Fly Over in Bakersfield Honoring Essential Workers and our Community Spirit

Bakersfield residents, turn your eyes to the sky on Thursday, April 30th to witness a Fly Over in honor of the many people who have worked tirelessly to support our community during this COVID-19 pandemic.

California Aeronautical University (CAU) will conduct a Fly Over in Bakersfield Thursday April 30th. The Fly Over is meant to show thanks, solidarity and recognition to the many people who have worked tirelessly to support our community during this COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the medical workers taking care of those who have fallen ill, there are many people that are serving in other ways to support our educational institutions, restaurants, grocery stores, utility and sanitation services, law enforcement, fire and rescue and countless other services. The University has coordinated five aircraft to fly in formation over many neighborhoods, shopping centers and major medical facilities in Bakersfield.

The route depicted on the map provides way points and estimated times over each point for the flight. The formation flight will be led by the Condor Squadron, a professional formation flying team made up of four WWII era T-6 trainers. Directly behind them is Vicky Benzing in her bright red Stearman biplane, also a WWII era trainer. Vicky is a professional airshow performer sponsored by California Aeronautical University. The aircraft will be flying low enough to be highly visible while still adhering to all FAA regulations. Several of the aircraft will have smoke trails to increase their visibility.

“We are looking forward to showing the community gratitude for all they do and acknowledging everyone impacted. It has not been easy for most during this pandemic and it is important that we all do what we can to support one another. Hopefully everyone that can, will look to the sky on April 30th and be reminded of the important things in life”

– Matthew Johnston, President, California Aeronautical University.

California Aeronautical University would like to give a special thanks to our supporting local government and the Kern County Public Health Services Department for providing our community with information and health safety practices to best protect everyone from this new virus. We invite everyone in the community to look up to the sky on Thursday April 30th from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm as we fly over.

Join us in saying thanks to our community by waving a flag, clapping or making a sign saying thank you to our essential workers, and everyone in our community navigating a new normal.

Together we can show support for our community as we look forward to our post COVID-19 “stay at home” life. We are Kern County strong!!

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Matthew Johnston

Mr. Matthew A. Johnston has over 23 years of experience serving various roles in education and is currently serving as the President of California Aeronautical University. He maintains memberships and is a supporting participant with several aviation promoting and advocacy associations including University Aviation Association (UAA), Regional Airline Association (RAA), AOPA, NBAA, and EAA with the Young Eagles program. He is proud of his collaboration with airlines, aviation businesses and individual aviation professionals who are working with him to develop California Aeronautical University as a leader in educating aviation professionals.

Bakersfield residents, turn your eyes to the sky on Thursday, April 30th to witness a Fly Over in honor of the many people who have worked tirelessly to support our community during this COVID-19 pandemic.

#CAUTHANKYOU