On Friday, May 1, there will be a flyover in St. Landry Parish to salute parish health care workers, and honor the parish's victims of the virus.
The flyover will start at noon with general aviation pilots flying over Opelousas General Hospital and then proceed across St. Landry Parish in formation to Eunice and fly over Acadian Medical Center.
“This is an opportunity for local pilots and aviation workers to honor our family and friends who have lost a loved one to coronavirus, We also want to honor our doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, hospital workers, janitors, healthcare workers and all essential workers that have kept supply chains and other essential services running," airport manager David Allen said.
"We know the hard work they are doing, we know they are putting their lives on the line each and every day, and so that type of recognition is like a pat on the back and I know they are very appreciative of it," said Opelousas mayor Julius Alsandor.
The fly over will feature the WW2 T-6 Texan and 3 other types of airplanes. The flight will begin with the aircraft taking off from St. Landry Parish Airport and will arrive at Opelousas General at 12 then proceed to Acadian Medical Center, arriving at approximately 12:30pm.
Healthcare professionals can enjoy the flyover from the hospital parking lots and, of course, should still maintain all social distancing guidelines during the flyover. Residents of St. Landry Parish can watch the fly over from their home and should avoid landmarks, and shouldn't gather in crowds.
“We’re honored to be a part of St. Landry Salutes and we just want to show our hometown health care workers that the Louisiana Aviation community is behind them,” said Ryan Elliot. Ryan is the lead pilot of the T-6 Texan.
The flight path will begin just north of Opelousas at the intersection of Hwy 167 and Hwy 182. Pilots will fly over Hwy 182 south to Opelousas General Hospital, then head west along Hwy 190 towards Eunice and conclude at Acadian Medical Center.
For more information about the flyover visit the St. Landry Parish Airport Facebook page.
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