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Hundreds of local gather at airport for event

By HENRI LEJEUNE THE DAILY IBERIAN

Hundreds of spectators visited the MTT Y2K Superbike/L39 jet race Friday at Acadiana Regional Airport to see who would win the race.

Carrel Williams and son Jared, 12, of New Iberia came out to experience the show.

"It was fun, exciting," said Jared Williams.

Carrel Williams said he heard about the race at work - he is a plant manager at Carbo Ceramics, which is at the airport. He said once he heard about it, he had to attend.

"We've seen an airshow, but not like this with a motorcycle," Williams said.

Jaret Migues, 15, from Baldwin said he had a blast.

"It was great fun," he said.

Migues added that one day he wants to buy one of the bikes for himself.

Marine Turbine Technologies, which built the bike, had boats, a truck, a water pump and other turbine-engine modified machines at the airport for visitors to view. They also supplied food and drinks to those who came.

As for how many people attended, MTT brought 600 hot dogs and ran out before the race started.

Darryl Christen, pilot of the L39, which raced the superbike, said he hopes the race gets more people interested in aviation. The Houma attorney said aviation is a great hobby and something everyone can get involved in.

Christen encouraged young people to take flight classes, become an aviation mechanic or help out with administration. He said the field is rewarding and fun.

Care also was taken to make sure the event was safe.

Todd Miller, aviation safety inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration,

said the FAA was on hand to make sure all safety precautions were followed.

He said some of the normal rules imposed on airports had to be suspended in order to accommodate the race. FAA officials were on hand to make sure things ran smoothly as well.

Iberia Parish Sheriff Sid Hebert also attended the race and said seven officers were at the event for security purposes. Some of the deputies kept the public from the runway and guarded other restricted areas.

Mike Tarantino, CEO and executive director of the Iberia Industrial Development District, said the event was a great success and boon for the area. It can bring attention to the airport, he said, which it needs.

"I think the best part is what it can do for the community," Tarantino said.