For keeping things running smoothly at the Lake Cumberland Regional Airport , Morris credited Airport Manager Kellie Baker and the airport ’ s staff for being phenomenal in their jobs .
And as for coordinating everything outside the airport , he credited the ambassadors from the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce as well as many other people .
Most people don ’ t realize what kind of preparation goes into a show like this , he said , up to and including safety regulations .
“ The behind the scenes work , you just really can ’ t imagine . We have to coordinate in advance with emergency first responders , and this isn ’ t just a phone call or a meeting , Everything has to be practiced and rehearsed at the airport the day before . In the unlikely event of an incident or an accident , the FAA requires that first responders be on scene in a matter of seconds . So you have to have everybody in place . It ’ s quite a process ,” he said .
“ Safety is built into the planning ,” he continued . “ The airbox – or the showbox , if you will – is limited . That ’ s what the performers fly in . No energy can be directed at the crowd , meaning they are never flying directly at the people . So in the highly unlikely event that an incident or an accident should happen , it should not ever affect the attendees . ... The aircraft they fly , everything is maintained so well and the performers are top professionals in this field , so accidents are very , very rare .”
What about outside pilots ? How does an airport get the word out to others that the airport is closed to regular traffic due to the show ? According to Morris , they really don ’ t have to .
“ Every pilot knows to check . The word is NOTAM , and that stands for Notice to Airmen . It ’ s the pilot ’ s responsibility to know whether an airport is open or closed before they ever attempt to land . All of that is done in the planning stages . The airport will close to arrivals at 10 a . m . Pilots that are flying in , they ’ ll know in advance so this won ’ t be a surprise for them . After that , the airport and the airspace above the airport is closed to all traffic except the performers .”
The gates will open around 10 a . m ., with the show starting at noon . Morris said the show should last around two hours .
Memory Care at Bluegrass Senior Living
• Secure Community
• Professional Caregivers 24 / 7
• Daily Activities
• Specialized Programming
• Private Apartments
• Enclosed Courtyard
• Short-Term Stays Available
• $ 4,500 / Month All-Inclusive
606.679.4578
BLUEGRASSLIVINGKFB . COM
While last year ’ s show was held in August — with 90-degree temperatures — this year ’ s is set for September 17 and will hopefully see more tolerable weather .
Photo by Caleb Lowndes
Written information relating to this community ' s services and policies is available upon request .
August 2022 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 33