Broome County native Chris Zonio, a flight test engineer for a major defense contractor, takes to the skies with his 1/5-scale F-16 Fighting Falcon in Thunderbird colors for a very unique demonstration. Unlike all other radio controlled pilots who fly during airshows, Chris has a scripted routine, replicating many of the maneuvers flown by the Thunderbird solo pilots. He showcased this at the 2021 Greater Binghamton Airshow and added music and commentary from past Thunderbird displays to make this part of the airshow an ACT that can be taken to airshows all over rather than just flying around. The level of detail in this F-16 is incredible. Check out ‪@SpiritofFlight.‬ for more videos.
The 2024 Greater Binghamton Airshow took place at the Greater Binghamton Airport near Johnson City, New York on July 6-7, 2024. This video was shot on Friday July 5, 2024.
It should also be noted that Chris has also utilized my video of his demonstrations on his KZfaq channel, linked above. Please note that because he is the owner of the radio controlled model aircraft featured in the video, I have given him full permission to share the video on his channel. In turn, he has also provided me with tail cam video from his flight on Sunday.
This is the fourth airshow with the new video camera and once again, using the manual focus did not produce the desired results that I was seeing in the viewfinder.
MUSIC DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind that any music in the video was played through a public address system and ZINGER AVIATION MEDIA does not have any control over what music is being played during an air show. Over the years, the music industry has increased its concern to ensure they are paid when copyrighted music is played. Therefore, according to Air Combat Command Aerial Events, any U.S. air show, civilian or military, hosting an Air Force aircraft performance which includes music, secure the necessary music licenses for broadcast of pre-recorded copyrighted music over public address systems. For the 2024 airshow season, the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) has negotiated a deal that will allow issuance of music licenses for ICAS member air shows for all three US music licensing organizations: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Each ICAS member air show is eligible for a single package of the three music licenses for one air show at the cost of $650 for a one (1) day air show; $950 for a two (2) day air show; $1,200 for a three (3) day air show; $1,450 for a four (4) day air show; $1,700 for a five (5) day air show, $1,950 for a six (6) day air show; and $2,200 for a seven (7) day air show. The rate applies only to music broadcast over the public address system during the air show portion of the program and does not provide the air show with the right to use pre-recorded music at concerts or other non-air show special events held in conjunction with the air show.
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