A Daring Performance In The Skies

Doug Litton brought a powerful blend of artistry and technical mastery to the 2024 Lake Cumberland Air Show, leaving spectators in absolute awe. Flying his 1992 Extra 300S (N65EX), Litton showcased a high-energy aerobatic display brimming with precision and style. The aircraft’s symmetrical airfoil and fingertip handling allowed for an extraordinary demonstration of rolls, loops, and gravity-defying maneuvers that underscored both machine and pilot’s remarkable capabilities.

The German-built Extra 300S is purpose-designed for competition and air show aerobatics. It’s powered by a Lycoming AEIO-540 engine, delivering 300 horsepower for speeds up to 220 kts (253 mph) and a breathtaking roll rate exceeding 360 degrees per second. Capable of handling +10/-10 Gs, the Extra can push boundaries few aircraft dare to approach. Built with a welded steel tube fuselage, carbon fiber components, and a zero-incidence, zero-dihedral wing, it delivers performance that is both graceful and aggressive. In Doug’s skilled hands, this aircraft mesmerized the crowd, blending technology and talent into a thrilling aerial spectacle.

Doug’s aviation journey began at a small grass airfield in West Virginia. Under the mentorship of a WWII veteran pilot, he integrated aerobatics into his foundational flight training. This early exposure instilled a lifelong dedication to airmanship and precision. Over the years, Doug refined his skills, eventually becoming crew-chief and ferry pilot for his mentor, Patty Wagstaff. Now, with his own Extra 300S, Doug carries on a proud tradition of pushing boundaries and inspiring future generations of aviation enthusiasts.

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Doug’s performance at this year’s Lake Cumberland Air Show was an exhilarating highlight. The audience watched as he rocketed skyward, the aircraft’s red, white, and blue paint scheme gleaming in the sunlight. Trails of smoke accentuated the plane’s crisp lines as it cut through the air, each maneuver a testament to Doug’s relentless pursuit of perfection. His demonstration spoke to the spirit of aviation, showcasing what can happen when passion, technology, and experience align in the pursuit of excellence.

The Lake Cumberland Air Show is hosted at the Lake Cumberland Regional Airport in Somerset, Kentucky, a bi-annual celebration of aviation and community that attracts visitors from near and far. Learn more: https://www.lakecumberlandairshow.com/

A key aviation hub in Pulaski County, Kentucky, Lake Cumberland Regional Airport (IATA: SME, ICAO: KSME) is located just three miles south of Somerset’s business district. Serving general aviation and the surrounding Lake Cumberland region, it has grown and adapted over time while retaining its community-focused mission. Learn more: https://www.smeda.org/ (Note: Example link—use official airport link if needed.)

This year’s show was announced by Luke Carrico, whose immersive commentary and dynamic presence added energy and context to every performance. Learn more: https://www.lukecarrico.com/

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