Pre-Game Show

As I was working this afternoon I could hear, or more like feel, a distant rumble in the distance. It almost sounded like thunder, but the sound carried too long, and faded in and out. I knew right away it was a fighter jet engine, and assumed it was one of the F-15s from Barnes. Looking all around for a look at it, there was nothing to be seen in the thick humid air. But the birds all around were excitedly flapping in groups; going from tree to tree, very unsettled.

The roar got louder again, then faded, then got louder again. This time I stepped away from what I was doing, and happened to glance straight up...



Aaah. They're Back. Finally...



They were F-16 Falcons, painted bright white. And as they flipped over, circled and looped in the sky, the striped wings and Phoenix markings on their underbellies became visible, confirming that they were the famous Thunderbirds Air Demo Squadron. They were taking up a good chunk of the valley's air space, quickly running from horizon to horizon, disappearing here and reappearing there, flying in groups and solo. They were practicing for the Great New England Air Show this weekend at Westover AFB in Chicopee.



The air show is a free public event. Whether or not you're comfortable being around the products and tools of war, it's fascinating to witness first-hand what our wealth, knowledge and technology has accomplished here. The mind bogglingly heavy mass of a C-5 Galaxy transport plane, with all it's complexities of wiring, screws, nuts, bolts, instruments, panels, levers, sensors. All the spinning, rotating, sliding, pushing parts; and then that whole mountain of steel and contraption just hanging in the air, seemingly moving far too slowly for it's wings to support it there, is just short of a miracle. Then to see the fantastic speed and agility of the smaller fighter and attack aircraft, and not only hear but feel the deafening force of their engines, as the sound actually struggles to catch up with the plane as it streaks by...a powerful definition of, well, power.

I never miss this event. For a long time the show would alternate every year between Westover and Barnes AFB in Westfield. Then September 11 put a temporary end to the show's run, but these guys barreling overhead happily signal it's return. Hopefully the weather holds out, despite Hurricane Hannah creeping up the coast.



What kid has never fantasized about being a fighter pilot? Seeing these aircraft roar by again fuels a sense of wonder, power and excitement that drives straight at the core of the little boy in me. I can't wait for the show...