Local Business Leader to perform at Acadiana Air Festival - 04/14/2010

LAFAYETTE, LA-The Acadiana AirFest, scheduled for May 1st and 2nd, will feature several nationally known air acts, two military jet demonstration teams, many aircraft on static display, as well other attractions and events.  The Acadiana AirFest will also include a fly-in, with pilots from all across the United States flying their personal aircraft into Acadiana Regional.   

One of the featured performers, as well as one the event’s organizers, is Lafayette’s Chuck Vincent.  Most people will recognize Chuck’s name as the founder of Global Data Systems, an advanced IT solutions company based in Lafayette.  But Chuck’s first love was aviation, and it’s a passion that has led to performing at air shows across the country.

“I had a love for aviation long before I ever took my first lesson in 1971.  The seventies and eighties were filled with mixtures of aviation jobs, including a short career with Eastern Airlines.  In 1993, I began flying charter and currently own several aircraft.  I was having a great time with aviation, but I was missing something I really wanted to do, aerobatics,” Vincent said.

“I set out to teach myself aerobatics and I read every book and watched every video I could get my hands on.  I average about 200 aerobatic flights per year.  I am one really lucky guy to be doing something I love, and I really look forward for performing before my friends and family right here in Acadiana at the Acadiana Air Show and Festival,” Vincent added.

In addition to Chuck Vincent, the two-day event will feature a variety of aerial demonstrations, a jet-powered school bus and outhouse, and many intriguing aircraft on static display, and other attractions, including:

• U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” demo team
• U.S. Navy F/A-18 “Hornet” demo team
• AeroShell team
• Jimmy Fordham
• Dan Buchanan
• Corkey Fornof
• James “JT” Thibodeaux
• “Otto” Helicopter Show
• The “Indy Boys” Jet Powered School Bus & Jet Powered Outhouse
• Jacquie B Airshows
• Gravity Devils Sky Diving team

“We work very hard to make sure the Acadiana AirFest will be a safe, family-friendly event.  We’ve also made it very affordable for families to attend with special discounts available on tickets purchased in advance online or at area Teche Federal Bank locations.  In addition, we’ve added a ‘Flight Deck Premier’ ticket level that includes special VIP parking, a chalet on the flight line, food & beverage service and many other amenities,” said Ann Lejeaune, the event’s spokesperson. 

Proceeds raised from the AirFest will be donated to charities dedicated to assisting veterans and families of fallen soldiers.  Visit www.AcadianaAirFest.com for more information on the attractions, advance ticket purchases, Flight Deck Premier tickets, parking information and more.