by V. Diann Devart
Staff Writer The Gazette
Aug. 7, 2003
Charlie Kulp will display his inability to fly next weekend when the Wings of Freedom Airshow takes to Frederick's skies. Kulp, who is also known as the "flying farmer," has performed more than 650 times, including past years in Frederick. When asked how much he practices, Kulp often jokes that practice would ruin his routine.
A good sense of humor and a little yellow plane have helped this bumbling farmer create thrills and laughter for thousands of airshow spectators in the country. Kulp is just one of the many acts that will have spectators gazing up from the grounds of the Frederick Municipal Airport on Aug. 16 and 17.
The Stars and Stripes Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, based in Frederick, hosts the airshow each year. Wings of Freedom is the largest flying war bird airshow east of the Mississippi.
The airshow is the only fund-raiser for this nonprofit organization. Money raised during the show is used to fund the construction of an aviation museum and to restore the organization's Grumman TBM Avenger to flying condition. The Grumman is a World War II torpedo bomber that will be stored in the museum when completed.
The Iron Eagles Aerobatic Team, billed as one of the most exciting and dynamic teams on the airshow circuit today, also will be making an appearance. This two-plane team will perform some of the closest and most challenging mid-air formations, exhibiting some near head-on maneuvers that will have watchers gasping.
Norm Birzer, the airshow chairman, is excited about this year's show.
"New for this year we will have a premier team of fighter planes," he said. These planes include the P-38J Lightning, P-40N Warhawk, the P-47 Thunderbolt, the F4U Corsair and the F6F Hellcat. Also making an appearance at the show will be the F4F Wildcat and two British fighters the Hawker Hurricane and Super Marine Spitfire.
And while the event will be unforgettable for those who have a love of planes, novices will be blown away by the acts. "Even the person who knows nothing about planes will not want to miss Jimmie Franklin," Birzer said. "I saw his act last fall and said we've just got to have it." Franklin has a 63-year-old Waco bi-plane to which he has strapped a jet engine. Paired with a 450-horsepower Pratt & Whitney radial prop engine, the Jet Waco puts out more than 4,500 pounds of thrust, allowing Franklin to perform stunts no one has ever attempted in this kind of plane.
"This act is just unforgettable," Birzer said. "He goes way too fast, is way too loud and gives off way too much smoke for a bi-plane."
Franklin also gets his son into the act with a little wing walking.
"It's incredible," Birzer said.
The show also will feature a battle, complete with pyrotechnics, a flying demonstration of 20 to 30 giant-scale radio controlled aircraft, and a children's village with safe, fun rides. The children's rides will cost an additional $1 to $2 per ride per child.
Airshow tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the gate; a child's advance ticket costs $5, or $6 at the gate. There is also a $30 family pack available for those who get their tickets in advance. The pack includes two adult and two children tickets. This offer is not available at the gate.
Tickets for the Hangar Dance on Aug. 15 is $20 for a single ticket or $35 for a couple. A dance table reservation can also be made for an additional $25 to hold six seats at the dance. To purchase tickets online, visit www.wingsoffreedom airshow.org. An order form can also be printed from the site and mailed if preferred.
The airshow is also offering a special for children. Until Friday, Roy Rogers will be giving away free children tickets in their kid's meals. The tickets can be redeemed at BB&T or the Wings of Freedom office.