*Update May 26th, 9:20AM CT - The Blue Angels have just announced the cancellation of the US Naval Academy Graduation Flyover and the Millville Airshow this weekend. No comments on Airfest as of the latest Blue Angels press release.
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The Blue Angels cancelled their May 24th and 25th practices and shows at the US Naval Academy (USNA) at Annapolis, Md. The reason for the cancellation was that the Blue Angels have announced a safety stand-down as a result of an error that occurred during the Lynchburg Air Show, in Lynchburg, Va., May 22nd. During one of the formation flights, the main 'diamond' formation of 4 aircraft descended below the established hard deck. The hard deck is the minimum altitude established for the safety of the spectators and Blue Angels. It was not stated how far they deviated below the minimum altitude, but the performance was cut short and all the aircraft landed safely.
The following day, the Blue Angels announced they were entering a safety stand-down. Per the Blue Angels Public Affairs Officers, 'during the training stand-down the team will remain in Pensacola for additional training and air show demonstration practice.' This resulted in the cancellation of the US Naval Academy show as well as possibly the cancellation of the flyover scheduled for the USNA Graduation ceremony planned for May 27th.
The Blue Angels also have air shows scheduled over memorial day weekend as well as at Rockford's 2011 Airfest on June 4th and 5th, where they were headlining. Per the Blue Angel's Public Affairs Office (PAO), the team has 'nothing further to release at this time.' They are still undergoing additional training to ensure they are at the highest safety level for the upcoming shows. Once the commanding officer feels that they are back at their expected levels of performance, they will continue with the shows. The PAO did state they expect an announcement for the air shows this weekend and Rockford by this weekend, posting news on their Facebook or Twitter accounts along with a press release as soon as the decision is made.
A cancellation would have no effect on the schedule at Rockford Airfest and the air show would proceed as scheduled with over 15 other acts expected to perform and a record setting 61 aircraft on static display on the air show grounds.
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