GEICO Skytypers to be Featured Performers at 2008 Jones Beach Air Show

May 19, 2008

(Long Island, N.Y.) The GEICO Skytypers, the only existing World War II civilian squadron flying today, will be featured performers at the 2008 Bethpage Federal Credit Union New York Air Show at Jones Beach. The GEICO Skytypers will perform an aerial show for spectators “sky-typing” computerized dot matrix messages 10,000 feet up in the air. The Skytypers will also fly a low level, precision flying demonstration that has thrilled spectators all over the United States.

Skytyping utilizes five airplanes that fly abreast, 250-feet apart and “type” up to 25-30 character messages in a dot-matrix-like pattern. Skytyping is 17 times faster than skywriting, laying out a letter every 4 seconds. During skytyping aerial exhibitions, the pilots fly their aircraft in a line-abreast formation while a computer in the lead plane sends radio signals to the smoke systems in each plane in the formation, thus creating a customized message in a dot-matrix pattern of environmentally safe puffs of smoke.

About the GEICO Skytypers:
The GEICO Skytypers, based out of Farmingdale, NY are the world’s only precision formation fleet squadron of rare WWII SNJ-2’s and the only sky fleet of its kind to type dot matrix messages that are visible over a 30-mile radius. www.geicoskytypers.com

About GEICO - Government Employees Insurance Company
GEICO has taken a special interest in serving the U.S. Military since the company’s founding in 1936. GEICO provides discount programs and service options that can best serve U.S. troops at home and overseas during wartime as well as peacetime. www.geico.com/about/

About the Bethpage Federal Credit Union New York Air Show:
The Bethpage Federal Credit Union New York Air Show is sponsored by BFCU, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and presented by Newsday. This year’s lineup will feature the US Navy Blue Angels Jet team as well as some of the best civilian and military aerobatic performers performing today. This years Air show will be on May 24 & 25, 2008 and commences at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 3:00 p.m. www.jonesbeachairshow.com

Tips for the show:
Arrive early Dress in beach attire Bring some warm clothes in case of a temperature change, Glasses, Sunscreen, Beach towels and chairs. Check the website regularly for last minute news items and updates: www.jonesbeachairshow.com

SPECIAL EDITORIAL NOTE: The GEICO Skytypers will skytype messages over NY metro area on Saturday and Sunday.

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