The view from the top is not always lonely, and for those of us at the Reno Air Races, it was the best view around. Our VIP Hangar Party, on Friday & Saturday, Sept. 16-17, had us boasting a fantastic viewpoint (not to mention a break from the heat), a scrumptious spread of food and refreshments, and, of course, the company of some incredible Reno A-listers.
Airplane enthusiast or not, the Blue Angels and the show they put on are truly a sight to behold. The unparalleled skills of those pilots are remarkable. They had us holding our breath as they darted towards each other, then gasping as they seemed to barely avoid collision. The synchronized barrel rolls and choreographed sky writing kept our heads on a swivel, hoping to not miss a moment. The fact that we were the only ones on a third-story balcony gave us the feeling that they were performing just for us. It was a memorable experience to say the least.
Since our private hangar was located in the pit area, we had the opportunity to get in close quarters with a whole slew of aircraft, as their pilots and owners showed them off. Some were of military descent, others were just made for speed. The owner of our hangar, Ken, even had a stunning red airplane of his own, right in the garage. It was quite a sight to see the different styles and models of aircraft all in the same place.
As with all of our events, the best part is always getting to spend time with some great people. At this one in particular, we had time to chat with everyone who attended in a nice comfortable atmosphere. We are truly honored that such fascinating people are choosing to come to our events, and we hope you are all making valuable connections with each other! We will keep you posted on future events as we make arrangements.
Greg Hughes sits with hangar owner Ken Wiegand to experience the Blue Angels and other inspiring performers at the Air Races.
The United States Navy’s Blue Angels headlined this year’s National Championship Air Races.
Crew members for the Clas Thunder team watched as the silver Thunder Mustang flew in the National Championship.
In 1986, the Blue Angels began piloting the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, which they still fly to this day.
Doug Rawson and Gene Barbera took a break from the heat with some food and refreshments inside the private hangar.
Darcy Houghton and Peggy Martin joined spectators from around the country to watch the fifty-third annual Reno Air Races.
Blue Angels pilots are active-duty Navy or Marine Corps tactical jet pilots with a minimum of 1,250 flight hours.
Ken Wiegand, Carissa Steelman and Stephen Cerocke talked inside before the show began.
The United States Navy’s Blue Angels headlined this year’s National Championship Air Races.
Patrick Oppelt, Carolyn Laird and Tad Laird sit back, relax, and enjoy the show in the shade from the hangar balcony.
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, soar high over the Biggest Little City.
Michael Laird and other Hughes guests watch in awe as the Blue Angels perform from the third-floor balcony of the private hangar.
The Blue Angels perform challenging and elaborate demonstrations for over 11 million people each year.
Darcy Houghton and Jim Guzy took the time meet and network with other guests between performance.
During their precision formation flying the Blue Angels will fly as close as 18 inches away from one another.
Owner of the private hangar, Ken Weigand, showed off his own bright red plane to the Hughes guests.
Craig Martin and Ron Baumgarten took a break from watching the show to chat inside