Put Your Tray Tables Up. Wings, Wheels and Rotors Will Be Landing Shortly

As if hundreds of classic cars, helicopter rides and aircrafts with names such as Super Hornet, Globe Master, and Hercules aren’t enough, organizers of this year’s Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo have added some extra drama with a paratrooper swooping down to honor the California National Guard’s Best Warrior.

This Sunday, the airfield at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base will turn into a massive display of aircrafts and vehicles at the 10th annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo. New this year, California National Guard Generals will honor their “Best Warrior” in a special ceremony that will feature a paratrooper skydiving with the winner’s name. According to organizer Tom Lasser, there will no doubt be plenty to see and do.

The event is Los Alamitos’ largest, and it will have “a little bit of everything for everybody,” said Lasser

“We have a car show, an air show, helicopter rides, vendors, food, music, sky divers, and fly bys,” Lasser said. “ All of the airfield’s million square feet of flight line will be completely covered.”

The military aircraft that will be featured includes a Navy F-18 Super Hornet, an Air Force C-17 Globe Master and an Air National Guard C-130 Hercules.

Also new to this year’s event is the participation of the Young Eagles, which is a group of private pilots who bring their aircrafts and offer free rides to children ages 8-17. Parents’ permission is required to fly, but there is no charge.

Each year the event draws nearly 30,000 spectators of all ages, and this year organizers expect the same crowd.

Among the opportunities for flying this year are short flights around the airfield in a helicopter by Adventure Helicopter for $40 dollars.

“If you’ve never been in a helicopter this is a perfect treat,” Lasser said.

A highlight of the flying opportunities is the chance to ride in a WWII B-25 Bomber. The ride in the WWII aircraft costs $400 a person.

As part of the entertainment, the 40th Infantry Division Band, the Los Alamitos High School Band, and the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Bands will perform. For children, there will be a kid’s corner that will feature obstacle courses among its activities.

While there will be many planes and helicopters, aircraft is not the only highlight. About 400-500 cars will participate in the car show. Hot Rods, classic cars, motorcycles and antique vehicles, are among the vehicles that will be showcased. At 3 p.m. awards for the best cars will be announced.

The event is located at 11200 Lexington Drive in Los Alamitos and will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In order gain entry into the base and into the event all adults need to have valid identification. Entrance into the event and parking are both free. For more information visit http://www.wwrexpo.net.