TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The 2011 Gulf Coast Salute, Tyndall AFB’s air show and open house, is March 26-27. Tyndall officials promise this year’s show will be one of the best ever, with World War II-era warbirds, static displays and, of course, the crowd-pleasing U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. It should be a day full of fun and excitement for the entire family.
However, with all the activity taking place, the 325th Fighter Wing safety office would like to remind people that prior to driving out to the air show, there are a few guidelines people should keep in mind to help maximize their enjoyment and minimize any problems or hassles.
Preparation:
- Wear clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for the weather. Pay special attention to your footwear. After all, you will be on your feet most of the day doing a lot of walking and, if you plan on climbing aboard any of the aircraft displays, tennis shoes probably provide better protection to your feet than sandals or flip-flops.
- Think sun protection. There is very little shade available on the Tyndall flight line where the air show will take place. That means sunscreen and, for a full day in the sun, being able to reapply the sunscreen throughout the day. Wearing a baseball cap or summer hat to help shade the face is also a good idea. Don’t forget your sunglasses to keep from squinting all day into the Florida sun.
- Think fluids. A full day in the Florida sun means dehydration unless plenty of fluids are consumed. There will be concession stands in the air show area selling both food and beverages. There will be a shuttle service available from the various parking areas to the air show. Personal coolers and glass containers are prohibited. Broken glass is not only a hazard to people, it is also a hazard to aircraft.
- A lightweight beach chair or blanket might come in handy once you have seen all the aircraft static displays and are ready to sit and rest while watching the aerial demonstrations.
Travel:
- As you load up your vehicle, ensure everyone has a seat belt and uses it. The base enforces the use of seat belts. Also, do not load people, children or adults into the bed of pickup trucks.
Open House:
- The open house is held on the flight line, which has many hazards. Please do not stray into unauthorized areas – they will be posted with warning signs. This is for your own safety and protection.
- Use caution when walking around and under the static display aircraft. There are many projections hanging under the aircraft at just the right height to give a nasty cut to your forehead. If someone you know is surprised and gets nicked, there is a first aid station on the flight line.
- Smoking is prohibited on the flight line due to flammable aircraft fluids including jet fuel. Please respect this rule for the everyone’s safety.
- We try to minimize tripping hazards like electrical wiring, but it’s hard to eliminate them entirely, especially around concession stands, so keep your guard up.
- Alcoholic beverages will be available at some of the beverage booths. Don’t spoil your day, or anyone else’s, by drinking excessively at the air show. Also, please don’t drink and drive. Have a plan for a designated driver if you wish to indulge in adult beverages.
- Finally, and most importantly, let’s watch out for our small children. There will be large crowds at the air show, and small children easily become disoriented and lost. There will be armbands available at the entrance to the flight line where parents will be able to write their cell phone numbers on and then attach them to their children in case they become separated. We ask that everyone watch out of the children, and if you find a lost child, please bring them to the “Lost Parents” booth.
“If everyone follows these safety rules, it should make for a fantastic air show,” said Mr. Edward Best, 325th FW safety office. “We’d like to thank everyone in advance for
reviewing these common sense safety guidelines. This should prove to be a great weekend for the entire family. What a great way to kick off Spring 2011 in the Greater Panama City area and Tyndall AFB!”
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