THOUSANDS FLOCK TO CAPE GIRARDEAU AIR SHOW

Planes soared high and raced low over the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport Saturday during the Heroes and Legends air show. Things went more slowly on the ground.

Many spectators found themselves watching the bombing of Pearl Harbor re-enactment from their cars as they inched along in traffic that was backed up all the way to the Diversion Channel on Interstate 55.

It took many people 45 minutes to get from the I-55 exit to the airport. Some spectators avoided the long line, choosing to watch the "air war" from parking lots at nearby businesses. Black smoke punctuated the air and fiery explosions shook the ground.

Airport Manager Bruce Loy estimated 5,000 to 6,000 people turned out for the festival Saturday. The air show continues today. Gates open at 9 a.m. and the air show starts at 1 p.m.

Loy said air festival workers handled the traffic as best they could given the fact there is only one road that leads to the airport.

"We always advise people to leave home early," he said.

Traffic congestion didn't bother Brad Harrison, a truck driver from Paducah, Ky. Harrison, who has piloted a plane and played with remote-control airplanes, attends the show every year.

"I think it is a great deal," said Harrison.

Gary Corse, 13, of Dexter, Mo., admired the aerial stunts and the simulated bombing runs. "I want to go into the Air Force," he said.

Adrenaline rush'

Chris Avery of Dallas displayed his flying aerobatics in a 1943 Corsair, which can reach speeds of 460 miles an hour.

One minute, Avery put his plane through a roll and a dive, the next he soared thousands of feet in the air in his propeller-driven plane.

"That's an adrenaline rush," said Avery as he waited for his part in the show.

An airline pilot by trade, Avery, 36, has been stunt flying for 18 years.

Avery said his stunts in the show last about 13 minutes. During his act, his body is subjected to 7Gs. "At 7Gs, I weigh about 1,400 pounds," he said.

His heart sinks six inches into his chest cavity during the act and the cockpit isn't air conditioned. Temperatures inside the cockpit can reach 140 degrees. Avery said he usually loses about 12 pounds during his ride through the sky.

"I don't fly near as hard as I used to," he said.

Stunt flying has its risks, he said. About 20 pilots die in stunt flying every year, Avery said. One of his friends died in a crash, but Avery continues to perform.

A former Marine who served in Desert Storm, Avery loves the excitement of stunt flying. "It's addictive," he said.

Want to go?

* WHAT: Heroes and Legends air show

* WHEN: 1 p.m. today

* WHERE: Cape Girardeau Regional Airport just off I-55 near Scott City.

* FEE: Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children 7 to 12 years of age. Children 6 and under admitted free.

* INFORMATION: Gates open at 9 a.m. Helicopter and airplane rides will be available for a fee. Concession stands will be set up at the airport.