Wings over Wasilla draws large crowds and skilled pilots

WASILLA — The third annual Wings over Wasilla Airshow and Fly-In went off without a hitch over the weekend, drawing large crowds, large levels of excitement, and a large number of top performing pilots soaring the event to new heights.

“I think it overall was very much a success,” Wings over Wasilla volunteer and event promoter Mike Koskovich said.

Koskovich marveled at the sheer volume and skill level of this year’s participating pilots, providing an intense competition that safely impressed crowds throughout the event.

“They’re pushing these airplanes to the limits in their short take off and landing… and nobody got hurt. That’s a good thing,” Koskovich said.

According to Koskovich, Saturday was the most well attended day of the event. He said Sunday was a little bit lighter, but the weather “couldn’t have been better.”

Wings over Wasilla featured a spectrum of small airplane performances with several competitions like the show and shine event, a skydiving demonstration, and Missing Man Formation.

This year’s Missing Man ceremony was dedicated to Alaskan pilots, Ted Lamb and Bert Hanson, according to Koskovich. He said that Lamb was a highly decorated Vietnam veteran, and Hanson was a longtime pilot working across various companies including Reeve Aleutian Airways and Alaska Airlines.

Koskovich participated in this year’s Missing Man ceremony. He usually flies for several events during Wings over Wasilla, but the Missing Man will always mean the most to him. He said that he knew both Lamb and Hanson very well for many years, making this year’s ceremony a particularly emotional experience.

“Many of us knew these folks pretty well… It’s an honor to do that. In some cases, it’s difficult particularly if the person you are saluting with this formation happens to be a close friend, but it’s the most dignified manner of commemorating those who’ve passed on. We honor them in that matter. Sometimes it’s a little hard to see your instruments when your eyes start watering up,” Koskovich said.

Alaska has the highest rate of pilots per capita in the whole country with an ever-growing number of professionals entering the field and participating in events like Wings over Wasilla.

“Considering the size of the state of Alaska and the limited road system, you can’t really get to the good places unless you’re involved with airplanes,” Koskovich said.

In addition to an array of aerial shows and competitions, there were numerous food vendors commonly seen at the Alaska State Fair like the Alaska Soda Jerk serving attendees over the weekend. Visitors also had the chance to view vintage aircrafts across various eras in aviation history.

“We hope next year is just as good, if not bigger and better,” Koskovich said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com