The 2007 McConnell Air Force Base Open House/Air Show is July 14-15.  Performers will include the United States Navy Blue Angels, United States Army Golden Knights, Air Force Reserve Jet Car, Tora 101 A6M Zero Replica, Viper West F-16 Demo, P-51 Mustang “Gunfighter,” and Happy Aerobatics.  The Kansas American Legion Riders/Patriot Guard and Derby VFW Riders have been invited.

Current plans are for the Golden Knights jumping onto McConnell to kick off the show.  They will be jumping in the large American flag as the voices of McConnell perform the national anthem.  After that the base chaplain will lead a short invocation.  All riders will then enter with a loud, motivational pass down the runway in front of the crowd line.  As the ride-in occurs, we are tentatively scheduled to present the 22nd Air Refueling Wing Vice Commander and 184th Air Refueling Wing Commander with a “We Support Our Troops“ flag.  There will be a ride-in both Saturday and Sunday but flag presentation will only be Saturday. 

Since this will be such a large event, preplanning is necessary to ensure an orderly bike procession.  There will be two categories of riders.  The first category will be those who park their bikes for a static display after the initial ride-in.  These bikes must remain in place during the entire show (approximately noon to 5PM) and riders are welcome to enjoy the activities.  The second category will be those not remaining for the entire day.  A separate parking area will be set aside for these riders and they will also be free to enjoy the air show activities and depart at their leisure; however, re-entering the base will be prohibited.  Each individual will determine which category he/she will be in.  

BASE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  In order to obtain access to the base, ALL riders and passengers must meet the below requirements - NO EXCEPTIONS.  You must bring and show at entry inspection:

1.  Valid driver’s license

2.  Valid motorcycle registration

3.  Valid proof of insurance.

CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS: 

1.  Protective helmet meeting standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation, American Standards Institute, or Department of Transportation (DOT 1) properly fastened under the chin.

2.  Impact resistant goggles, glasses, or full face shield attached to the helmet in down position.

3.  Long sleeved upper garment and long pants.  Tank tops, shorts, or cutoffs are prohibited. 

4.  Hard soled, closed toe shoes or boots.  Tennis shoes do not meet this requirement.

5.  Full fingered gloves.

6.  Outer upper garment, brightly colored and contrasting -- meaning colors that make the rider stand out from the motorcycle and surroundings such as orange, lime green, yellow, red, white or contrasting colors like yellow and white stripes, black and white stripes, etc.  (NOTE:  For this event, this requirement is met if you wear your vest with Post rocker).  The outer garment must be clearly visible and not covered.  Backpacks are allowed, but if worn, must meet the same brightly colored, contrasting, reflective requirements as the outer upper garment.

ADVANCE INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS:  In order to obtain access the McConnell AFB, each individual must provide the following information:  Name (last, first and MI), SSAN, date of birth, and driver’s license number and state.  In addition, please indicate whether you will attend Saturday or Sunday, whether you have a flag pole on your bike, and if you will be part of the static display or leave at your leisure.  The below information must be submitted not later than July 2, 2007 to Bill Foster at William.foster@ksmcco.ang.af.mil or by calling 316-759-7456.    Even if you have a base decal on your bike, we ask that you provide this data so we have a good estimate of the number of bikes, flags, and parking requirements.   IF THIS INFORMATION IS NOT SUBMITTED YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BASE - NO EXCEPTIONS.  If your Post opts to have your point of contact consolidate information and submit one list that is okay, however, it remains each individual’s responsibility for the accuracy of this data.  Example below:

STAGING:  Everyone will stage off base in Wichita at 2601 S. Oliver at 9AM.  There is a large parking lot at the NW intersection of Oliver Street and George Washington Boulevard (stage in SE corner of parking lot).  We will line up bikes and put on flags at this location.  Bikes with flags (only ONE flag per bike) will be first and in proper order (American, Kansas, Army, Marine, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, etc.).   Specific details on what flags will be flown,  parking location, and exiting instructions will be determined at a later date.  There will be two flights of bikes - those entering for static display and those parking for early departure.  Both flights will fly flags.  

DIRECTIONS TO STAGING AREA (2601 S. Oliver):  If arriving in Wichita from the east or west on Highway 54 (Kellogg), take the Oliver exit.  Turn south on Oliver and travel 2.3 miles to staging area.  If arriving from the north via I-135, take Pawnee (exit 3B).  Turn left at the light onto Pawnee and travel 2 miles to Oliver.  Turn right and proceed .3 miles to staging area.  If arriving from the south via Kansas Turnpike, get off turnpike at exit 42.  Proceed on I-135 3.4 miles to Pawnee (exit 3B).  Turn right at the light onto Pawnee and travel 2 miles to Oliver.  Turn right and proceed .3 miles to staging area.  All bikes must report to this location even if you have a base decal.  We will enter the base through the west gate as a group (do not report to the main gate on Rock Road).

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS:  Bring bottled water and snacks as we will have several hours where facilities will be limited.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase from vendors after the ride-in and parking. 

POINTS OF CONTACT:  ALR Post 136 Director, Jim (Rev) Jones (316-461-3473) will be the Road Captain for Saturday, July 14.  ALR Post 401 Member, John Simard (316-522-2105) will be the Road Captain for Sunday, July 15.  Any questions concerning this information should be directed to Doug (Grey Eagle) Lehman at 316-519-4204 or email dlehman4@cox.net or the above Road Captains.