Sacramento, CA- All the hard work throughout the year of the Capital Air Show staff began to show it's fruit today as a myriad of aircraft flew in to Mather Field to participate in the fourth annual Sacramento Capital Air Show.

Out on the tarmac, barriers and safety fences were being put in place, displays began to take form, the sound system that runs the entire length of the flight line was assembled and pilots took to the air to get a feel for the topography of Sacramento.

Tim Baker flies a stunt plane for Geico; he's been passionately flying for them for six to seven years and has done 22 air shows. Not only is Tim the pilot, he is also in charge of the displays. "Geico works me hard", stated Baker, "but I love our relationship."

Dean Wright is the team leader for the Patriots, sponsored by Fry's. Dean retired from the Air Force two years ago. During his tenure with the Air Force he flew such planes as the A-10 Wart Hog, the Stealth and many other high end aircraft. Speaking of their jets, "they don't have the power of the F-16's, but they run like a Timex" stated Wright. Later in the day Thursday, the Patriots gave a training for several Metro Fighters on how to rescue a pilot from a fighter jet and the dangers of working a fighter jet rescue. If a firefighter reached in and accidently pulled the ejection lever, he could be run through with one of four steel rods that are meant to jettison the canopy during in flight ejection.

After the Thunderbirds touched down and got their planes squared away, Mayor Dan Skoglund presented the Thunderbids with a key to the city. The Thunderbirds then presented him with a Thunderbirds framed and autographed poster.

Kirby Nesser is the "Right Wing" pilot for the Thunder Birds. Born in Nebraska, Kirby grew up going through school as a straight A student. He received a congressional appointment to the Air Force Academy where 24 units is a typical semester load. Upon finishing Academy, they asked him what he wanted to do in the Air Force. Kirby said, "I don't know". They said, "how about flying"? Kirby said "Okay". "What would you like to fly" they asked. "I don't know" replied Kirby. They finally narrowed it down to fighter jets. As Kirby excelled as a pilot, he later applied for the Thunderbirds and he has been with them for the past two years." I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up" quipped Kirby with a grin.

Friday, the pilots will go through a full rehearsal, so if you are in the Rancho Cordova area, keep your eyes to the skies for a wonder pre-show.

If you are attending the Capital Air Show, it is VERY strongly recommended that you utilize the transit system to access Mather Field. If you have purchased your tickets already, your transportation is free. Taking the light rail, you will want to detrain at the Mather Station. There, express buses will be waiting to rapidly transport you directly to the gate via an express route. The transportation has been very well thought out and is actually quite easy. As you leave the airfield via your express transportation, you will see the massive grid lock of cars attempting to leave the parking lots, and you will no doubt say…"Wow! Those people should have taken the RT." You will be back to your point of origin before they get out of the parking lot.

You can get all the air show information by visiting http://www.californiacapitalairshow.com/

Don't forget to use sun block and you may want to bring a folding chair. To see interviews with some of the pilots and several of the aircraft practicing CLICK HERE