In the Cockpit with One of the Newest Aerobatic Pilots at the Chicago Air and Water Show

LAKE MICHIGAN — The skies above Chicago will be alive with excitement this weekend as the Navy Blue Angels return to the Air and Water Show.

The event will feature a range of military aircraft, including the Blue Angels and the supersonic U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, which hasn't appeared over the lakefront in years.

“We are excited to once again welcome the roar of jets and millions of spectators to the lakefront for this annual event, which is a hallmark of the quintessential Chicago summer experience,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement.

Beyond the military spectacle, the show is famous for its daring aerobatic displays, and this year, that aspect of the performances is bigger than ever.

New to the annual air show this year are the Trojan Phlyers, "a group of aviation professionals committed to preserving the legacy of the North American Aviation Company’s T28 Trojan,” according to the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

Joining the lineup will be aerobatic pilot RJ Gritter.

Gritter, a Maryland native who has been flying since childhood, follows in the footsteps of his pilot parents. Although he has frequently flown over Chicago on his way to nearby air shows, he’s never had the chance to fully experience the city beyond its skyline.

“It’s incredible. It’s beautiful,” Gritter remarked.

However, Gritter won’t have much time to admire the city’s glimmering buildings during his performance. Instead, he’ll be concentrating on executing precise maneuvers with his 150-horsepower Decathlon plane, including loops, barrel rolls, and stall turns.

The stall turn, or hammerhead, involves climbing vertically until the plane loses all forward speed, then diving back to earth.

Gritter’s lightweight plane, weighing about 2,000 pounds and reaching speeds of up to 200 mph, is adorned in vibrant red, white, and blue fabric.

To enter the small aircraft, Gritter must duck under the wing and squeeze into the tight cockpit, all while donning a parachute and securing himself with multiple harnesses.

These stunts will subject those in the plane to forces ranging from five to six times the pull of gravity. Such extreme G-forces can cause sensations of dizziness, tunnel vision, nausea, and other effects as blood flow in the body is disrupted.

It left Block Club Chicago photojournalist Colin Boyle both shouting with fear and excitement, and feeling quite lightheaded as the plane experienced a stall.

For Gritter, these intense forces are just part of the routine as he makes his first stop in Chicago.

When he's not thrilling the lakefront crowd of approximately 1 million spectators, Gritter plans to enjoy some pizza, visit Navy Pier, and explore the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Seasoned aerobatic pilot Bill Stein is a familiar face at the air show, having performed here for about 20 years. He recalls his first flight in Chicago back in 2003, when the sight of the massive crowd gave him nerves for the first time ever.

“That was the very first time I felt nervous while flying,” he said. “It was surprising to me. There are very few air shows like this in the country.”

The nerves have since faded, and Stein’s vibrant prop plane will once again dazzle the skies with its thrilling maneuvers.

“I’m not sure what’s changed, but Lake Michigan is still stunning, and Chicago remains a fantastic city,” Stein noted. “The music is great, the pizza is excellent, and the food is top-notch. The turnout on the beach is just incredible.”

“This is a fantastic setting for an air show. Over the lake, it couldn’t be more picturesque.”

The free event takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, stretching from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as the central viewing area. Rehearsals are scheduled for Friday.