MIDLAND, Texas (September 20, 2004) – The Fina-CAF AIRSHO 2004 is pleased to host one of the country's premiere parachute teams - the United States Army Golden Knights. This will be the second time the team has performed at AIRSHO in Midland . The team last performed at AIRSHO in 2001.

Performing precision aerial acrobatics and landings, the members of the Golden Knights have been entertaining spectators for over 40 years. The Golden Knights have performed more than 12,060 shows in all 50 states and 48 countries. Annually the team performs more than 27,000 jumps before an estimated 12 million people. The Golden Knights have a three-fold mission: to perform aerial demonstrations to the public, to compete in national and international parachuting competitions and to test and evaluate new parachuting equipment and techniques for improved operations and safety.

The team will perform both Saturday and Sunday and is scheduled to open the AIRSHO with one jumper exiting the aircraft at 12,500 feet. Once the jumper's parachute opens the American flag will be displayed.

Please note that the Golden Knights will be willing to take members of the media for media rides in the C-31 during each scheduled performance. Media will be allowed to use cameras, tape recorders and broadcasting equipment during the flight. All of the items must have some type of shoulder strap to maintain positive control of that piece of equipment.

As a safety note, if you are interested in participating in the media rides please note that the temperature at normal exit altitude is approximately 35 degrees cooler than on the surface. It is extremely important that media should dress appropriately - a warm jacket, gloves, closed toe shoes, pants and a cap are a must.

If you are interested in participating in the media rides, you must have valid media identification. To find out times that the rides will take place and to reserve your spot, please contact Tina Corbett. at CAF Headquarters (432) 563-1000, ext. 2231 or (432) 638-3846.

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