Westmoreland County Airshow 2023

Discussion relating to 2023 airshows/fly-ins/exercises/other events. Post news before the event and post your photos afterwards! Please create only one thread per event.
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n33d4sp33d_85
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Post by n33d4sp33d_85 » Tue Jun 06, 2023 11:11 pm

Additional Performer
- Rick Volker and his Sukhoi Su-26M

https://m.facebook.com/events/510247154 ... tid=qC1gEa
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passedgas46
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Post by passedgas46 » Tue Jun 13, 2023 1:39 pm

Okay... honest question time from someone who's never been to Latrobe.

1. Has anyone seen a schedule of events? I can see the gates open at 9 am but that's about it.
2. Is the entire ramp being used? The graphic n33d4sp33d_85 posted wasn't clear and I was hoping for some context but alas, none was given. It kind of goes in with my next question...
3. General admission parking seems really far away from the runway. Same with the static displays and vendors. I'm sure there's also buildings and trees in the way. Am I right with all this? The crowd can't be further away from the runway than at one of my local shows...
4. Any chance for the Pittsburgh boys and gals passing through with their heavies?

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to my first trip to Latrobe.
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MattEv14
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Joined: Tue Mar 21, 2017 12:58 pm

Post by MattEv14 » Tue Jun 13, 2023 3:05 pm

I will try my best to answer your questions based on my experience as a semi local from the Pittsburgh area that has been to every one of these shows over the last 30 years. In general the communication on specifics related to this show on their official social media page have absolutely been piss poor. IE- Terrible map provided on the parking area/show line with zero clarity provided, no static display list, no schedule of the show, etc.. It's like they aren't even trying. Anyways, here is what I know related to your questions..

1. Based on the TFR the show starts at 12 Saturday and Sunday, but as you referenced no schedule of events has been provided. I would guess Dave will likely post one in the next day or two on here or on his FB page.

2. The original map posted completely useless and confusing. The Facebook moderator on the shows official Facebook page never clarified of course. I had heard rumors that the majority of the ramp would be used aka closer to the old set-up with a wider general admission spectator area, but that was never confirmed on the website or FB page.

3. This all depends if they use "the old jet team set up" from years past or the new useless hybrid set up which basically mirrors the drive in format from a few years ago. In that setup the General admission was essentially out in the parking lot at far show right. If they went back to the more traditional format you would be much closer to the runway/statics/ and vendors, but the walk into the show is pretty hefty. I seem to recall at one point the did have school busses that dropped you off at the front gate giving you the option to walk or ride.

4. You would think that would make sense as they do flyovers around Pittsburgh for literally every major holiday, yet that never seems to occur at the show. I can't recall the last time Pittsburgh based assets flew in the show. It literally might be back to the A-7 days of the PIT ANG..LOL. Regardless it at a minimum hasn't happened in many years.

Hopefully at least a portion of that helps based on what I know from my experiences.

Matt
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Stratotanker
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Post by Stratotanker » Tue Jun 13, 2023 11:39 pm

In the past, LBE could not handle aircraft of a certain size/weight due to its runway. It was rehabbed and widened in 2020, so I'm not sure if that's the case anymore. Largest military aircraft types it has seen are generally C-130s and C-32s. They did get the Luftwaffe A400M into there last year as a static.

The 171st and 911th rarely ever make it out to Latrobe from PIT.
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Stratotanker
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Post by Stratotanker » Tue Jun 13, 2023 11:59 pm

Update regarding the schedule:

Curious about the event schedule of this year's show?

Unfortunately, the schedule will not be solidified until the morning of the airshow to allow for security, safety, weather, and general operational smooth-sailing. The gates still open at 9:00am, and we hope to see you then.

Thanks for your understanding! We want to make sure everything goes perfectly for you all and our talent alike. 🛩️


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BWalter_51
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Post by BWalter_51 » Wed Jun 14, 2023 1:58 am

The ACC events page has the Heritage flight canceled...and considering Beasley is in France right now, I'm guessing that's legit.
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n33d4sp33d_85
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Post by n33d4sp33d_85 » Wed Jun 14, 2023 8:07 pm

Here’s the schedule of events for this year’s event.

9:00 AM: Airshow Gates Open to Public
11:45 AM: Flags of our Fathers Ceremony
12:10 PM: Opening Ceremonies
12:15 PM: Greg Koontz J3C Cub Comedy Routine
12:30 PM: Rick Volker SU-26M Aerobatics
12:43 PM: Rick Volker SU-26M vs. Precision Exotics
12:47 PM: Erik Edgren Taylorcraft Aerobatics
1:00 PM: USMC MV-22B Osprey Demonstration
1:15 PM: USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration
1:30 PM: Northern Stars Pitts Aerobatic Demonstration (3-Ship)
1:45 PM: Erik Edgren Deadstick Aerobatic Demonstration
1:55 PM: USAF Thunderbirds Enlistment Ceremony (Sat only)
2:05 PM: USAF Thunderbirds
5:00 PM: Airshow Gates Close to Public

Source: https://m.facebook.com/events/510247154 ... tid=qC1gEa
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n33d4sp33d_85
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Post by n33d4sp33d_85 » Wed Jun 14, 2023 8:10 pm

https://m.facebook.com/events/510247154 ... tid=qC1gEa
Some of the aircraft that are scheduled to be on static display include:

C-123K
DC-3
C-170
LM-1
L-17B
UC-71
T-6G
T-6B
T-1A
AT-38C
UH-60L
MV-22B

Keep in mind this is subject to change due to weather, maintenance issues, and aircrew availability.
SHOP ‘n SAVE Westmoreland County Airshow
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n33d4sp33d_85
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Post by n33d4sp33d_85 » Wed Jun 14, 2023 8:58 pm

Last edited by n33d4sp33d_85 on Fri Jun 16, 2023 2:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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n33d4sp33d_85
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Post by n33d4sp33d_85 » Fri Jun 16, 2023 5:58 pm

Here's the new map layout for the show.
Screenshot 2023-06-16 135710.png
Screenshot 2023-06-16 135710.png (1.14 MiB) Viewed 1072 times
https://palmerairport.com/wp-content/up ... pdated.pdf
Last edited by n33d4sp33d_85 on Fri Jun 16, 2023 5:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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