LoPresti Newsletter

Oh, man, what a great month for Fury demonstrations. The weather is perfect, the people are fantastic and the Fury, ah the Fury, every pilot’s wish, dream and desire.

It all started off in New Iberia, LA. Yep, it was the make-up show for the one rained out in May, the old Navy base and one of the best sites I’ve ever seen for an air show. Chuck Vincent, Robert & Debbie Viator, Doc and his wife, Becky, were the core group I worked with – Bam-Bam-Bam what a team. The show line up was great; F-16 demo, Pitts and Extras Aeroshell team and the Fury. There were lots of static displays, from the military’s current fighters to helicopters and various vehicles. Chuck always arranges a formation flight of the performers around the New Iberia and Lafayette areas to drum up support for the show. I really enjoyed this flight, for Debbie went along with me. As it turned out, one of the Aeroshell team members couldn’t make it until the next day so the Fury and I flew the slot position to complete the diamond.

Sitting in the slot brought back memories of my war bird days. The wake from the T6’s just kind of held me in position as we flew around and when they turned the smoke on the view was fantastic. These guys really take care of you. I mean there is nothing to want for, smoke oil, fuel, start times etc. all handled by experienced ground crews. Doc had a tent set up for the performers to relax in and had a constant stream of food available from burgers and chicken to home-made desserts. However, I have to tell you about a special treat they had for the performers and their crews on Saturday night.

South Louisiana is well known for its hospitality and food. Well they lived up to that reputation and it has to be mentioned for we had the most outstanding dinner party I can remember. There is a bed/breakfast/restaurant in old downtown New Iberia, it’s owned and run by three brothers who are chefs second to none in the world. The three brothers are also aviation enthusiasts and wanted to do something special for the performers. Ohhhhhh, they out did themselves and any other restaurant I have ever eaten at. Their restaurant is in an old building which looks like it belongs in the French Quarter, filled with atmosphere and historic class. It was a movie setting. The five course meal left everyone with well fed and very satisfied. A shrimp/crab/okra gumbo started it off, followed by a smoked duck salad, crawfish etouffee, smoked beef tenderloin medallions which only needed a fork to cut and topped off with pecan tarts with a scoop of home-made ice cream drizzled with their home-made caramel sauce. This meal was so outstanding, I had to mention it. One of the USAF F-16 ground crew stood up to congratulate the chefs and ended by asking if he could live there.

A small note: once in New York for a 007 preproduction meeting I was taken to dinner by Cubby Broccoli, the producer. The restaurant had a world reputation as one of the finest with reservations needed months in advance. The chef was a friend of Cubby’s and sat at the table with us. He told me that the mark of a truly great chef and restaurant was that there were no salt and pepper shakers on the table as the chef wanted his creation to be enjoyed as he prepared it. There were no salt and pepper shakers at the New Iberia meal.

Oh, yes, the show was a success and once again I answered a zillion questions about the Fury and when they could get one. The next week I was off to Daytona Beach, FL, for the big beach show. Rick Grissom runs this show. I have flown many shows for Rick over the years, a true pro and friend. This show was also sponsored by Embry Riddle Aviation University. Embry Riddle hosted a performers party at the University for the Board of Directors, State/local officials and Alumni. There were some very interesting people there. One from New York was on the Board and had flown both of his Mustangs, one P-51 and one Cessna Mustang down for the show. During the four days of the show I enjoyed talking with the many Embry Riddle students who came by to look at the Fury. They want to build one at the school. The show is off the Beach and wow, what a crowd. They were treated to as fine a show as anywhere with a list of performers from WWI airplanes to the SnowBirds.

There was one performance that blew me away, the F-22 flown by MAJ. “Zeke” Skalicky. I have seen the F-22 show a number of times but few sites allow the F-22 to fly its full show. I have seen enough shows in my life time to recognize when the pilot flying it has the touch, style and class. “Zeke” is such a pilot. WOW is all I could say. I watched the F-22 do the power loop, which is tighter that I could do with the Fury and also watched his High Alpha pass with a ground speed slower than I can fly the Fury. It’s truly an impressive show. I have to tell you a funny story about meeting “Zeke.” It happened at a performer get together the first night. “Zeke” was talking to a friend when I stepped up to say hi. As I approached his table, “Zeke” saw me and started to stand, then sit, then stand as to salute, then sit then finally standing and saying “Sir, I know you from somewhere.” I asked if he had been to Nellis AFB lately. He said he was there ten days ago. I told him he probably met my brother there GEN. “Skins” Fornof. “Zeke” smiled and said “yes that’s where I’ve seen your face.” My brother and I could be twins. The show was a great success with the Mayor and Embry Riddle announcing that it would done again in 2012.

Now I’m headed to Tallulah/Vicksburg air show. This is a fun show with many war birds in attendance. There is also a Formation clinic for those getting or renewing their FAA formation cards. I will be giving a talk on formation to the clinic on Thursday night. I was told they wanted me to talk on formation since I have flown formation on motorcycles, cars, trucks, planes, helicopters, trains, boats and horses. Yep, even horses; watch the “Phantom.” I’m looking forward to this show. Besides the Aeroshell evening show, two of its members will display, for the first time, their duel P-51 Mustang show.

After the Tallulah/Vicksburg show, it’s on to Sebastian, FL, and one of our LoPresti First Saturdays. This one will be a little different. Besides my talk about my flying career, I will also fly the Fury demonstration for our attendance. David LoPresti has an interview set up and I have two Fury rides to give to people who won them. On the Friday night before First Saturday, LoPresti is hosting a “Movie Night” in our hangar. Open to the general public, they will be treated to one of my films, Disney’s “The Rescue.” Before the film I’ll give some behind the scenes stories and things to watch for.

Then it’s on to the AOPA Summit in Long Beach, CA. I’m scheduled as one of the people to dine with at the AOPA Dine with the Legends. On Friday I’m the main speaker at the AOPA Luncheon, “Aviation in the Movies.” I’ll also be walking around and at times in the Scheme Designers booth. If you’re attending, come up, say hi and let’s talk flying.