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‐2 Sk
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Cess
ster
Douglas A‐4 Skyhawk
Rob Reider and Air Boss Ralph Royce
Having defeated the enemy aircraft, the Navy Sky‐
hawk and Air Force Super Sabre returned for sev‐
eral simulated ground attack runs, dropping na‐
palm on the retreating enemy. At the conclusion of
the re‐enactment, both aircraft flew by in review,
their beautifully banked banana passes delighting
the many photographers in the audience. The nar‐
ration by Air Boss Ralph Royce, himself a Vietnam
veteran, was spot‐on and added substantially to
the realism of the demonstration.
Closing the show were Fat Albert and the Blue An‐
gels, flying their penultimate show of the 2014 sea‐
son. The perfect weather conditions allowed them
to put on their full high show and from wheels‐up
to touchdown the spectators were focused on the
precision maneuvers. According to their Facebook
page “Weather was so nice we decided to put on
our yellow flight suits.” Afterwards, the pilots and
crew approached the crowd line to sign autographs
and answer questions from their many fans.
Ralph Royce and Rob Reider teamed up once again
as Air Boss and Announcer, respectively. Together
they entertained and informed a record crowd of
almost 100,000. Photographers had the option of
purchasing a Sunrise Photo Tour Pass or Photo Pit
Pass to gain early access or elevated risers, tent
area, drinking water, and restrooms in a chalet
area. The viewing area is west of the 17/35 run‐
way, meaning that the afternoon sun is behind
you, making for perfect conditions for photogra‐
phers. The only complaint was the large amount of
smoke during the reenactments. The action, espe‐
cially taxiing, takes place quite close to the audi‐
ence; a 300mm lens is sufficient to capture all but
the smaller aerobatic planes in detail.
The Aviation Magazine would like to thank Scott
Tims for organizing the media opportunities and all
the staff, sponsors and volunteers for making
Wings Over Houston one
Pyro of the world’s premier
warbird air shows.
MiG‐