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World Aerobatic Championships a Solid U.S. Attraction

By Carl Gadd.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK--August 24, 1996--Almost a year ago Oklahoma City was named the site of the 18th World Aerobatic Championships(WAC). The Oklahoma City All Sports Assn. was backing the belief of the team at Aerospace America Air Show that Americans would come to Oklahoma in large numbers to see the best aerobatic pilots in the world compete for the World Aerobatic Championships.

The idea had never been tested. Aerobatics was considered a European sport. The only time the mass of Americans had seen the World Aerobatic Championships was as part of the Experimential Aircraft Association's 1980 air show at Oshkosh, WI. Americans had never been given a chance to "vote" on WAC as a stand-alone event by showing up and buying tickets.

Today, the facts are beginning to come in. Carl Whittle, Director of the 18th World Aerobatic Championships, announced, "The 18th WAC has already set a record for attendance, and we're expecting our biggest crowd Sunday. Staff members report private aircraft from seven states, some as far away as Florida, and more have called to say they're coming. Today's license plate check showed cars from 23 states . Total attendance cannot be known until the advance ticket count comes in from around the state." (WAC advance adult tickets are still available at Homeland stores.)

Sunday the competition begins to tighten as the flying becomes more individual and competitive. The second of three programs is underway. It is the Freestyle in which the pilots create their own program and the judges approve the selection of maneuvers.

On the basis of early scores, the Russians and French are in the lead for individual and team competitions. The US team did not fly Saturday but will fly Sunday. The excitement comes from how fast team and individual positions can change for all the gold medals at stake. For Oklahoma City the score in already in--the 18th World Aerobatic Championships a solid U.S. attraction.

The 18th World Aerobatic Championships is taking place at Clarence E. Page Airport, just south of I-40 West and Exit 132. Competition flying starts at 8 am Sunday and everyday until August 30.

MEDIA CONTACT:

B. Carl Gadd, DPR Company
405-848-6407-Telephone
405-848-6368-Facsimile
carlgadd@ionet.net

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