Lake Cumberland Airshow

Smoke On Aviation

Aircraft in formation at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show, showcasing Smoke On Aviation against a blue sky.
Van's AircraftRVAerobatic1970's
Flown By: Smoke On Aviation, on September 21, 2024
Recorded At: Lake Cumberland Airshow
Video By: Eric Stemen
Photos By: Eric Stemen
Article By: Eric Stemen

Introduction

The skies above Somerset, Kentucky, came alive with the sights and sounds of precision flying as the Smoke On Aviation Team showcased their remarkable Van’s RV aircraft at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show. Known for their remarkable formation flights and piloting prowess, this team of volunteer aviators captured the hearts of spectators with their dynamic performances, heritage aircraft, and unwavering dedication to the art of flight.

About Smoke On Aviation

The Smoke On Aviation Team, hailing from historic Bowman Field in Louisville, Kentucky, is a volunteer-based group of pilots united by a shared passion for aviation. Beyond the thrill of aerobatics, these pilots commit their time to honor veterans and enrich community events by performing a range of engaging formation flights. With members who work as professional pilots at UPS or serve in the Kentucky National Guard flying transports like the C-130J and even Boeing 747s, the team brings a wealth of experience and skill to the skies.

Aircraft in formation at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show, showcasing Smoke On Aviation against a blue sky.

Aircraft in formation at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show, showcasing Smoke On Aviation against a blue sky.

Formation Flying With Smoke On Aviation

The Smoke On Aviation Team’s demonstration at the Lake Cumberland Air Show showcased an array of Van’s RV models flying in graceful, disciplined formations. From diamond patterns to fingertip and echelon formations, the team illustrated the beauty and complexity of synchronized flight. Each maneuver underscored their dedication to safety, teamwork, and precision—a testament to countless hours of training and meticulous preparation.

Impact on Spectators and the Aviation Community

For audiences, witnessing the Smoke On Aviation Team in action is more than just a visual spectacle. It’s an immersive experience that connects people with the thrill of flight, the camaraderie of aviation enthusiasts, and the inspiring commitment of pilots who seek to honor veterans and educate the public. Performances like this help rekindle an interest in flying, inspire the next generation of aviators, and highlight the vital role that general aviation plays in communities across America.

Van’s RV Aircraft: A Legacy of Performance and Versatility

RV-6
The RV-6 and its tricycle-gear variant, the RV-6A, took the homebuilt aircraft community by storm upon their introduction in the mid-1980s. A natural evolution from earlier Van’s designs, these side-by-side aircraft provided straightforward handling, excellent visibility, and short-field capability. With thousands built and flown, the RV-6 proved that approachable, everyday sport flying could be both fun and efficient.

RV-7
Building on the success of its predecessor, the RV-7/7A combined side-by-side seating comfort with exhilarating performance. It offers superb cross-country capability, aerobatic readiness, and flexible engine options ranging from 150 to 210 horsepower. The RV-7’s stable handling and high-speed cruise make it a favorite for pilots who want a versatile sport plane with a global following.

RV-8
For those who prefer tandem seating and a more “fighter-like” feel, the RV-8/8A caters perfectly. With a roomy cockpit, outstanding visibility, and thrilling aerobatic capabilities, it bridges the gap between high-performance sport flying and comfortable cross-country touring. The RV-8’s agile handling and impressive power-to-weight ratio deliver a truly unforgettable flying experience.

RV-9
Pilots who value relaxed cross-country flying, docile handling, and remarkable fuel efficiency gravitate toward the RV-9/9A. Designed for everyday utility, this model’s longer, more efficient wings and excellent low-speed characteristics make it ideal for calm cruises, shorter runways, and a broad range of pilot skill levels. Combining comfort, economy, and capability, the RV-9 embodies the “total performance” ethos Van’s Aircraft is known for.

Aerial display with smoke trails at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show. Seven planes in formation fly across a blue sky.

Aerial display with smoke trails at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show. Seven planes in formation fly across a blue sky.

Show Location, Announcer & Websites

Lake Cumberland Regional Airport:
A key aviation hub in Somerset, Kentucky, Lake Cumberland Regional Airport (https://www.lakecumberlandairshow.com/) hosts this bi-annual show to promote regional tourism, honor local aviation heritage, and celebrate the magic of flight.

Show Announcer:
This year’s show was announced by renowned air show announcer Luke Carrico (https://www.lukecarrico.com/), whose enthusiastic and professional commentary placed spectators right in the cockpit.

Eric Stemen – Aero Insight Media
Planes flying in formation with smoke trails at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show against a clear sky.
Colorful planes in formation flying at Smoke On Aviation during the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show.
Aerial display with smoke trails at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show. Seven planes in formation fly across a blue sky.

Planes flying in formation with smoke trails at the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show against a clear sky.