As if watching boats at top speeds isn’t exciting enough, this year's Lake of the Ozarks Shootout has high-flying speed in store for the intermission.
The Air Show at the Shootout is returning to the Lake of the Ozarks this August. The aerobatics will start around 1:45 p.m. August 24 and 25, featuring pilot Brian Correll, coordinated by air boss Gordon Evans of Heartland Airshows.
Correll has been flying for 20 years, and—ironically—he says he caught the aviation bug after jumping out of planes. He had 60 sky diving jumps before he ever landed in an airplane.
How low a pilot is allowed to fly by the Federal Aviation Administration is based on their competency and experience. With 20 years of flight experience, Correll is allowed to perform surface level maneuvers with his highly modified Pitts Special, which guarantees room for impressive aerobatics very near the water’s surface. When Correll performed for a Shootout crowd several years ago, he had the audience holding their breath when he dipped the front wheels of his plane into the Lake. Spectators probably won’t see him do that again this year because the water gets too choppy after the boats run, but he hinted the Shootout crowd can expect “lots of smoke and noise.”
Correll says he loves coming to Lake, whether it’s for the Shootout or the Lake of the Ozarks Air Show because everything goes so smoothly. “I enjoy flying at the Shootout because it’s not a normal setting like an airport. I have to adjust my show and get creative to extend the show out longer because I usually play to a half-mile crowd [at an air show], but at Shootout the crowd line extends a mile and a half,” Correll said.
What you probably won’t see at the show—but a very important part nonetheless—is the Air Boss. Forty-two years as a pilot and 25 years doing air shows has earned Gordon Evans the Air Boss title at both the Shootout and the Lake of the Ozarks Air Show this September. As Air Boss, Evans will be stationed atop the Celebration Cruise Boat with Captain Joe Harvey and Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District Chief Dennis Reilly. The three will coordinate between Correll flying in from Camdenton Memorial Lake Regional Airport and the racers, emergency responders and volunteers on the water to keep the “aerobatic box” (the area where the pilot performs) clear of boaters, drones, and other flight hazards. As air boss, Evans stays in direct communication with Correll, acting as director, safety coordinator and the eyes in the back of his head that every parent wishes they had. NOTE: There is a Temporary Fly Restriction (TFR) in place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 24 and 25 for everyone's safety. The TFR includes drones, meaning no drones can fly unless they have specific approval from Evans.
Another crowd-pleaser was the race between plane and boat a couple of years ago. Will spectators see that again? Correll doesn’t know of any solid plans, but said he would be up for a rematch against Bob Bull.
No matter what happens, Evans is confident the change of pace will entertain and impress spectators and give them a taste of what they can see when both Correll and Evans return to the area for the Lake of the Ozarks Air Show on September 22, 2018. Joining them will be the Lake's radio celebrity "KB" from KRMS. Known far and wide for his broadcast personality, KB is a self-proclaimed “aviation nut.” He began working with Heartland Airshows about two years ago and brings unique energy to the events, with his excitement for the aircraft shining through as he announces.
Bob Bull Drag-Races An Airplane At The Shootout
photography by Lake Shots
KB credits his success to his mentor and co-announcer, Erin Hardesty, who he calls “a ball of energy and knowledge.” Hardesty, a pilot herself, announces and interprets the events with passion and expertise. “I almost feel like I don’t even belong when I’m up there with her,” says KB. He’s excited to see what’s in store for the audience at Shootout because he says Heartland airshows is excellent at putting on a high action, non-stop air show.
Plan on attending the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout for high-speed excitement on the water and in the air—and the Lake's largest flotilla—on August 25–26, in front of Captain Ron's Bar & Grill on the main channel, at the 33 & 34 Mile Markers.
