2003 Capital City Airshow, New Cumberland, PA
14 June 2003

For the first time so far this season, weather cooperated for an airshow in the Pennsylvania area.   The 2003 Capital City Airshow brought an airshow back to the region after nearly a decade absence and thrilled everyone in attendance.   An estimated crowd of between 12-15,000 enjoyed the one day event that saw the US Army Golden Knights open the flying portion of the airshow after a great and wild display by the Psychogang Motorcycle Club.     

Starting at 12:30pm, the National Anthem started and a flying airshow was back in Harrisburg.   Circled by Patty Wagstaff, the Golden Knights brought the Nation's colors into the airport to start the 4 hour airshow.  Following a short teaser by Patty Wagstaff in her Extra 300, the Golden Knights performed their showline spread for the crowd and then intermingled with the crowd telling the story of the team as well as showing them all about their parachutes and discussing careers within the US Army.   Charlie Kulp Sr. then took to the airport in a great display of J3 Cub flying while doing his Flying Farmer routine.  Following Charlie was the USAF in their B-2A Spirit Stealth Bomber, "Spirit of Florida" for two fantastic passes that wowed the crowd.    Kevin Russo then took to the skies in his SNJ-6 with a beautiful display of World War II Advanced trainer aerobatic flying.  Following Kevin was a short demonstration of formation flying by (2) L-16s and then a warbird flight by Rag Wings and Radials B-25J Mitchell "Panchito," a P-51 Mustang, a Japanese VAL Replica, Kevin Russo in his SNJ-6, and a T-34A Mentor.     After several passes, the warbirds departed for home stations and the show continued with demonstration of Russian Power in Eric Beard's YAK 54.  Russian Thunder showed the thousands in attendance a great display of low level aerobatics and the true uniqueness of the YAK 54.    Following Eric Beard was the two ship Split Image Aerobatic Team with their Pitts Specials.  Flying their full 20 minute show, Split Image showed the crowd the formation aerobatics and artistry of airshow flying.  

Oscar Boesch "Wings of Man" took to the airport next in his ASW-15 Sailplane and showed the fascination of unpowered flight.   Following Oscar was Patty Wagstaff in a great headliner display of championship aerobatics.   Patty took to the skies for 18 minutes showcasing what makes her one of the best in the world today.  Following Patty Wagstaff, were the US Army Golden Knights with their Canopy Relative Work Parachute Exhibition.   

Listing of Display Aircraft

Overall the show included a little bit of everything for the public to enjoy.   From Classic Cars and inflatable amusements to a fantastic array of aircraft, no one should have left disappointed.   From a MCAS Miramar based KC-130 to a pair of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, and from a Long EZ to the new USAF T-6A Texan II there was something for everyone to enjoy.    Our static display included a T-45 Goshawk, T-44A Pegasus, UH-60 Blackhawk, UH-1 Huey, and numerous warbirds including the Piedmont DC-3, Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation's C-54E Skymaster, and a U-3A Blue Canoe.  Other privately owned aircraft in attendance were a FlyBaby, Bulldog, L-39C Albatross, a T-34 Mentor, and VAL replica.   

The hangar displays included several RC Models and a US Army UAV.