2009 Cable Air Show — Air Show Performers ( 2 of 5 )
11 January 2009 (Sunday Air Show)

Dr. Frank Donnelly "Dr. D" and his 1946 Clipped-Wing Taylorcraft ... "Tumbling T-Cart" (N6588C)

Dr. Frank Donnelly "Dr. D" — Dr. Frank Donnelly and his 1946 "T-Cart" are based at the Cable Airport in Upland, California. Dr. Frank Donnelly ("Dr. D") and his 1946 "T-Cart" bring Back old-time aerobatics to be air show circuit. Duane Cole, air show performer of the '50s and '60s was his inspiration. Dr. D maneuvers his clipped wing Taylorcraft in graceful loops and rolls in fine Cole fashion. Dr. D. shows the young and the more mature airshow audience what the airshows of the '50s and '60s were like as he flies maneuvers within 250 feet of the ground, exercising engine-off airborne maneuvers and the difficult engine-off landing. A proven performer, Dr. Frank Donnelly has flown more than 100 performances at 40 air shows and holds a ground-level waiver. He delivers a slow-motion, captivating aerial display that provides non-stop excitement for everyone. Donnelly started flying aerobatics in a World-War II-era PT-26 Fairchild trainer. Later he graduated to a 1952 British Royal Air Force Chipmunk. For more information about Dr. D and his "T-Cart", visit his website at Dr. D's Old-Time Aerobatics.

Doug Jardine and his 1990 Sukhoi Su-26MX (N360MJ)

Doug Jardine — The aerobatic journey of Doug Jardine began in 1982 when he took a demo ride in the Pitts S-2B. He's come a long way in 27 years, now piloting an expert only version of the Sukhoi 26 series MX he bought in 2000. Doug completed his first aerobatic competition in 1990 and he hasn't looked Back since winning awards around the United States and Canada. For more information about Doug and his Sukhoi Su-26MX, visit his website at Doug Jardine Airshows.

WELCOME Back! ... Rob Harrison and his 1976 Zlin Z50LS (N6660C)

Rob Harrison — Straight & Level Not Part Of His Act! That Rob Harrison would be popping in and out of puffs of white smoke, spinning, diving and twisting through the air in a specially built monoplane, repeatedly contorting his body to resist up to eight times his body weight in pressure, was unthinkable on his first flight. Then, his Dad, a career Naval officer, was at the controls of a Piper Cub, and 6-year-old Rob was scared. Now, nearly six decades later, the Claremont, California. resident, better known in airshow circles as "The Tumbling Bear," remembers that first flight. Remembers, sure; dwells upon it, no. There's the next show, the next new move, the next generation he hopes to pass along his positive attitudes on experimentation and achievement.

The Tumbling Bear, has been a marquee airshow attraction since 1993 when he made the decision to embark on a new career after 28 years with the United States Forest Service. The rarely-seen tumbles and gyrations of his Zlin 50LS are now his trademark in the sky. The maneuvers are best described as gyroscopic, created by the gyroscopic effect of the engine and propeller.

None are more enthralled with his airborne acrobatics than the kids; in turn, their reactions seem to give Harrison the most enjoyment. Harrison added a new feature to his Web site called KidsLink. Wherever the show, he typically is surrounded by youngsters after touching down. He hands out collector cards, pins, washable tattoos and other personalized giveaways. His 12-minute routine is taxing; two a day are exhausting. He repeatedly uses all his strength to brace his body.

Rob earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State and a law degree from La Verne (CA) University. He added a certificate in flight test engineering from the University of Tennessee Space Institute and an FAA Statement of Aerobatic Competency, which allows him a waiver for unrestricted aerobatics. He is also an Aerobatic Competency Examiner, or ACE. This puts him in select company. "There might be 100 active ACES who are allowed to license others to perform in airshows," Harrison explains.

Harrison traveled to the Czech Republic, graduated from the Zlin Air School's advanced aerobatics school, and ordered his own edition of the plane. His current aircraft plane is his Zlin 50LS, designed in the Czech Republic to compete in European and World Championship flying competitions.

For more information on Rob, airshow schedule, video and photos log on to Harrison Air Shows or call 1.909.626.7442.

Martin Kennedy and his 1993 Staudacher S-600 (N993DD)

Martin Kennedy — The 2009 Cable Air Show was Martin Kennedy's inaugural performance as an Air Show performer. Martin learned to fly at Cable Airport and Rob Cable sold him his first airplane, so flying his aerobatic routine at the Cable Air Show has a great significance for him. He is flying a 330-hp 1993 Staudacher S-600 (N993DD) with an impressive smoke system. The Staudacher S-600 is loud and generates spectacular tumbles, torque rolls and is famous for its snaps. Martin flies one of the most athletic 10g routines you will find, made possible by the design and strength of his Staudacher S-600 aerobatic aircraft. Martin performed gyroscopics and outside maneuvers. He opened his routine with eight continuous snap rolls into a -7g spiral tower, which appeared to send the Staudacher S-600 flying Backwards in the horizontal plane at the top of the figure. To learn more about Martin Kennedy and his Staudacher S-600, be sure to visit his website at Kennedy Air Show.

Since this was Martin's inaugural performance, his fellow aerobatic performers Doug Jardine (Sukhoi 26) and Rob Harrison (Tumbling Bear) had a surprise for him when he finished his inaugural performance.

Martin Kennedy and his 1993 Staudacher S-600 (N993DD, s/n 15)

After returning from his inaugural Air Show performance, Martin Kennedy received an aquatic gift from Rob Harrison ("The Tumbling Bear.")

Freedom Parachute Team

The Freedom Parachute Team has wowed spectators across the nation for more than 25 years. Colorful smoke trails across the sky and a huge American Flag are gently brought to the taxiway in this spectacular salute to our freedom and the freedom of flight.

Corona R/C Club

The Corona RC Club is a family oriented club that has a strong focus on enjoying the sport of radio control modeling. They are always searching for more people to enjoy their passion with. They invite anyone to come on out and join them. The Corona R/C club was established in 1981. The club is represented at many local air shows every year. The club is very fortunate in that they have an excellent flying field, La Sierra/Arlington Field, that they can fly at 7 days a week. The Corona R/C club has evolved from the early days of "radio guided free flight," to today's 40% and 50% scale models with full controls, which cost up to $10,000. Unlike earlier models of balsa and tissue or doped silk, many these new airframes are made of composites. At each air show, a drawing each day to select winner who gets instruction from club members on how to fly a R/C plane! For more information on the Corona R/C Club, be sure to visit their website.

Just In Time Skydivers

Just In Time Skydivers started in 1967 on the East Coast. Based out of Lakewood, New Jersey, the team jumped the then-current low-performance round parachutes into air shows and other special events. Moving to the West Coast in 1970 they now operate out of Lake Elsinore, California and jump state-of-the-art equipment and high-performance ram-air parachutes. Through the years they have jumped into places like Dodger Stadium, Santa Anita Racetrack, the Queen Mary, the Rose Bowl, and the bottom of the Grand Canyon! During the 2009 Cable Air Show, three skydivers from the team exited their Cessna 182, piloted by Dean Moya, at 5,500 feet (over a mile high) and began their 120 mph free full during a three-way formation as they dropped 3,500 feet. At an altitude of 2,000 feet, they open their chutes and began a two minute sail to the ground. For more information about the Just In Time Skydivers team, be sure to visit their website.