedom echoed across the mountains of north Georgia over the weekend as the U.S. Air Force’s top aircraft and historic warbirds performed an array of aerobatics.

The Thunderbirds’ F-16C Fighting Falcons headlined the Wings Over North Georgia air show to near capacity crowds. Despite rain and low clouds, the two-day event pulled off a successful family-fun event.

Guests drove their vehicles to an area facing the runway at Russell Regional Airport to capture a close-up view of the demonstrations. The new drive-in air show format allowed for guest to bring coolers and lawn chairs for a special section next to their vehicle.

“I thoroughly enjoyed how this air show went,” George Parker, who brought his small family, said at the conclusion on Sunday’s show. “The weather was poor, but the aircraft flew low and it was exciting to watch.”

Civilian aerobatic pilots, including Michael Goulian and Michael Wiskus, flew a low show due to clouds on Sunday. They performed high speed passes and corkscrew turns while flying straight up.

The Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II and F-16C Viper performed separate flight demonstrations. The two aircraft later joined with P-51 Mustang pilot Charlie Hainline to perform the Air Force Heritage Flight.

“We work diligently every year to include a line-up of world-class aviators,” John Cowman, JLC AirShow Management President, said on Saturday. “For the 2020 show, we have the strongest military line-up ever hosted in our eight-year history.”

Wings Over North Georgia hosted the World War II-era B-25J Mitchell bomber Panchito. The silver aircraft’s slow low-level passes over the runway was a treat for the crowds below.

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)