‘PROPS & RODS’ Theme for ’04 Air Fair

Propellers pulling air and hot rods gleaming in the sun are symbols of this year’s Ramona Air Fair scheduled June 26-27. The annual event is held at Ramona Airport, two miles west of Highway 67 on Montecito Road.

Thousands of visitors are expected for a weekend full of aviation and family fun. The Ramona Air Fair is an annual community event that benefits the families of aerial firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The Ramona AirFair Non-Profit Committee was formed after discovering an inequitability in the Disability and Death Benefit Program for the fire plane pilots when three pilots died as their planes collided over Ramona in 1996. It is the RAF’s hope that the Air Fair will assist in bringing to light the necessity to modify the status and criteria in the death benefits for aerial fire fighters.

"Props & Rods" are part of hundreds of displays at the 2004 event. Also featured will be military and firefighting aircraft, antique and home built airplanes and helicopters, food booths and flight demonstrations.

This years attractions include appearances from John Collver’s AT-6 "War Dog" and Major Rob Brogan’s A-10s.

John Collver currently performs in the world famous AT-6 Texan. John’s performances are now seen by more than two million spectators annually. John’s crowd pleasing, non-stop aerobatic demonstration is a salute to our armed forces and veterans of all wars. Not only does John’s AT-6 roar with a heavy airshow smoke system, but he also includes actual maneuvers taught to U.S. fighter pilots during WWII.

Major Rob Brogan’s A-10s are still important weapons in the United State’s arsenal in current conflicts. Supporting the troops who are on the ground and flying into danger’s way the builders knew the A-10 would probably take a lot of damage. While the newer F-16 aircraft is the "Porche" of the skies, the A-10 is the "Humvee.’

For more information on the 2004 Ramona Air Fair, visit the event’s web page at www.ramonaairfair.org or call 788-3366.