FAQs - Media for the Great New England Air Show at Westover

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WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  Westover's 2012 air show and open house happens Aug. 4-5. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. both days.

On Thurs., Aug. 2, public affairs will host a special two-hour window of media availability to film aircraft landing at Westover for the Air Show. The time is tentatively set for 3-4 p.m., but may change to encompass the greatest number of landings. You'll need to contact Westover Public Affairs at 413-557-2020 to participate. A PA representative will meet you at the gate and escort you on base.

On Fri., Aug. 3, the Galaxy Community Council will hold the Great New England Air show and Open House Kickoff Breakfast on base. Gates open at 6:30 a.m. The breakfast runs until 9 a.m. If you want to participate, tickets are available for purchase at GNEAS.com. After the breakfast there will be a three-hour air show practice. Media are welcome to attend both or either event. You'll need to contact Westover Public Affairs at 413-557-2020 to participate. A PA representative will meet you at the gate and escort you on base.

Where do media report to on base during the Aug. 4 and 5 air show?

>> Media can enter the base unescorted during the air show. Follow signs to "Media Parking," and show the guard your media pass. Then report to the public affairs media tent located on the flight line side of Hangar 7 to sign in and receive directions to the front-row "Media Pit" near the control tower, as well as two giant lifts, allowing you access to great crowd and air show shots. You'll need your media pass to enter these areas. Also, pilots and performers will stop by the media area approximately one hour after their show, as possible, to be available for interviews.

Will media receive a badge to identify themselves?

>> Yes. This badge will be necessary for admittance to the media photography area near the control tower.

What credentials will be required in advance?

>> All media should email their media affiliation and editor's contact information to 439aw.pa@us.af.mil as soon as possible but no later than Friday, July 27.

What do media need to bring for credentials?

>> Please include a copy of your business card or media credentials.

Who are the media points of contact with the base public affairs office?

>> Lt Col James Bishop and MSgt Andrew Biscoe, 413-557-2020 or 439aw.pa@us.af.mil.

Where will all media sign in?

>> Please sign in at the media tent with the public affairs staff. The media tent will be well-marked, on the flight line side of Hangar 7.

Where will media park?

>> In the lot between Hangars 7 and 9. You will need to show the gate guard your media and parking pass, and then follow signs to Media Parking.

Will the media have a reserved spot for photography and video?

>> Yes, there will be a dedicated spot for media reps, you will be shown the location at sign in.

In the event of an emergency, where will media report?

>> Media will report to the media tent and be directed from there where the media center will be.

Will media be offered an opportunity to fly in any of the air show aircraft?

>> Al Chwalek, with the Galaxy Community Council, will be the point of contact for media rides on the Warbirds. He may be reached at AChwalek@springfieldcityhall.com or 413 374-4079.


For questions, contact Public Affairs: 439aw.pa@us.af.mil or (413) 557-2020.