The Sky’s No Limit at El Toro : Aerial Acrobats, MIG Fighter Wow 500,000 at Base

EL TORO — High clouds and a bright-blue sky provided a picture-perfect backdrop Saturday for a shiny red MIG-17 fighter that captivated spectators at the El Toro Air Show.

As in previous years, the show at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station was highlighted by the Navy’s Blue Angels precision flight team, flying FA-18 Hornets. However, the Chinese-built MIG-17, owned and piloted by Bill Reesman, almost stole the show this year from the famed Navy aviators.

“What a beautiful airplane!” marveled Richard Waggoner of Sunnyvale, who was among the estimated 500,000 spectators at the 45th annual air show. “Isn’t it amazing that the fall of communism has allowed us to enjoy this legendary fighter jet at American air shows?”

This was the first appearance of Reesman’s MIG at the El Toro Air Show. The MIG-17, which was first manufactured in the Soviet Union in 1951, was the scourge of U.S. Air Force and Navy pilots during the Vietnam War.

The success of the communist fighter against the Navy’s more advanced F-4 Phantoms played a large part in the Navy’s decision to open its Top Gun school for fighter pilots at Miramar Naval Air Station about 20 years ago.

Reesman, who lives in Oregon, is a retired Air Force fighter pilot who flew more than 300 combat missions during the Vietnam War.

Pleasant weather and a cool ocean breeze that buffeted the few clouds contributed to Saturday’s large turnout. Military police arrested a handful of people for alcohol-related incidents, but authorities reported no major problems.

Spectators scrambled for shade in the glaring sun, taking refuge under umbrellas and under wings of the giant Air Force refueling tankers and cargo planes.

Robert Rainey, 52, of Los Angeles arrive early with a friend and five children and quickly staked out a prime spot for their dome tent. Lounge chairs and a cooler full of snacks and cold beer added to their comfort.

“I’m trying to get fat and juicy over here,” said Rainey, who, by noon, was lounging comfortably next to a collection of empty beer cans. “I’m enjoying the atmosphere, airplanes and the stunts. More people should bring their kids (here). Where else can you go for free and have a ball?”

Bob Yerby and Gloria Pelayo from Sunland Tujunga caked on the sunscreen, but said no heat could have kept them away.

“Any air show is worth a 2 1/2- or 3-hour drive,” said Yerby, 24, a drummer whose ears are so damaged that the roar of military aircraft barely bothered him.

The daredevil stunts that drifted close to the runway, however, reminded some of the 1993 crash at El Toro. That was Yerby and Pelayo’s first air show, and they were seated so close to the runway they could feel the heat of the fireball when Florida stunt pilot James A. Gregory’s F-86 Sabre jet slammed to the ground.

“I always grab on to (Yerby) when they come out of that loop, because that’s when we saw the guy crash,” said Pelayo, 23.

The F-117A Stealth fighter was one of the most popular attractions, and the only one that had a ring of armed Marine guards around it. The young Marines, with M-16 rifles slung on their shoulders, were unable to answer any questions posed to them about the Air Force’s newest generation of fighters.

Throughout the day, both military and civilian pilots ventured into the crowd to talk with aviation buffs. However, none of the aviators drew as much attention as the Blue Angel pilots. Children and adults clustered around the naval aviators and pleaded for autographs.

“A Blue Angel!” one young woman squealed before asking for an autograph on her wrist.

This year’s show is similar to last year’s with a few exceptions. Otto the Clown Helicopter made an appearance, bobbing through the sky, blowing “bubbles” made from balloons and playing with a large yo-yo attached to its underside.

Bob Hosking, 63, was at the controls of the modified Hughes 300. Hosking is a veteran helicopter pilot who flew choppers in Korea and Vietnam.

“The kids pay attention,” Hosking said of Otto, which Hosking and his wife, Annette, have towed across the United States and Canada with their motor home. “I’ve had kids put their arms around him and kiss him and say, ‘I love you Otto.’ ”

Joann Osterud, a United Airlines co-pilot and veteran stunt flier, made her annual appearance at the air show. The Oxnard resident has been a stunt pilot for 24 years and holds three world records. Although she has logged 14,000 flying hours, the “hot ramp, the airplane noise and the kids” still thrill her.

Osterud said she tries to spend a lot of time talking to kids at the shows, particularly girls who can look to her accomplishments for inspiration.

Today is the final day of the 1995 show. Gates open at 7 a.m. and the show begins at 9 a.m.

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APPROACH CONTROL FOR THE EL TORO AIR SHOW Traffic Control

The highway advisory radio station, 530 AM, will broadcast traffic conditions.

Road Closures for Today:

* 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Barranca Parkway: Ada to Alton Parkway, both directions.

* 2:30 to 6 p.m.

Sand Canyon Avenue: At Burt Road northbound

Irvine Boulevard: Alton Parkway to Sand Canyon, both directions

* 3:15 to 6 p.m.

Trabuco Road: Yale Avenue to Sand Canyon eastbound

Jeffrey Road: Walnut Avenue to Trabuco Road northbound

Santa Ana Freeway: Sand Canyon north and southbound off-ramps

Santa Ana Freeway: Jeffrey Road northbound off-ramp

Essentials

Be prepared for heat, dust and crowds; temperatures on the airfield often reach the 90s. Refreshments and souvenirs can be purchased from vendors. ATM machines will be available, as will restrooms. What you’ll need: lawn chairs or blankets, lightweight protective clothing, sunscreen, hearing protection, hats or visors, umbrella, water, camera, film.

Where to Sit General admission: Free. Grassy areas between air strips. Lawn chairs, strollers and coolers are allowed, but no glass containers.

Preferred seating: $8 to $35. Lawn chairs, strollers and coolers are prohibited. To purchase tickets in advance, contact Ticketmaster, (714) 740-2000. Tickets may also be purchased at El Toro during the weekend.

Schedule 7 a.m.: Gates open.

9 a.m. to noon: USMC AV-8B Harrier low show; Warbirds; Otto the Clown Helicopter; Rick Fessenden Berkut; Joann Osterud Ultimate 10-300S; John Collver SNJ; John Piggott Sukhoi 29; Dan Buchanan Hang Glider “Flying Colors”; Sean D. Tucker Power Aerobatic Team; Bret Willat Glider “Sailplane Magic”; Patty Wagstaff Extra 300S; Jim Franklin Waco Mystery Ship & Lee Oman Wingwalker; Federal Express Flyby; Marine Air Ground Task Force Demo Take-Offs.

Noon to 3 p.m.: Opening ceremonies; U.S. Navy Parachute Team “Leap Frogs”; Marine Air Ground Task Force Demonstration; Steve Stavrakakis Slin Z-50 “Wild Thing”; Bill Reesman MIG-17F “MIG Magic”; Team America SIAI Marchetti F-260; Wayne Handley Raven; Sean D. Tucker and Patty Wagstaff Duo; USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon; Sierra Aces Aerobatic Team; USMC AV-8B Harrier.

3 to 4:30 p.m.: Blue Angels.

Another Option: Take the Bus

Express shuttles will depart from two points, beginning at 8:30 a.m., and running every 15 minutes until noon. Fares are $2 each way for adults and children; $1.85 for seniors and the disabled. Return buses will leave immediately after the show ends. Information: (714) 636-RIDE.