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2003 American Heroes Airshow

Lake View Terrace, Los Angeles, July 19, 2003

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Introduction

The American Heroes Airshow in Los Angeles is different from any other air show I've ever attended. It is held in a park and thus only helicopters are present (the nearest runway is miles away). Baseball diamonds and football fields serve as the helipads. You can get close to the choppers, even the ones taking off and landing (if you're willing to get sandblasted by the dust they kick up!) All manner of heroes from military and public safety are represented. Attendance was much less than what it should be given the debt we owe to these people, so mark this show on your calendar for next year! I will admit that the 90 degree F (30 C) temperatures and humidity could have been a factor in the turnout.

Firefighting Demonstrations

A trio of LA City Fire Bell 412s do a patriotic retardant drop.

LA County Fire Sikorsky S-70A.

Closeup of the rotor workings.

With siren screaming and lights flashing, they made three water drops, using nearby Hansen Lake for refills.

Rescue Demonstration

LA County Sheriff's Department Sikorsky SH-3H prepares for takeoff.

The first of two paramedics is lowered to the ground.

They check out the victim (er, volunteer in this case).

Equipment is sent down.

The victim is loaded and lifted.

Just another day at the office.

Off to the nearest hospital.

Static (and Not-So-Static) Displays

The Coast Guard kicks up some dust.

Coast Guard HH-65A "Dolphin" from Los Angeles.

Coast Guard HH-60J "Jayhawk" from San Diego.

Marines' AH-1W Super Cobra

"Mommy, can I have this Air Force HH-60-G Pavehawk for Christmas?"

This Los Angeles Police Bell 206B is out to get 'ya!

Ventura County Sheriff's Bell 212.

The LAPD's Eurocopter AS 350 B2.

The CHP's Bell 206-L4.

Rides were offered in this Robinson R44.

Sky 9 KCAL's Aerospatiale AS350B.

SkyFox KTTV's new Aerospatiale AS350B1 Ecureuil. The old one crashed while covering the Oscars in 2000. The pilot and cameraman survived because of assistance from Sky 9 (previous photo).

The Wescam camera that is the newscopter's reason for existence.

Fire, Police, and Other Vehicles

This page is about the aircraft, but there were actually more people, vehicles, and equipment on display than helicopters. Fire, police, search and rescue, Secret Service, military recruiting, classic vehicles, and vendors were out in full force. My favorite bumper sticker: "Support Search & Rescue... GET LOST!" I'll present some highlights:

Classic ambulances and hearses.

Classic firetrucks. FDNY Engine Company 281 was represented.

The LAPD's oldest and newest conveyances.
Show Index | Camarillo | Chino | Edwards '02 '03 '05 | El Centro '04 '05 | Gillespie '03 '04 '05 '06 | Kitty Hawk | Los Angeles '03 '05 | March | Minter | Miramar '02 '03 '04 '05 '06 | Nellis | Oshkosh | Pt Mugu | Ramona '02 '04 | Riverside | Shuttle Launch STS-114 STS-116 | SpaceShipOne | Vandenberg | Whiteman | Yuma '04 '06
Fred's Air Show Journal Index/FAQ
Aircraft Index 		Gillespie
Airplane		 Whiteman
Airplane		 Miramar
Airplane		 STS-116 launch
Spaceship		 Next Show:
TBD
All text and images are © 2002-2006 Manfred Bruenjes - All Rights Reserved. Image inlining (hotlinking) and/or framing are strictly prohibited. No reproduction, dissemination, repackaging, hosting, or other use of these images is allowed without written permission.