Since 2010, the Capital Airshow Group has offered a variety of programs year-round to teach the next generation about STEM, aviation and aerospace. Photo by Rick Sloan

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – Mather Airport hosted its 19th annual California Capital Airshow through Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, where families from throughout the Sacramento region viewed stunning flight performances and learned hands-on about the aircrafts soaring in the sky.

Opening day on March 22 was a completely sold-out event. Headliner U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ performance captivated the audience with precise maneuvers and coordination.

“This was my first time seeing the Blue Angels perform and it was absolutely incredible to watch,” said spectator Sara Mysaysana from Sacramento.

 

Children and their families look above to see the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ performance. Photo by Idaly Valencia

Other performances included United States Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team, U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III Demonstration Team and Tucker's Air Patrol.

The event, presented by Sacramento County in collaboration with the City of Rancho Cordova, showcased the history of aviation at the Mather Airport with a display of older aircraft used throughout the years. There was also an emphasis on the importance of how to get youth excited about career opportunities in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Families received hands-on experience by getting inside planes and helicopters and speaking with professionals about their work.

As part of the effort to engage youth with STEM, several aircraft were open to the public to go inside and explore the aircraft that the military uses. Photo by Rick Sloan

Although the airshow is primarily to entertain the community, California Capital Airshow Executive Director Darcy Brewer said, the event’s main goal is to be a giant career fair to engage the youth.

“It’s about learning about all the jobs that are out there and meeting someone who is cool and that'll talk about how they got there and what a day of their life looks like when they go to work, right? With an eight-year-old, that makes a big impression,” said Brewer.

 

A Sacramento father and son sit on board a CAL FIRE helicopter. Photo by Idaly Valencia

The Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapter of Greater Sacramento was at the event to educate airshow goers about the Tuskegee Airman, a group of primarily African American military pilots who fought in World War II.

Lanelle Brent, a member of the chapter and daughter of Tuskegee Airman Major Geroge “Spanky” Roberts, shared how continuing their legacy influences youth to get involved in the aviation field.

 

Lanelle Brent, a member of the chapter and daughter of Tuskegee Airman Major Geroge “Spanky” Roberts, shared how continuing their legacy influences youth to get involved in the field of aviation. Photo by Idaly Valencia

“We give our scholarships geared toward the kids. We explain to them to be in the aerospace industry doesn't mean you have to be an astronaut or a pilot,” said Brent. “We explain to them that you can also become a chef in the field and go to culinary school. That's one of the STEMs, OK, that's science.”

The chapter had a demonstration plane on display that is an exact replica of the aircraft flown by the Tuskegee Airman. Chapter member Leonard Johnson explained how the replica is a scaled-down version of the P-51 Mustang plane used in combat by the airman group. The plane is often referred to as the Red Tails because of their distinctive, red-painted tails.

As part of the effort to engage youth with STEM, the youth could look inside several aircraft used in the military.

 

Alexandra Rader and husband, Dylan, with their children, Dashel and Hazel, from Woodland hop on to explore a U.S. Air Force aircraft. Photo by Idaly Valencia

“There are city agencies here and they're all giving kids stickers, letting them get on the helicopters and talk about what they do so they can see what they might want to do when they get older,” said Brewer. “All we're trying to do is find things that kids love. Things that kids love so they can go and work in doing what they love.”

Since 2010, the Capital Airshow Group has offered a variety of programs year-round to teach the next generation about STEM, aviation and aerospace. Free experiential learning opportunities are available to students. To learn more about the year-round youth programs, visit online californiacapitalairshow.com/year-round-youth-programs.