Tragedy at the air show

Last weekend didn't really turn out that well. I went to the KC Air Show to enjoy some fantastic aerobatics and a much anticipated pyrotechnics show. I was able to see some impressive aerobatics but the whole event was cut short when Bryan Jensen, pilot of The Beast, lost control of his bi-plane, crashed into the ground and was enveloped in a gruesome fireball.

The crowd, after a collective gasp, went silent except for someone who screamed only one expletive. I didn't really know what to think. I've never watched anyone die, let alone die while entertaining me. At first, I amplified the tiny shred of hope I had for the pilot's survival. I thought to myself, "he is gonna come out, he is going to wave at us from a stretcher." This did not happen. Soon, I felt silly for having hope. That crash was impossible to survive. Then, I felt guilt, an unwarranted but seemingly unavoidable reaction. I had to remind myself that the dangers are understood by the performers and spectators. This is really risky stuff.

The people who don't understand the dangers, children, were just as numerous as the adults. It was quite stunning for me to see how different parents really can be sometimes. I saw a few parents allow their kids to witness what was going on and take that opportunity to help them understand death and vulnerability. I am not sure if those kids understood but others were kept shielded and oblivious. In the silence of the crowd, I could hear a child demanding to hit the bouncy slide now that the line was gone. His parents quickly obliged, hoping no questions about somber faces or crying people would come up. As someone who does not have kids, I couldn't judge the actions of any parent. Both ways of going about it seemed logical but, personally, I believe in a no-blinders approach to raising children and when dealing with peers. Perhaps I will feel differently when I am shaping and protecting my own kids.

So, now that I am convinced that air shows are dangerous and potentially horrifying, am I against them? That is tricky for me. The irony of it all comes from the politics surrounding air shows today. Less than an hour before Byan took his souped up bi-plane to the air, the announcers were chatting about politicians trying to put an end to air shows. Naturally, the announcers there were opposed to any legislation that would stop air shows and so they continued to talk up the tradition, awe and joy that air shows bring. Ignoring the fact that the shows are potentially dangerous and spectators have been hurt or killed, as well as pilots. Further, the psychological toll on the many children at these events is unknown. I love planes and the air shows that feature the great aviation history of our nation. However, I am left torn between my love for seeing exciting air shows and never wanting to see a plane crash ever again. I will probably go to another airshow some day in the future, if I can, but it will never be the same.

Bryan Jensen and The Beast
http://www.beastairshows.com/web/pilot.php