Rochester International Airshow

The Rochester International Airshow sponsored by Tops is a MEGA-​Event, as you can spend up to a DAY roaming around this air-​field. I must of kept looking to the sky as I was wondering through the terminals at the Greater Rochester International Airport before I realized that the Rochester International Airshow was located in the South Hanger of the airport. Going through the airport was neat, as I had the opportunity to see where they placed the old clock that was once in Midtown Mall. The airport has an excellent shuttle transportation service, which quickly transported me to the South Hanger in a matter of minutes. Going VIP to the airshow meant that you had to wake-​up EXTRA early to avoid the road blockades. My shuttle happened to already be in the airport, so we nicked the blockade at 9 AM. Getting through the check-​in went smoothly as you where given your badges, and welcome packets. We had to go through this MASSIVE BARRED GATE!-SECURITY is no JOKE here. We where then lead onto the army vehicles by a couple of US Army Marshall’s. Driving around the airport roads, I felt like I really was in the army. The driver lead us to different check-​point destinations:
HELICOPTER DEMONSTRATION: We had the opportunity to see a medium sized helicopter take off, and travel throughout the air-​field. This helicopter was being controlled by a mini-​control tower out back. At one point I thought the helicopter was chasing me down the runway.
TANKS, MISSILES, AND CRUISERS: It was AWESOME getting the chance to strap-​in ALL the ARMY vehicles. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE to roam though all the tanks, and position a gun launcher. I loved pressing ALL the buttons to simulate a real-​life combat experience. I even did such a great target job, that GO ARMY awarded me a US ARMY Beach Towel.
US AIRFORCE JETS AND PLANES: The US Airforce hooks you up! They lead the in-​flight simulation through an army cargo plane. I thought this was going to be a «real-​life» flying experience, but it ended up being a lot of vibrations to create a «simulated ride». Boxes/​Seats did shake around in the cargo plane which was a little scary, still I wished we would of at least taken off the runway. The US Airforce gave us a NICE US Airforce Duffle Pack filled with Stickers, Key-​Chains, Mugs, Bracelets, and a COOL US Airforce Army Personalized Tag!!!
VENDORS: Veterans Outreach Center educated individuals about services for our Vets. They also gave away a cool Veterans Army Bandanna. National Guard was hosting a variety of «combat» friendly missions to win a prize. I simply went up to the National Guard, and just merely asked for the Patriotic National Guard Long Key Chain Holder. Talk about Yes Sir!, You have to LOVE someone in uniform. Unilocal!Tip– Get to the Airshow right when it opens at 10 AM to have the opportunity to nap up EXTRA SWAG! – AND IT’S IN A MAJOR WAY!
US NAVY BLUE ANGELS: OMG!!! Seeing the Blue Angels in-​person was one of the best experiences of my life. Each of them where so friendly, and ALL of them looked like a Ken Barbie Doll. LT Mark Tedrow lead the tour of the Blue Angels US Navy Air-​Craft, which has an amazing blue paint job. I cherished every moment as Lt. Tedrow propped me up into the airplane chair, which had an expansive view of the airstrip they where going to take off from. LDLR Mark DeBuse gave an informative lesson on the history of The Blue Angels, and the risks involved performing a show like this. In the end, SRG Lance Benson gave us a pair of US Navy Sun-​Glasses, which was much needed for a sunny day like today!
US AIRSHOW: With everything I received around the air-​show, I managed to pull together an Air-​Show Army Outfit for the Main Event. We gathered at the prime spot right in the front of the air demonstration. Unilocal!Tip– Bring Sun-​Screen, As the SUN BEATS DEAD-​ON from the air-​strip pavement. I felt like a little kid, mesmerized by all the flying planes doing tricks over my head. The shows are TOP-​NOTCH, and are worth EVERY penny for Admission. The rocket roar of the Blue Angles, leaves your heart beating for seconds after. Seeing the jets take off, then rotate multiple LOOPS in FRONT of your FACE in the SKY was INCREDIBLE! Sometimes the exhaust from the planes engines will leave you coughing, but that is the risk you take for having a front row seat. The end of this experience will leave you with a nice tingling feeling in your stomach.
OVERALL: Excellent Airport Shuttle Service, Huge South Hanger Landing Strip, Touring the Inside of MASSIVE TANKS, Pressing Airplane Buttons, The In-​Flight Cargo Simulation, Roaming Inside ALL the Airplanes, The SWAG!!, and of course the DREAMBOATS called The Blue Angels… I am ready to take-​off for NEXT YEAR!, I Will Be Back.