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Tyndall welcomes aviators for air show

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall Air Force Base is scheduled to host the 2011 Gulf Coast Salute Open House and Air Show March 26 and 27.

Among the list of performers is Greg Poe, an aerobatic pilot, from Boise, Idaho, who has been flying since he was a teenager and performed in his first show in 1992.

"When I was a teenager, the space program was really getting a lot of attention from the moon landings," said Mr. Poe. "I took a flight when I was 15 in a small airplane near my home in Boise and I was hooked."

He now performs at 15 to 25 events a year, for which he is constantly training. Mr. Poe said practice is the part he thinks is the most invisible to the fans yet most important to the quality and safety of the performance.

"I practice for a couple of hours every day, to hone the maneuvers and really to keep my tolerance up for the extreme G-forces that get exerted on my body during my routine," said Mr. Poe. "Practice, practice, practice is the key to chasing that goal of perfection, and when you are going through up to plus 12 and minus 6 G's every flight, you really have to stay in top physical shape. I work out for at least an hour a day doing strength and cardio exercises."

Mr. Poe has had the privilege of flying in dozens of aircraft. But, for his performances he flies the brand new Ethanol-Powered Fagen MXS and the Fagen A36 Bonanza.

"The challenge of trying to execute the perfect maneuver is my favorite and most challenging part of what I do, because it is impossible to achieve," said Mr. Poe. "There is always something you could have done better, something that could be tweaked, so it is a constant pursuit of perfection. I also really enjoy getting to visit with the fans at the show after a flight. It is a very satisfying experience to hear their comments and answer questions about what I love."

Mr. Poe performs regularly throughout North and South America, but has also flown in more than two dozen countries.

"They all have their individual appeal," said Mr. Poe. "I'd have to say that Andrews Air Force Base, Washington D.C., is one of our favorites, because of all the history and aviation that is there and of course the significance of that city. Daytona Beach, Fla., is another, just for how unique it is to perform over the water along the beautiful Florida shore in front of tens of thousands of beachgoers."

Mr. Poe has earned a number of awards, to include placing second in the World Free Style Sport Flying Championships in 1999 and third in the World Aerobatic Federation contest in 2000. He has also been showcased on "Modern Marvels," "Ripley's Believe it or Not," The Discovery Channel, CBS news, FOX sports, ESPN, The History Channel and many others.

Mr. Poe works closely with two other members of his team, Mr. Greg Gibson, team coordinator and public relations manager, and Mr. Dan Wanless, vice president of operations. The team works around the clock, but thoroughly enjoys it.

"Well, keeping up with him literally took 50 pounds off me last season," said Mr. Greg Gibson. "Seriously, it is the most fun I have ever had. Greg is a great showman and real pro, and he has a warped sense of humor that keeps you in stitches, so there's never a dull moment. It's a real thrill to be part of the team and watching a lot of hard work come together successfully at every show."

But, more important to him is the work he does with the local community.

"We have a program called 'Elevate Your Life,' which aspires to show kids by example that their dreams and passions can be a reality with hard work and determination," said Mr. Poe. "I lost my son, Ryan, to drug abuse nine years ago. This program is my effort to both share my success in life that came from hard work and to help kids see that their energy and passion is a much better path for their lives than to let drugs or other bad influences get in their way."

Although the loss of his son was hard, Mr. Poe uses it as inspiration to help others.

"Unfortunately my son's experience is an example of what can happen if you lose that focus to other influences, and I am committed to helping as many kids as I can get the satisfaction and benefits of achievement," said Mr. Poe. "We hold the Elevate Your Life presentation at one to two middle schools at every show, and an essay contest is held when possible prior to the event. The winners get to go flying with us, and it is really a fun time and great experience we love to share."

Mr. Poe said he hopes the reward helps motivate the students to go for the next win.

He also finds time to give advice to those who have dreams of becoming pilots.

"There are really lots of ways to pursue becoming a pilot," said Mr. Poe. "It can be expensive, but people are often surprised at the resources that are available. The best thing you can do is to start hanging out at the airport."

He also said it is important to surround yourself with those who are in the profession.

"If you know a pilot, talk to them about how they got started and what resources they know of," said Mr. Poe. "All of us are very interested in adding more pilots to the herd, and most are eager to share and even take you flying. It's the greatest freedom you'll ever experience."

To learn more, visit http://www.gregpoe.com/.