Sequestration Forced Blue Angels To Pull Out Of The Show

The Alliance Air Show in Fort Worth, TX will go on as scheduled despite the absence of the Blue Angels, which had been booked to perform at the event.

Of course, the nation's military jet teams had been grounded by sequestration even before the partial government shutdown. But civilian performers such as aerobatic legend Sean Tucker (pictured) say they are ready to put on a great show.

Tucker told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram he estimates that 60 percent of air shows around the country this year have been cancelled because the big-draw military demonstrations teams have been reduced to proficiency flying. "It's been a tough year on the industry," he said.

The show, sponsored by Bell Helicopter, will feature civilian performers such as Tucker and a demonstration of Bell's new 429 helicopter. And there will be jets. The Black Diamond Jet Team flying three arctic camo-painted Aero L-39 Albatros jets will fly in tight military formation and perform aerobatic maneuvers similar to those of military jet teams, according to the show's website.

Also featured will be the Tora, Tora, Tora re-enactment of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Along with Tucker, Red Bull Air Race pilot Kirby Chambliss will be performing, as will the Red Bull skydiving team. Other performers include Michael Goulian, Kevin Coleman, Matt Champan, and Jan Collmer.

(Sean Tucker pictured in file photo)

FMI: http://www.allianceairshow.com/PilotsPlanes/Performers.aspx