American Heroes Air Show

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Each year the American Heroes Air Show attracts approximately 150,000 spectators nationwide.  Run by the American Heroes Aviation Network, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, this event gives attendees a look at the critical role that helicopters play in the fire service, law enforcement, search and rescue, homeland security, communications and National Defense and provides those looking for a career in aviation the opportunity to learn more about the various roles for helicopter pilots and crews as first responders.

The American Heroes Air Show was established in 1992 in Los Angeles, and has since grown with events being held in seven major US cities, including Austin, Texas, Canton, Georgia, Denver, Colorado, Frederick, Maryland, Gainesville, Florida, Los Angeles, California, and Seattle, Washington.  In each city, local, state and federal agencies give the public both aerial demonstrations and static displays using their equipment.

Some of the aerial demonstrations at the 2009 American Heroes Air Show held in Los Angeles, California, included a tactical hoist rescue by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Air Rescue 6, a demonstration by the Golden Stars Skydiving Team, and a Red, White and Blue Tribute Water Drop by the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

Several helicopters were also on display, and attendees were given the opportunity to take a close look at the equipment and speak with the pilots and crews of each helicopter.  Adam Henry, a Pilot with the Los Angeles County Fire Department says, "I think it is important for the department to interact with the people just for the reasons they see us flying around, they really don't know everything that we do, and for us to actually be at ground level, talking to them telling them what we do in regards to the fires that we've had in the area, it definitely goes a long way."  Henry tells all of the aspiring helicopter pilots that he meets that the path to this type of career will be challenging but to follow their dreams.

Some of the helicopters on display at the Los Angeles event included the US Army's UH-60 Black Hawk and the Los Angeles County Fire Department's Fire Hawk, Copter 19.

Another important component of the American Heroes Air Show is the Code 3 Career Fair that is part of each city's event.  Local, state and federal agencies have informational booths manned by recruiters who give those interested in a career in aviation information and answer questions that they may have.  Jim Paules, the Executive Director of the American Heroes Air Show explains, "It's really become a central event for recruiting for public service and the military at the American Heroes Air Show."

Admission to this event is free, and to find out more about the American Heroes Air Show and the cities that host it, visit http://www.heroes-airshow.com.


Author:Barbara Brooks - FDNNTV.com