Celebrating the Olivers!

Oshkosh, WI — "There is magic in the sky". True words for air show performers, enthusiasts and audiences, words spoken by Suzanne Asbury-Oliver Monday evening (July 26) after receiving the 2010 Bill Barber Showmanship Award along with husband Steve Oliver. Air show greats gathered to honor the Olivers at the EAA AirVenture Theatre in the Woods. Steve and Suzanne are the world’s only husband-and-wife skywriting, aerobatic and pyrobatic duo. This year marks their 30^th year performing together.

Danny Clisham, award-winning air show announcer and pilot, presented the annual award, sponsored by World Airshow News magazine and friends and family of the late Bill Barber. The award recognizes air show entertainers who have demonstrated superb showmanship ability. Past recipients serve as the selection committee.

"When I started skywriting," said Suzanne, "I had no idea where it might lead. I was a kid. But I fell in love with it because of how happy it made people feel and that is why I made it my career. It’s been a wonderful career that has given me more friends than anyone deserves and a wonderful partner and husband."

She continued, "We give (audiences) a very special experience, although they have no idea how hard we all work to make it so. And while our industry is changing, as they all do, one thing will always stay the same: There is magic in the sky."

In his remarks, Steve said, "We are honored and fortunate to have had the privilege to know Bill (Barber) and to have Bill and his wonderful family as friends. Tonight we are surrounded by the best of the best in the air show business, who also are friends, and who have selected us to be honored with this award. When we look back on our long career, I have to tell you it doesn’t get much better than this."

"I would like to take a moment to clarify a rumor that Bill Barber was a great storyteller—not true. You and I tell stories. Bill Barber painted pictures. What a great man, a mentor. A Renaissance man, a stick and rudder man. For those of us who don’t fly today’s ‘High Zuse’ airplanes, who have to depend on energy management, with slow roll rates, etc., we have but to look at Bill’s exhibition flying to see how it was done. His flying style lives on through our and others’ hands. We are humbled by this honor."

SkyDancer, a specially modified 1956 de Havilland Chipmunk. They also offer barnstorming rides in their 1929 antique New Standard biplane. Suzanne is the nation’s only professional female skywriter.

The Olivers pilot the Oregon Aero® SkyDancer. For a complete Media Kit with stories about the Olivers’ 30 years together; their skywriting, pyrobatics and aerobatics; their aircraft; and pilot biographies, go to: http://www.oregonaeroskydancer.com/v2/site.html