Heart-stopping excitement from aerobatics teams

JAKARTA (JP): Four of the world's most entertaining aerobatics teams will fill the skies during the Indonesia Air Show '96, performing for the air show's Aerobatics Festival.

Air Force Col. Suprihadi, who is responsible for the Aerobatics Festival, said in Indonesia Air Show '96 News that Indonesia was one of the few countries to still present aerobatics at an international air show.

He said air shows in other countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States and France, want to exhibit aviation products with the intent to sell, not to entertain. Even when aerobatics are presented they are generally limited to solo flights highlighting new aircraft.

It is Indonesia's aim, however, to attract its younger generation to the growing field of aviation. Suprihadi said he firmly believes that the aerobatics program will have a lasting impression on the average 10-year-old Indonesian boy.

"Who knows, after seeing the aerobatics show, he may be drawn to aviation in the future," he said in News.

In addition to the visiting aerobatics teams, Indonesia's Elang Biru (Blue Eagles) team, consisting of six F-16 Falcon Fighters manned by Air Force personnel from East Java's Madiun Squadron-3, will also show off its skills.

Iswahyudi Airport Information Chairman Lt. Col. Sus Soewarsono said the team is expected to perform eight-point rolls, four- point rolls, horizontal and vertical rolls, clover loops and the popular wing-over maneuver.

During the celebration of National Armed Forces Day on Oct. 5, 1995, the Elang Biru team gave Indonesians a sample of its aerobatics abilities.

The Red Arrows, from the United Kingdom, is made up of the following: Red 1, Squadron Leader John Rands; Red 2, Flight Lieutenant Andy Offer; Red 3, Flight Lieutenant David Stobie; Red 4, Flight Lieutenant Richie Matthews; Red 5, Flight Lieutenant Sean Perret; Red 6, Flight Lieutenant Kelvin Truss; Red 7, Flight Lieutenant Tim Couston; Red 8, Flight Lieutenant Spike Jepson; Red 9, Flight Lieutenant Mark Zanker; and Red 10, team manager, Flight Lieutenant Mike Williams.

The Golden Dreams, also from the United Kingdom, is made up of Team Leader, Nigel Lamb; and Steve Johnson, Lee Proudfoot, Guy Bancroft-Wilsom and Cocky Benecke.

The Roulettes, from Australia, consists of Roulette Leader, Tim Shaw; Roulette 2, Steve Thomas; Roulette 3, Pat Tolhoek; Roulette 4, Graeme White; Roulette 5, Steven Bekker; Roulette 6, Dick Dyson; and Roulette 7, Phil O'Donnell.

The Elang Biru team, from host country Indonesia, is made up of Leader, Lieutenant Colonel Rodi "Cobra" Suprasodjo; Right Wing, Captain Tatang "Phyton" Harlyansyah; Left Wing, Captain Anang "Morgan" Susilo; Slot Flight, Major Bambang "Puffin" Samoedro; Lead Solo Flight, Major Agus "Dingo" Supriatna; and Opposing Solo Flight, Major M. "Wild Geese" Syaugi.

Show times

Aerobatics performances run from Sunday June 23, to Sunday June 30. Morning sessions are from 10:30 to 11:30 and afternoon sessions are from 2:30 to 3.

The following is the scheduled days for the aerobatics teams:

Sunday, June 23 morning session, Golden Dreams and Red Arrows; afternoon session, Elang Biru.

Monday, June 24 morning session, Red Arrows and Elang Biru; afternoon session, Golden Dreams.

Tuesday, June 25 morning session, Red Arrows and Golden Dreams; afternoon session, Roulettes.

Wednesday, June 26 morning session, Golden Dreams and Roulettes; afternoon session, Elang Biru.

Thursday, June 27 morning session, Roulettes and Elang Biru; afternoon session, Red Arrows.

Friday, June 28 morning session, Red Arrows and Elang Biru; afternoon session, Golden Dreams.

Saturday, June 29 morning session, Golden Dreams and Red Arrows; afternoon session, Roulettes.

Sunday, June 30 morning session, Red Arrows and Roulettes; afternoon session, Elang Biru. (dppa)