DAYTON — Air show officials announced two exciting additions to the 2018 Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger and headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Sean D. Tucker and the “Screamin’ Sasquatch” Jet Waco will join the Blues and other top attractions this year. The 44th annual show will take off on June 23 and 24 at the Dayton International Airport.
More than 80 million people have witnessed the dynamic and highly-entertaining aerobatic maneuvers of air show legend, Sean D. Tucker. He is no doubt one of the most popular performers in America.
Tucker has announced he plans to retire from solo aerobatics after the 2018 airshow season. His famous red biplane, the Oracle Challenger III, will go to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum for permanent display. Tucker has flown more than 26,000 hours over four decades of airshow appearances.
Spectators at the 2018 Vectren Dayton Air Show will watch Tucker for the last time put his 400 horsepower Oracle Challenger biplane through a rigorous performance, flying backwards, straight-down, and tail-first at more than 100 mph. The finale solo performance of Sean D. Tucker will indeed be historical.
While retiring from solo flying, Tucker also announced he’s far from done as a performer. He is planning to form a formation aerobatic team for future air show performances. A team performance would be less physically demanding than his rigorous solo routine, an important factor for a 65-year-old aerobatic pilot.
What 1929 airplane can fly vertically? The Jack Link’s Beef Jerky “Screamin’ Sasquatch” Jet Waco can and will thrill audiences at the Vectren Dayton Air Show in 2018. Sasquatch is a highly modified 1929 Taperwing Waco powered by its conventional Pratt & Whitney 985 Radial Engine.
The excitement comes from a modern day General Electric Jet Engine cleverly tucked underneath producing an additional 3,000 pounds of thrust that will allow it to fly vertically. These dual power plants provide over 4,500 lbs. of thrust, a loud, distinctive roar and an amazing performance. Flown by US Unlimited Aerobatics Champion pilot John Klatt, the Screamin’ Sasquatch is one wild, untamed airplane that spectators are sure to enjoy.
“Sean and the Jet Waco are two incredible additions to the 2018 show,” stated Scott Buchanan, Chairman of the United States Air & Trade Show Board of Trustees, the governing body of the show. “Sean’s last solo performance is a must see and the remarkable Jet Waco is a thrill to watch. Add the Blue Angels, the F-22 Raptor and others, and you have a world-class show,” Buchanan added.
2018 Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger tickets including the popular Pavilion, Blue Sky Chalet and Family Four Packs are now on sale at the show’s website, www.daytonairshow.com. Customers can utilize print-at-home or print-to-mobile options available on all website individual ticket purchases.
Beginning May 14, customers can conveniently purchase discount general admission tickets at area Kroger stores. This Kroger exclusive offers $3 off adult and children tickets at over 100 Kroger stores in the Dayton and Cincinnati region. Kroger discount tickets are good for either Saturday or Sunday admission. Visit the show’s website for further information.
For more information on Sean Tucker, the Jet Waco or Blue Angels, visit the following websites:
www.teamoracle.com; www.JohnKlattAirshows.com; https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/.
