DEXTER AIR DAY IS HIGH FLYING ENTERTAINMENT

DEXTER -- An aerobatic show, military aircraft "fly-bys," and static displays of military combat and civilian aircraft are among the highlight of this year's Dexter Air Day, sponsored by the Crowley Ridge Flyers Association.

The event will be held Sunday at the Dexter Municipal Airport, on Highway 114, at the southeast edge of the city.

Tom Love, club secretary, said this year's air show should be one of the best in its nearly 30-year tradition.

Air Day '92 kicks off with a 7 a.m. breakfast at the airport restaurant, followed by a remote-controlled model airplane and gyro-copter air show from 11 a.m. to noon.

At 12:45 p.m., Dexter Mayor Willis Conner will officially welcome air show visitors, followed by a parachuting demonstration.

At 1 p.m., there will be a fly-over of several Missouri Air National Guard combat aircraft, performing what Love called "a high-speed, high performance" pass over the airport.

At 1:30 p.m., U.S. National Aerobatic Champion Don Johnson will present an air show featuring vertical climbs, spins, loops and other aerial maneuvers at speeds up to 250 mph.

Throughout the day, there will be displays of military aircraft, including an Air National Guard Huey transport helicopter and a Huey Cobra gunship helicopter, similar to those used in Vietnam and Desert Storm. Also on display will be antique and home-built airplanes, crop dusters and ultra-light, experimental craft.

The Lifebeat air ambulance helicopter from Southeast Missouri Hospital also will be on display, along with antique cares.

Hot air balloon rides will be given (weather conditions permitting) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and again from 3:15 to 5 p.m.

Hamburgers, hotdogs, barbecue and cold drinks will be available during the show.