Rotorfest
2002 - All Helicopter Airshow,
West Chester, PA
19-20 October 2002
By
far the largest ever aviation fly-in and airshow of Rotorcraft east of the
Mississippi, Rotorfest 2002 was an outstanding success that saw all aspects of
Rotary Flight and variety of rotorcraft in attendance.
From the small kit-built autogiros to a vast array of military, police,
and medical helos, everyone in attendance left entertained as well as educated
as to the roll that helicopters play in everyone's' lives.
Boasting two major airshows
daily with one small intermis
sion with sport autogiros, the event had a full
combat equipment paradrop from the US Army Special Operations Command Parachute
Team, the Black Daggers, and comedy flying by Otto the Helicopter. The first
airshow each day showcased the civilian side of rotary flight and ended in grand
fashion with the Black Daggers in freefall.
The second arishow showcased our military.
The mass departure on Sunday of the CH-47D Chinook,
UH-60 Blackhawk, CH-113 Labrador, and HH-65B Dauphin all in formation was
a once in a lifetime event.
We were extremely pleased with
the variety in attendance. From
numerous Army UH-60 Blackhawks to a pair of SH-60B Seahawks and from nearly a
dozen Robinson R22s and R44s to the Bell 47 Association's fly-in there were
nearly 4 dozen helos on the north side of Brandywine Airport during this event.
Airshow fans were amazed at the
military demonstrations by the AH-64 Apache, HH-65 Dauphin, CH-113 Labrador and
UH-60 Blackhawk. Chopper 3
and Chopper 10, as well as the Delaware State
Police, also did flybys.
Agusta Corporation brought in
one of their A109s for display. Canada
participated with three different types of helos:
CH-113 Labrador, CH-146 Griffon, and CH-124 SeaKing.
Airshow fans were offered rides
in Otto as well as a local Bell 206 throughout the day as well.
Listing of Attending Aircraft for
Rotorfest 2002
We would like to thank all of the many
volunteers at the American Helicopter Museum, Brandywine Airport personnel, the
numerous car dealerships that participated in the 2003 New Car Review, and the
Desmond Hotel for their commitment to this event.
Look
for another great rotary flight event in October 2003.