Published: July 04, 2009 09:40 pm      

Kokomo Wings and Wheels dazzled hundreds

Soaring vertically up in the sky then rocketing down into a roll is how Mike Wild feels the most comfortable.

“It’s exhilarating,” the Kokomo resident said of his love for aerobatic flying. “You’re free of all the stresses down on Earth.”

Wild was among a group of daredevil pilots who performed Saturday in front of hundreds of awestruck onlookers at the first ever Kokomo Wings and Wheels Air Show at Kokomo Municipal Airport.

“I started flying in 1988 and starting doing aerobatics after that,” he said after landing his yellow Super Decathlon plane.

“I just loved airplanes since I was a young kid. It’s wonderful.”

Despite the constant drizzle and wet conditions, the pilots — some in vintage World War II fighters and some in newer-model aircraft — dazzled the spectators with an array of maneuvers.

“As long as the clouds don’t get too low, the light mist is not a problem,” Wild said

“I wish it was sunny.”

Wild, along with Kokomo’s Greg Aldridge, who flew a Super Chipmunk with its custom red, white and blue paint scheme, provided plenty of thrills for the crowd.

Aldridge, who began flying at age 14, became a pilot on his 17th birthday and an instructor by his 18th birthday. He has flown more than 100 planes in his 25 years as a pilot.

Proceeds from the event benefited the Western High School Marching Band, which put on a pancake breakfast prior to the air show.

Ron Alley, an aerobatics pilot, stood under the wing of one of the many planes on the runway watching the show.

“I just came out to see what they have,” he said.

As for the experience of flying upside down and other maneuvers, Alley said, “It’s like riding a roller coaster.”

Kent Smith of Greentown came with his family to check out the vintage planes and cars on display.

“I wanted to see some of the old war planes and their history,” he said huddled under an umbrella.

“Even with the rain, it’s still worth it.”

Along with the aerobatics, the event featured a drag race between a World War II fighter plane and a Ford Model T.

As the two machines neared the end of the runaway, the Model T edged out the plane to the joy of the spectators.

“You’re witnessing history here folks,” said James Zazas, the events announcer. “You’ll never see this again.”

• Mike Fletcher is the Kokomo Tribune crime reporter. He can be reached at (765) 454-8577 or mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com.