American Independence Day Celebration In Phuket - 2013

[NomadJoe]

The US Navy League in Phuket (Southern Seaboard Council) along with the Patong Rotary and Lions Clubs are putting on what might be the largest Independence Day celebration ever seen in SEA, complete with air shows, plane rides, and hot air balloon rides, demonstrations from the Navy and Police aircraft, and I'll be drag racing a Extra 300 stunt plane with my Ninja. There will also be great American food and beer, and of course fireworks. Admission free. More info here: http://www.navyleaguephuket.org/independence-day-2013/

Phuket Air Park Map: http://www.navyleaguephuket.org/independence-day-2013/#gmap_airpark

They are still looking for sponsors and volunteers: http://www.navyleaguephuket.org/independence-day-2013-sponsors/#sponsorLevels

More details:

THOUSANDS from across Greater Phuket " locals and expats alike " will come out to celebrate the USA's 237th birthday with the grandest of a family picnic and airshow scheduled for July 6-7 at Phuket's expansive Airpark in Pa Klok, just east of Heorine's Monument. With this year also marking 180 years of official Thailand-USA diplomatic relations, a number of exciting activities are on the cards, with a little bit of something for everyone in the family " young, old and everyone else in between. In addition to an unprecedented Chili cook-off, and an American style family picnic complete with live music, and authentic American food and beer offered in a carnival-like atmosphere, there will be a number of exciting activities taking place. Pat James, President of the Navy League Phuket (NLP), shared some of the highlights to look forward to.

Aerobatics

Famous stuntman, Les Vorosmarthy, Kuala Lumpur resident from Hungary, has successfully executed many o' jaw-dropping aerobatics maneuvers over the skies of Patong and Surin beaches, as well as a few over the Airpark. Come July 6-7, he's set to execute death-defying yet safe aerobatic shows in his beautiful, red Extra 300 aircraft. "The fact that he'll have a runway to work with, will allow him to get much closer to the ground," explained Pat, noting that Les is one of a few individuals in Southeast Asia who are certified to do aerobatics below the 300 and 500 foot levels. The shows are scheduled for 2pm and 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday (four shows total), each of which will last about 30 minutes; before and after the shows, Les will be available for photo opportunities. Also, 10 lucky guests will be selected to go on a plane ride with Les; Pat ensures that the rides will be safe. "They'll have parachutes, go up and see what it's like to be upside down."

Skydiving

Corey Parker, an American skydiving instructor, is a very dynamic individual, notes Pat. As an experienced skydiving and scuba diving instructor, Corey is set to do lead a number of tandem jumps with novices, weather permitting. A tandem jump refers to when a student skydiver is connected to a harness attached to an instructor. Pat says that such a jump is even ideal for people who have never been on an airplane, much less jumped from one. "Corey will facilitate a safe process to teach and allow people to experience the exhilaration of free fall and flight. If the weather does not allow Corey enough altitude to safely do tandem jumps, then he'll still do solo jumps." Corey looks to do about 4-5 jumps per day from either a Cesna 172 or from a Piper Lance aircraft; the jumps will take place from noon onwards on both days, in between Les' aerobatics shows as well as other airplane and helicopter demo flights taking place.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

From 10am onwards, Hans Lauten will be directing "static line" Hot Air Baloon rides, allowing participants to go up in a hot air balloon to altitudes as high as 100 feet up in the air, where they can safely enjoy views and take pictures of Phuket down below. "The static line ensures that a breeze won't blow the balloon out to sea, considering the ocean is only a few hundred feet away from the Airpark," Pat explains, adding that the Hot Air Balloons are very sensitive to the weather. "The calm weather is the most ideal time, so those hoping to go up in a hot air balloon have the best opportunity in the mornings and evenings."

RC Competition

All day long on both July 6 and 7, the Radio Control (RC) Aircraft Club of Phuket will be competing for airspace, set to give inspiring shows and demonstrations of the latest and greatest that model-sized, yet fully functional aircraft have to offer. "They have some great pilots operating many types of RC aircraft, including helicopters, fixed-wing type and motorized, electric jet type aircraft," says Pat, who adds that the best of these Phuket RC craft will be put through a test course and judged accordingly. Not only will the aircraft and their pilots be judged based on their abilities, but on their aesthetic appeal as well, which will be judged by a panel of the Navy League Phuket Board of Directors, who will issue awards and certificates.

Paramotor Flights

Due to low air speeds and inherent stability, paramotor flight has the potential to be one of the safest forms of aviation, though certainly not dullest! Mark Silverberg, whose Paramotor training school is based out of Hua Hin, will be down in Phuket on July 6-7 to give paramotor rides and demonstrations. "These demos and flights will be ongoing all day on both days, as they don't interfere with our other activities, and don't even need the runway," explained Pat, adding that weather will also be a factor, although not as sensitive to wind and rain as much as hot air balloons, for example.

Scenic Rides Over Phuket

In between skydiving jumps and aerobatic shows, guests can opt to to embark on a safe and scenic ride over Phuket in a Cesna 172 and/or Piper Lance airplanes, as well as a Robinson 44 helicopter. "Once you get up in the air and see Phuket from above, I guarantee that you will see things that you never knew existed " even if you have lived here all your life." Pat stresses that admission to see all the shows and demonstrations is free for everyone, while tickets to go on the actual plane and helicopter rides can be purchased for a nominal price.

All funds raised from the event, including a portion of the proceeds from food, beverage and ticket sales, will be used for charitable initiatives as directed by the NLP. Moreover, there is still vendor tent and booth space available. For information about becoming an event sponsor, vendor or displayer, and all other inquiries, go to navyleaguephuket.org

http://www.navyleaguephuket.org/independence-day-2013/

Edited June 18, 2013 by NomadJoe

[NomadJoe]

Other thread was deleted so putting this here:

I'll be drag racing a Extra 300 stunt plane with my Ninja.[/size]

On the grass or the road next to the field?

Sound like there is loads of activities for two days.

Well obviously not on the grass. I haven't actually looked at the site yet. I can't tell if the grass strip has a gravel or pavement road around it. If it's gravel then it's a no go. [/size]

Yes there is a lot planned. And more volunteers are needed. Follow the links or PM me if you are interested in helping out. Will likely be the biggest 4th of July celebration SEA has ever seen. I hear even Captain Jack Sparrow and some of his pilfering pirates will be there.

Edited June 18, 2013 by NomadJoe

[madmitch]

Sounds a step or two up from the last couple of events in the Headstart School car park.

The important question: will there be Sam Adams and/or Anchor Steam Beer available?

[mackayae]

Looks good. Wish I could be there.

[Shot]

Thank you NomadJoe for posting the all the events and times. Really looking forward to it.

[NomadJoe]

Sounds a step or two up from the last couple of events in the Headstart School car park.

The important question: will there be Sam Adams and/or Anchor Steam Beer available?

Not sure. I know there was talk of it last year. I will find out for you.

This Friday at noon at Underwood's Studio on the Bypass is a meeting of all those interested in volunteering. Anyone that thinks they have something they might be able to contribute to the event, (even if it's only, and especially money). All proceeds go to the US Navy League which arrange and fund community relations projects (COMSERV) for visiting US Navy Servicemen and women. You might also consider joining the Navy League at 2000B per person per year. NL members get first dibs at visiting ships when they are in port. I have been able to tour 2 Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carriers now and they are awesome experiences I will never forget.

[Guest]

Well obviously not on the grass. I haven't actually looked at the site yet. I can't tell if the grass strip has a gravel or pavement road around it. If it's gravel then it's a no go.

Last time I was there, the road next to the airstrip was gravel. I'm likely to ride past the field today or next few days and could snap an photo of the field/road.

[NomadJoe]

[stevehaigh]

looks great, can't wait. not exactly july 4th however

[stevehaigh]

Sounds a step or two up from the last couple of events in the Headstart School car park.

The important question: will there be Sam Adams and/or Anchor Steam Beer available?

i suspect 'American beer' is that watered down swill Bud and Cours, one can hope though

[bunta71]

Here are a few photos of Les, and of the gravel road beside the strip. Not really conducive to dragging although a few years back, Les did "race" a Volvo SUV. More fun than real... I flew in and out of the Air Park several times when I lived there. Good people and good fun. I am gonna try to come over for the event. Talk to the young Russian guy named Andrew. He has a flying Zodiac boat. They fly amazingly well. Weather permitting will be a good time. Side note on beer, they may have some Samuel Adams and other micro brews. Not that squaw piss water like Budweiser...hopefully Captain Canada will show up with some real American hot rods again.

[NomadJoe]

Here are a few photos of Les, and of the gravel road beside the strip. Not really conducive to dragging although a few years back, Les did "race" a Volvo SUV. More fun than real... I flew in and out of the Air Park several times when I lived there. Good people and good fun. I am gonna try to come over for the event. Talk to the young Russian guy named Andrew. He has a flying Zodiac boat. They fly amazingly well. Weather permitting will be a good time. Side note on beer, they may have some Samuel Adams and other micro brews. Not that squaw piss water like Budweiser...hopefully Captain Canada will show up with some real American hot rods again.

Ok well no drag race for me then. I know there is drag racing with cars planned too.

Here is a video of Les flying stunt aerobatics. http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2011/article11706.html

A donation of 45,000B will get you in the front seat of his plane for a ride you aren't likely to forget. Only 8 spots available.

[bunta71]

Not really set up for such a "race" there. Safety is paramount to a happy and successful event. 45 thousand sounds pretty steep for the ride, although you will never forget it as you say...

[NamKangMan]

Will this event go ahead, regardless of the weather?

[NomadJoe]

Not really set up for such a "race" there. Safety is paramount to a happy and successful event. 45 thousand sounds pretty steep for the ride, although you will never forget it as you say...

Remember, it goes to charity.

Will this event go ahead, regardless of the weather?

Yes.

[Guest]

Here is also couple of photos I took today. I thought NJ went already to practice the run with the red bike.

Edited June 20, 2013 by Guest

[stevehaigh]

Here are a few photos of Les, and of the gravel road beside the strip. Not really conducive to dragging although a few years back, Les did "race" a Volvo SUV. More fun than real... I flew in and out of the Air Park several times when I lived there. Good people and good fun. I am gonna try to come over for the event. Talk to the young Russian guy named Andrew. He has a flying Zodiac boat. They fly amazingly well. Weather permitting will be a good time. Side note on beer, they may have some Samuel Adams and other micro brews. Not that squaw piss water like Budweiser...hopefully Captain Canada will show up with some real American hot rods again.

Ok well no drag race for me then. I know there is drag racing with cars planned too.

Here is a video of Les flying stunt aerobatics. http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2011/article11706.html

A donation of 45,000B will get you in the front seat of his plane for a ride you aren't likely to forget. Only 8 spots available.

wow, 45,000 baht is like $1500. i used to take aerobatic lessons for $140/hr

[NamKangMan]

Here are a few photos of Les, and of the gravel road beside the strip. Not really conducive to dragging although a few years back, Les did "race" a Volvo SUV. More fun than real... I flew in and out of the Air Park several times when I lived there. Good people and good fun. I am gonna try to come over for the event. Talk to the young Russian guy named Andrew. He has a flying Zodiac boat. They fly amazingly well. Weather permitting will be a good time. Side note on beer, they may have some Samuel Adams and other micro brews. Not that squaw piss water like Budweiser...hopefully Captain Canada will show up with some real American hot rods again.

Ok well no drag race for me then. I know there is drag racing with cars planned too.

Here is a video of Les flying stunt aerobatics. http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2011/article11706.html

A donation of 45,000B will get you in the front seat of his plane for a ride you aren't likely to forget. Only 8 spots available.

wow, 45,000 baht is like $1500. i used to take aerobatic lessons for $140/hr

This is a "high end" joy ride. :)

[Tywais]

Here are a few photos of Les, and of the gravel road beside the strip. Not really conducive to dragging although a few years back, Les did "race" a Volvo SUV. More fun than real... I flew in and out of the Air Park several times when I lived there. Good people and good fun. I am gonna try to come over for the event. Talk to the young Russian guy named Andrew. He has a flying Zodiac boat. They fly amazingly well. Weather permitting will be a good time. Side note on beer, they may have some Samuel Adams and other micro brews. Not that squaw piss water like Budweiser...hopefully Captain Canada will show up with some real American hot rods again.

Ok well no drag race for me then. I know there is drag racing with cars planned too.

Here is a video of Les flying stunt aerobatics. http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2011/article11706.html

A donation of 45,000B will get you in the front seat of his plane for a ride you aren't likely to forget. Only 8 spots available.

wow, 45,000 baht is like $1500. i used to take aerobatic lessons for $140/hr

This is a "high end" joy ride.

And hopefully comes with a barf bag. These types of rides can be quite a physical experience to the uninitiated.

[NomadJoe]

Ok well no drag race for me then. I know there is drag racing with cars planned too.

Here is a video of Les flying stunt aerobatics. http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2011/article11706.html

A donation of 45,000B will get you in the front seat of his plane for a ride you aren't likely to forget. Only 8 spots available.

wow, 45,000 baht is like $1500. i used to take aerobatic lessons for $140/hr

This is a "high end" joy ride.

And hopefully comes with a barf bag. These types of rides can be quite a physical experience to the uninitiated.

Yes. It is a 30 minute ride but nobody lasts that long.

[NomadJoe]

Here are a few photos of Les, and of the gravel road beside the strip. Not really conducive to dragging although a few years back, Les did "race" a Volvo SUV. More fun than real... I flew in and out of the Air Park several times when I lived there. Good people and good fun. I am gonna try to come over for the event. Talk to the young Russian guy named Andrew. He has a flying Zodiac boat. They fly amazingly well. Weather permitting will be a good time. Side note on beer, they may have some Samuel Adams and other micro brews. Not that squaw piss water like Budweiser...hopefully Captain Canada will show up with some real American hot rods again.

Ok well no drag race for me then. I know there is drag racing with cars planned too.

Here is a video of Les flying stunt aerobatics. http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2011/article11706.html

A donation of 45,000B will get you in the front seat of his plane for a ride you aren't likely to forget. Only 8 spots available.

wow, 45,000 baht is like $1500. i used to take aerobatic lessons for $140/hr

Consider it a donation of 45,000B that comes with an airplane ride as a bonus. The Navy League does all kinds of charitable work with children and elderly in Phuket. It goes to a good cause. The whole point of this event is to raise money for charity. Hopefully a lot of people can have fun in the mean time.

[NomadJoe]

Sounds a step or two up from the last couple of events in the Headstart School car park.

The important question: will there be Sam Adams and/or Anchor Steam Beer available?

At the moment it's MGD and Dos Equis. There will also at least one local beer like Phuket Lager, Chang, or Tiger.

[NomadJoe]

For anyone that that might be having trouble explaining the event to tilac, here is the Thai version:

Edited June 28, 2013 by NomadJoe

[steelepulse]

Dos Equis? Tres Equis is good, not so sure about Dos though.

[Shot]

The ambar is very good. Never tried the lager.

[Jimi007]

Dos Equis? Tres Equis is good, not so sure about Dos though.

Doe Equis is quite good, I started drinking it in the 1970s. I read that Tres Equis isn't made anymore. But they are/were both Mexican, not American beers.

[Guest]

Hey, happy 4th of July!

[Cookiecookieeee]

Missing U.S.A and american accent so much. Happy Independence day USA!

[Guest]

Photo report of the day 1 of the event. Tomorrow is another day and it well definately worth of the trip up here. Also PM me or NomadJoe as it would be great to meet up with other TV members.

Today there was at least 6 of our active members who were fun to meet.

People getting to the site

Helicopters doing rounds

Baloons in many sizes

Paraclyding setup. To learn how to fly one of these costs 30.000B, the who setup is 230.000B. Not too bad to be able to fly.

Paraclyding in Thailand

US military vehicles

[Guest]

Skill flying. This german guy was a nutcase by all mean.. truly a person who lives on the edge and his skills are way above normal. He checks his G-forces after every flight and if he has not reached G7 to G8, he is not happy.

If nothing else, this is the reason to see tomorrows show. There should be two flights, one before noon and another before 6pm.

For me, this was the first time I saw air show and I was wondering if this is the last show for the pilot before the crash. It was simply skill and adrenaline.

The contact

After the flight, beer is all what is required by the pilot