As in years past, Andrews AFB has always put together a spectacular flying display and an even more spectacular static display.  The 2007 show was no different, except several Andrews' staples were missing from the lineup.  There was no AH-64 Apache demonstration, no C-17 demonstration, and there was no mass paradrop from the 82nd Airborne.  However, since 2007 is the 60th Anniversary of the United States Air Force, a "history of flight" display was put together.  Aircraft that flew in the history of flight included a P-40 Warhawk, P-47 Thunderbolt, P-51D Mustang, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchell, C-47 Skytrain, F-86 Sabre, T-33 Shooting Star, C-17 Globemaster, and C-130 Hercules.  One of the finer points in the flyovers were the formation flybys by Jerry "Jive" Kerby in the T-33 and Dale "Snort" Snodgrass in the F-86.  Both pilots made several passes in formation before breaking off to do separate shorter one-pass performances.  That formation alone was worth the trip down to Andrews AFB.

Aerobatic pilots were at a rare large presence at Andrews this year, with Kirby Chambliss, Michael Hunter, John Klatt, Kevin Russo, Jill Long, Greg Poe, and Sean Tucker all performing, along with the Skytypers.  This was the first show where I got to see Kirby Chambliss' full performance, which is absolutely SPECTACULAR.  Kirby, being sponsored by Red Bull, was part of the entire "Red Bull Air Force", featuring several parachutists jumping from a Cessna, and Chuck Aaron in the BO105 helicopter.  Chuck is the only FAA certified helicopter aerobatic pilot and he puts on one wild performance in the BO105!  If you get a chance to see him fly, go.  This was also the first time for me to see Greg Poe fly, as I had met him at an ICAS Convention.  Greg flew an Edge 540 in previous airshow seasons, and debuted in 2007 with a new MX-2, powered entirely by ethanol.  The MX-2 is the newest aerobatic aircraft on the circuit today, with a carbon-fiber constructed fuselage, wings, and horizontal and vertical surfaces, a roll rate greater than 360º a second, and built to withstand 16± Gs.  Greg Poe, Gary Ward, and Rob Holland are among the many aerobatic pilots who are transitioning to the MX-2.

The star of the show this year was Major Paul "Max" Moga and the F-22.  Andrews AFB represented the fourth show site that received the newest demonstration profile by the F-22.  Max's demonstration is the best TACDEMO out there on the airshow circuit and I highly recommend you check out the demonstration if you can (if you're basing around my shows, go to Rhode Island, NAS Oceana, Columbus, and Nellis AFB).  The F-22 demonstration is best performed when there are a few high, scattered clouds near show center, as the clouds give a great perspective on the aircraft as it is performing maneuvers such as the power loop and the tail slide.

Overall, the 2007 edition of the Joint Services Open House was a very good show.  I attended the Sunday show, which was a huge change of pace for me, as I had to attend my graduation on Saturday.  I might be able to attend both days next year, as I have a friend who lives approximately half an hour from the base.  Oh yeah, check out the size of that static display!

Static Display Listings for the 2007 Joint Services Open House

Military Demonstration Teams

• USAF Thunderbirds
  
• US Army Golden Knights
  

Tentative Military Demonstrations

• A-10 Thunderbolt II West Coast Demo Team
  
• AV-8B Harrier Demonstration
  
• F-15 Eagle West Coast Demo Team
  
• F/A-18F Super Hornet Demonstration
  
• F-22 Raptor Demonstration
  
• MH-47 Chinnok Demonstration
  

Civillian Demonstrations

• Sean Tucker
  
• Kirby Chambliss
  
• Greg Poe
  
• John Klatt
  
• Jill Long
  
• Kevin Russo
  
• Michael Hunter
  
• The Skytypers
  
• USAF Heritage Flight
  

Announcer: Rob Reider

Gates Open: 8:00 AM Saturday and Sunday

Showtime: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Saturday and Sunday