GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team Resume Performance Schedule??at the Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show
North Kingston, RI (June 2018)??? The GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team will resume its performance schedule this weekend during the??Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show??in North Kingston at the Quonset State Airport.????
A non-airshow related accident claimed the life of the Skytypers??? Executive Officer Ken Johansen on May 30, 2018.??????Johansen???s aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near the team???s home base at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, NY.????There were no injuries on the ground.????The Rhode Island Air Show will be the first performance since the incident.????Following the appearance in North Kingston, the team returns to standard operations with plans to perform at the air shows currently scheduled for the remainder of the 2018 season.
“Ken was an accomplished aviator.????He was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, a former commander and pilot in the U.S. Navy, and a professional airline pilot,” said team Flight Lead Larry Arken.????”Ken loved to fly and perform and is already greatly missed. The outpouring of concern and support we???ve received since the accident has been overwhelming and a tremendous source of strength during a difficult time.????We are grateful to the Rhode Island National Guard for allowing us the opportunity to fly our demonstration this weekend and share our collective passion for aviation.???
The gates for the Rhode Island Air Show will open at 8 a.m. with flying demonstrations beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.????The??U.S. Navy Blue Angels??will headline the air show that includes military and world-class civilian acts such as: USAF F-35 demo,??Sean Tucker, Michael Goulian, and more.????
The event is free and open to the public.????For more information on the air show, visit the??Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show