This weekend, you’ll hear and see planes and jets flying across Houston at Wings Over Houston.
Ahead of the public show, KPRC 2 got an inside look at how pilots and crew members are preparing to bring magic to the sky.
The United States’ Navy’s Blue Angels Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet will soar through the sky, performing breath-taking tricks. So much goes into making sure their over 40-minute show is seamless. Captain Isaac Becker says repetition is the name of the game.
Even crew members like AM2 Ashely Del Obre repeatedly check tires and gears to ensure the Super Hornet can fly properly.
“It’s seeing all your hard work flying in the air that’s rewarding for me,” Del Obre said.
Lieutenant Commander Natalia Luchetti has been serving in the Navy for 23 years and hopes the Blue Angels demonstration will inspire everyone.
“I want them to be inspired and recognize how we are here representing over 800,000 sailors and Marines again, who are out there defending our country, our nation, and our families. Also, hopefully, we will inspire a little bit of a culture of excellence and professionalism in everything that we do, service our country, and service to our community, who truly count on us,” Lieutenant Commander Luchetti said.
One Blue Angel logistics specialist is a Texan. Her family is driving seven hours from Miles, Texas to see her and the show.
“I hope they feel proud of what I’m doing,” says Alisea Meza.
Across Ellington Field the Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon is waiting to soar through the sky. The F-16 is sporting the original design for its 50th anniversary.
This 50th anniversary for Crew Chief Sargent Colton McMicken runs deep. His grandfather served as one of the first Crew Chiefs to receive the aircraft on base.
Wings Over Houston will demonstrate living history in the sky. A volunteer-based group of pilots called “Tora! Tora! Tora!” will reenact the Attack on Pearl Harbor. The show includes narration and even pyrotechnics.
Their name and planes come from a movie produced in the 1970s (which was also called Tora! Tora! Tora!).
After the movie, the aircraft went up for sale, and their group purchased them to bring history to life for generations to come.
Patrick Hutchins’ father flew in the very first demonstration in Galveston. Hutchinson continues to fly so that no one will forget this important piece of U.S. history.
“A lot of people don’t know about Pearl Harbor… So, kids can come to an air show and learn about history. During our demonstration, we also honor the veterans. We honor all the active military. And we certainly honor the men that were there at Pearl Harbor that day,” Hutchins said.
Wings Over Houston will open its gates Saturday at 8 a.m. with the latest admittance at 3 p.m.
The weekend forecast calls for sunshine and temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s, so be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses to enjoy the show.
