High Flying Reading: Blue Angels Pilot Takes Part In Molino Storytime

June 25, 2013

It was high flying storytime Monday at the Molino Branch Library as the No. 2 Blue Angel shared his own stories and read a couple of books to a large crowd.

LCDR John Hiltz, a Blue Angels pilot since September 2011, told the children how he came to love flying — and reading. He read a couple of books to the children, and even played “airplane” and lifted off a couple of children.

The Blue Angels are participating in community events like storytime at the library after being grounded for the season by the federal government’s sequester. Hiltz, like his fellow pilots, doesn’t know when they’ll get the green light to perform in air shows again. The pilots are currently getting individual flight time in the F-18, but there’s no practicing those high flying stunts that have made the Blue Angels world famous.

Once they get the budget go ahead to fly again, the Blue Angels will have to get in a lot of practice hours before their first air show.

“It’s going to be up to us to look ourselves in the eye and say we are ready,” he said. “Right now all we are getting is elementary flying. But the Blue Angels don’t do elementary flying.”

Hiltz knows Blue Angels air shows are expensive, but there’s a lot of return on the investment.

Special storytimes will continue with a member of the Blue Angels at area libraries as follows:

  • Wednesday, June 26 at 10:30 A.M.,: Main Library, 239 N. Spring St.
  • Wednesday, June 26 at 2:30 P.M.,: Century Branch, 7991 N. Century Blvd.
  • Thursday, June 27 at 10:30 A.M.,: Tryon Branch, 1200 Langley Ave.
  • Saturday, June 29 at 2:30 P.M.,: Westside Branch, 1580 W. Cervantes St.
  • Tuesday, July 2 at 10:30 A.M.,: Southwest Branch, 12248 Gulf Beach Hwy.

Groups of 20 or  less are invited to contact their favorite library to inquire if seating is available for attendance  at this very special Blue Angels storytime event.

Pictured top: LCDR John Hiltz,, pilot of the No. 2 Blue Angels plane, gets a little help with a story that pointed out humans have arms, not wings. Pictured inset: A little high-flying blast off with a young reader. Pictured below: Monday’s storytime at the Molino Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

5 Responses to “High Flying Reading: Blue Angels Pilot Takes Part In Molino Storytime”

  1. Dennis HE Wiggins on June 26th, 2013 2:52 pm

    While I am glad the Blue Angels agreed to come to the oft- (most-) forgotten NORTH North Escambia, once again, we got duped. It is my understanding that they sent a member of GROUND CREW to Century Library today! Not even a Blue Angel Aviator! I encourage everyone to write the Squadron and whoever else is in charge about this. They only treat us with even A LITTLE respect when they want money or votes!

  2. nancy on June 25th, 2013 10:10 am

    The program was excellent. My grandchildren loved it.

  3. Robert S. on June 25th, 2013 9:10 am

    Many Thanks to the Blue Angels entire crew for their Service to America.
    Even though the air shows are grounded by politicians their reach to the community continues to be top performance.
    Was at a restaurant — has a pig on their sign — out on East Cervantes and Perry Avenue a couple of weeks ago and saw some bumper stickers that were interesting and to the point, it said, Ground Air Force 1, Let Our Blue Angels Fly.
    Got several of them, Great Idea.
    Blues, we Love Ya……

  4. sharon on June 25th, 2013 9:03 am

    My daughters and I attended this event. We had a great time listening to Mr. Hiltz read to us and tell us stories about the blue angels.

  5. debbie on June 25th, 2013 8:44 am

    I Love This!!!! And I Love Our Blue Angels!!!!!!!!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News