Some of the top pilots in the world have made their arrival to in Rancho Cordova for this weekend’s 18thAnnual Capital Air Show. With a crowd of onlookers nearby anticipating their arrival, members of the Italian Air Force’s 313th Aerobatic Training Squadron, better known nationally as the members of Frecce Tricolori, flew into Mather Airport late Tuesday afternoon were they were graciously welcomed by a handful of city and county leaders, Capital Air Show organizers and a crowd of local fans that came out to get a sneak peak of what’s to come this weekend.
“It’s a great privilege to be able to bring these world-class performers to Sacramento for a one-of-a-kind airshow,” said Darcy Brewer, the executive director of the California Capital Airshow. “We are over the moon, so are all the people in the hangar who came out to welcome them to represent the 65,000 Italian Americans in our community, and celebrate their culture and our partnership.”
The Airshow will be part of Frecce Tricolori’s first North American tour in more than 30 years and is the only location in the Western United States where spectators can witness their full performance. Frecce Tricolori consists of 10 high-flying Aermacchi MB-339 aircraft, making it the Guinness World Record holder of the most jet aircraft in a military aerobatic display team.
The Airshow will be part of Frecce Tricolori’s first North American tour in more than 30 years and is the only location in the Western United States where spectators can witness their full performance. Frecce Tricolori consists of 10 high-flying Aermacchi MB-339 aircraft, making it the Guinness World Record holder of the most jet aircraft in a military aerobatic display team.
While locals on the ground shared in excitement as the team arrived this week, the highly skilled pilots shared their excitement as well. While one would not expect pilots of this caliber to get excited about something they do year-round, think again. These wingmasters are thrilled to be in California’s capital city for the first time.
“For us, being at the capital of California is really important,” said Stefano Pietropaoli, who is an Italian Air Force Colonel who gave a brief description of their performance that is often described as being one of grace and similar to a fine symphony performing before your eyes. “You will see the airplanes showing up together, all 10 together, and then splitting, making it 26 minutes of nonstop show.”
The annual air show is presented by Sacramento County in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova and takes to the skies this Saturday, July 13 and Sunday 14. The two-day event -boasts an extraordinary lineup of performers this year, not only including Frecce Tricolori, but the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, plus miles of ground attractions and the return of nighttime aerial performances concluding with a massive pyro-musical fireworks show. That’s right, this year’s airshow goes from afternoon to nightfall. The event takes place from 3:30-9:30 p.m. over the course of the weekend. Those interested in all aspects of the show in the air and on the ground and read more in a complete air show guide published earlier at www.folsomtimes.com.
“This year’s show offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Darcy Brewer, Executive Director of California Capital Airshow. “Our attendees will enjoy performances by two world-renowned jet teams, along with some of the most skilled pilots from around the globe, right here in Sacramento.”
This unique show opens at 3:30 p.m. each day and features four hours of nonstop aerial performances beginning taking to the skies just after 5:00 PM each day, giving attendees plenty of time to check out all of the offerings the show has on the ground this year as well. Teams will be in the air preparing for the weekend’s performance, so don’t be surprised if you see some “not so ordinary jets,” cruising the area skies.
Prior to the weekend show, air show organizers, together with Movement Brewing Company will be hosting a family friendly event this Thursday evening that will offer members of the community to meet some of the show performers while enjoying beverages, food, music at more. The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the brewery 11151 Trade Center Drive, Rancho Cordova, 95670. For more information on the airshow, check our the complete show rundown guide put together by Folsom Times HERE or visiting the official airshow website at www.californiacapitalairshow.com.