Air show returns to pinnacle of manned aviation

Framed by the backdrop of famous launch facilities, aerospace, aviation and astronauts will take to the skies for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy Space Center featuring the Blue Angels November 8-9, 2008. On the heels of the successful U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds performance of 2007, the 2008 show will include an expanded roster of aviation stars.

Newly announced aerobatic acts scheduled to perform include Mike Goulian, sponsored by Castrol Oil and the Air Force Reserve Biplane Show. Also performing are the U.S. Navy Super Hornet Demo Team, the 920th Rescue Wing, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, the F-16 Viper East Demonstration and the A-10 Warthog.

Mike Goulian, sponsored by Castrol Oil, will perform in the EXTRA300SHP, the world's newest custom-built premiere aerobatic aircraft. The Air Force Reserve Biplane Show will feature Ed Hamill telling his story, Living the Dream, in a performance taking viewers back in time through the last century of aerobatics. The 920th Rescue Wing will demonstrate a daring water rescue of a downed astronaut from a Space Shuttle bailout with pararescueman hoisted from helicopters.

Other military performances include the F/A-18 Hornet, the nation's first true strike-fighter capable aircraft, and the A-10 Warthog, the first U.S. Air Force aircraft designed exclusively for close air support. Other flight demonstrations and performances are being added to the schedule and will be announced at a later date.

"This exciting event will bring some of the best pilots in the world to perform in the skies above Kennedy Space Center," said Daniel LeBlanc, Chief Operating Officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. "It is truly a unique setting to display the best of aviation at the home of America's space program."

Tickets for the Space & Air Show at Kennedy Space Center are available online at KennedySpaceCenter.com with special savings for advance purchase.