Military obstacle course provides 'Beast' of a challenge at Westmoreland air show

As pilots take to the sky to test the limits of their planes at this weekend’s Shop ‘n Save Westmoreland County Airshow, visitors on the ground can test their mettle against “The Beast.”

The Air National Guard will present the timed obstacle course Saturday and Sunday at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport as part of its Recruitment and Retention Tour.

Designed to challenge athletes at all levels, the course requires participants to complete box jumps, five push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups and cross a cargo net, monkey bars and a horizontal pegboard. Those who take the challenge will get a taste of the basic training required to become an Air National Guard service member.

The Air National Guard, a federal military reserve force, also serves as a militia for each U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Aerial maneuvers by the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds and “Tora! Tora! Tora!” — a simulated reenactment of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor — are among the expected highlights of this year’s air show.

Gates at the Unity airport open at 7:30 a.m. each day, with events beginning at 10:30 a.m.

General admission adult tickets cost $15 in advance at Shop ‘n Save supermarkets, $25 at the gate. Admission costs $10 for military members and is free for children age 10 or younger.

VIP passes, priced at $150 for adults and $50 for ages 6-12, are available during business hours at the Westmoreland County Airport Authority office in the airport terminal at 148 Aviation Lane, off Route 981. The VIP pass includes free parking, premium seating under a tent or outdoors, a commemorative program, food and soft drinks, a cash bar and an air-conditioned rest room trailer.

Visit palmerairport.com or call 724-539-8100 for more information.