SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. -- SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif.—An all-female aircrew assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing showcased the power and capabilities of the C-130J Super Hercules in the annual California Capital Airshow in Mather Airport, California, Oct. 1-2, 2022.
The CCA was established in 2004 to honor aviation heritage and the veterans in the Sacramento, California region. The show demonstrated the airpower of various types of military and civilian aircraft and presented static displays, which included the C-130J.
“Our plane was originally scheduled to go to a different air show, but they ended up cancelling last minute,” said Capt. Abigail Plunkett, 19th Operational Support Squadron instructor pilot. “We heard about this airshow and decided since we are already out here, let’s ask them if they have any available space for us. They said yes and our leadership approved, so we were able to bring our plane out for this show.”
The public had the opportunity to tour the C-130J starting with the cargo area, where the loadmasters spoke about the different parts of the aircraft and demonstrated their functions. They then went on to the cockpit to speak with the pilots.
The public also had the opportunity to view different types of aircrew flight equipment that is utilized for the safety of the aircrew when in flight.
Plunkett also explained her thoughts on being a woman in her career field.
“Women are definitely more of a minority in the aircrew environment,” Plunkett said. “It’s very unusual to see and get an all-female crew to come together.”
Plunkett expressed that her favorite part of the experience participating in this airshow was seeing excited little girls come up to the plane and them seeing that the pilots were female as well.
“I think I underestimated the positive impact that we would have on some of the people and their children that we saw,” Plunkett said. “It’s amazing to inspire the future generation and show that they can do it too.”