Latest news with #DannyLucas
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘You can't just wing it.' How pilots prepare for the Marine Corps Air Show in Beaufort, SC
As roaring jets streak across the sky over Beaufort for the Marine Corps Air Show this weekend, what spectators won't see is how much precision, discipline and skill goes into each maneuver. For months, these skilled pilots train and practice for hours on end, only to perform for a mere few minutes in the sky. 'They don't go out there and just wing it,' said Danny Lucas, director of the Ridgeland-Claude Dean Airport, where pilots from the Full Throttle Formation Team were spotted practicing earlier this week. The team, based in Atlanta, is one of several elite aviation groups scheduled to perform at this year's show, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps. The air show runs Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. If you want to catch the Full Throttle Formation Team in action, their scheduled performance time is from 1:05-1:17 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. According to Lucas, who watched the team practice ahead of this weekend's show, the work behind the scenes is intense. 'There's something called 'chair flying,' where pilots rehearse their entire routine from the ground,' he said. 'They'll walk through every maneuver, imagining where they are in the sky, what their airspeed is and what position they hold in the formation. Sometimes, they do it with their eyes closed. It's all about muscle memory and mental focus.' The result? A seamless performance that looks effortless to those watching from the ground. Lucas notes that it's important for the public, especially younger children, to understand that airshows aren't just about spectacle. 'It's all based on a plan,' Lucas said. 'No matter if you're flying a private jet to a military plane, you have to have a path to get from where you are to where you want to be. You can't just wing it.' Aviation blends both art and science, which is a delicate balance that becomes especially complex once you're in the air. That's why these air shows can be special for visitors both big and small because they offer ways to connect people to a larger conversation about STEM education. 'We live in an area surrounded by airports and aviation,' Lucas said. 'This provides a great way to get kids thinking about science, technology, engineering and math, which are critically important skills, even if they don't want to become pilots.' That's why the focus for these air shows extends beyond aviation but helps blend local opportunities with educational goals to encourage curiosity. 'We want our kids to use their imagination but also set themselves up to follow a particular path to get from where they are to where they want to be,' Lucas said. With a packed weekend of intricate aerial performances and family-friendly fun, the 2025 Marine Corps Air Show promises to be a can't-miss event not just for aviation lovers but for anyone who enjoys a high-adrenaline demonstration of precision, discipline and teamwork. What: Marine Corps Air Show featuring the Blue Angels When: Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 Where: Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort: Geiger Boulevard More information:

Zawya
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Resignation of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mr. Danny Lucas
The Office of the President has today announced the resignation of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mr. Danny Lucas. His resignation letter was formally presented and accepted this afternoon by the President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan. Mr. Lucas has served the nation with dedication, professionalism, and integrity. Appointed as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission in April 2019, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the democratic process. Notably, Mr. Lucas was instrumental in overseeing the country's first political transition in October 2020, ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. Mr Lucas holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom and a Post Graduate Diploma in Law and Practice from the City University of London. After his studies in 1986, he joined the Attorney General's Chambers as Assistant State Counsel and was eventually appointed as State Counsel. From 1990 to 2019, Mr Lucas has been an Attorney-at-Law and Notary in the private sector. In 1993 Mr Lucas was appointed as Chief Electoral Officer for the second referendum and the Presidential and National Assembly Elections. With a distinguished career in the legal domain and governance, Mr. Lucas brought vast experience and unwavering commitment to his role. His leadership at the Electoral Commission was marked by impartiality, resilience, and a deep sense of duty towards upholding democratic principles. The President, on behalf of the Government and the people of Seychelles, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Lucas for his invaluable service. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the nation's electoral framework and democratic institutions. "We extend our best wishes to Mr. Lucas for a swift recovery and continued strength in this new chapter of his life. The process to appoint a new chairperson will be undertaken in accordance with the laws and procedures governing the Electoral Commission," said President Ramkalawan. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.