Community Corner

Local Family Meets With Bethpage Air Show Pilots

Wheatley Heights resident receives exclusive runway tour by GEICO Skytypers pilots.

Brain Greene, of Wheatley Heights was one of five winners selected from Bethpage Federal Credit Union's "Recognizing Our Veterans" contest, in which the teen and his family were invited a private runway "meet and greet" and aircraft tour at Republic Airport May 23.

Greene and his family were greeted by the pilots of the GEICO Skytypers, who shared their experiences firsthand about performing at air shows across the country, including the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach. The pilots then took the Greene family aboard their SNJ-2 WWII-era vintage aircrafts for a special runway tour. 

“We were delighted to be able to partner with the GEICO Skytypers once again and to extend this special invitation to our Facebook contest winners,” said Linda Armyn, Senior Vice President, Bethpage Federal Credit Union in a statement.

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“The GEICO Skytypers have performed in the Bethpage Air Show since its debut year at Jones Beach in 2004.  We enjoyed participating in the show again this year and were pleased to host this special group of fans at last week’s planeside reception,” added Larry Arken, Commanding Officer, Flight Lead, GEICO Skytypers.

The pilots, who are based out of Farmingdale’s Republic Airport and performed at this year’s Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, are known for their low-level precision flying formations. The team utilizes six SNJ-2 WWII aircraft to type giant messages in the sky.  

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