Olathe Native to Headline Kansas City Air Show

USAF Captain Joe “Rifle” Shetterly will face some added pressure this weekend when he takes to the skies as the headline act of the 2011 Kansas City Air Show. Shetterly, a graduate of Olathe North High School and the University of Kansas will pilot the A-10 Thunderbolt II demonstration in front of family, friends and the hometown fans. The show launches on August 20th and 21st at Kansas City Wheeler Downtown Airport and will be headlined by the United States Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt Demonstration Team.

 

Making the hometown performance even more special for Shetterly is the fact that his father, Greg Shetterly will also be performing at this year’s show in his One Design aircraft. Greg Shetterly said that it is an indescribable feeling to be able to perform in the same air show with his son in their hometown show. “This is really special for me,” said Greg Shetterly. “I sent my son off to the Air Force as an amateur (pilot) and they sent him back an expert. He has become my mentor as an aerobatic pilot.” Captain Joe Shetterly and the crew from the A-10 Demonstration Team will be available for planeside interviews on Thursday, August 18th at 2:00 PM at Kansas City Wheeler Downtown Airport. The news conference is open only to media and invited guests. As the Air Force’s top close air support aircraft, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the “Warthog”, is known for its role in destroying ground targets in support of ground combat troops. The A-10 demonstration at this year’s show will feature a booming, fiery pyrotechnic display that will simulate the A-10’s destruction of enemy ground targets. In addition to the A-10 demo,b> the Kansas City Air Show will host an impressive lineup of military and civilian performers and unique ground displays. Military performers will include the Unites States Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, and the United States Air Force Academy Gliders. Civilian performers include CC Gerner, the Trojan Phlyers, Flashfire Jet Truck, and Tim Weber. Additional performers and static aircraft are listed at www.kcairshow.com. “We are extremely excited about this sensational lineup and especially that our headlining performer is one of our hometown heroes,” stated Ed Noyallis, Executive Director - Chairman of the Mid America Youth Aviation Association. “We are very pleased to once again bring a world-class air show to the great fans here in Kansas City,” he added. Tickets for the event are on sale through the show’s Web site, www.kcairshow.com. All children ages 15 and under will be admitted to general admission areas for free when accompanied by a paying adult. There are a variety of premium seating upgrade options still available. Visit the show’s Web site for further information. Founded in 1993, the Kansas City Air Show is held at Kansas City Wheeler Downtown Airport and is one of America’s premier air shows. The air show showcases world-class aerobatic champions, military jet demonstrations and entertainment for the whole family. Mid-America Youth Aviation Association (MAYAA), formed in 1998, is a not-for-profit group that provides educational aviation and aeronautical opportunities for youngsters and produces the Kansas City Air Show. Support of the air show and its associated education programs is provided by donations and sale of tickets to the air show. For more information, visit www.kcairshow.com.