What happens when you bring together a New Mexico State University (NMSU) event planner and a woman with a passion for air shows and aircraft? One tremendous air show at the Las Cruces International Airport.

Jo Raabe Asprey, flight enthusiast and entrepreneur, and Scott Breckner, director of special events at NMSU, began planning in June of 2008 the Thunder on the Rio Grande Air Show scheduled for May 30 and 31 of this year. Their planning will bring a new level of entertainment to the community.

“This will be a formal air show with acrobatic performers, experimental craft and static displays, including NASA planes and war aircraft,” Scott says. “We want this to turn into something we do every year.”

The Las Cruces International Airport was home to three previous shows in 1998, 1999 and 2000. A 2001 show was planned but cancelled due to 9/11.

“It has always been a dream of mine to put on an air show, but I never knew where to begin,” says Jo, owner of Adventure Aviation and avid supporter of anything having to do with flying. “When I met Scott, I realized he could offer so much, so I asked for his help.”

Initially, Jo asked Scott to take a look at air show plans to see if they made sense. Once Scott looked over the details, he realized working with Jo would be a great fit.

“Once I looked through the details I realized it was almost like planning a rock tour,” says Scott, who came to NMSU from Michigan State University a year and a half ago where he scheduled headliners like the Rolling Stones. “I realized we needed to get this unique group of people here for this show – people who are involved in death-defying acts. This is something amazing that we can introduce to this community.”
Jo is no stranger to flying,

NMSU or community service. She is the former CEO of Sun Pacific Airline, a charter airline that flew the New York Yankees for three years, and a lifetime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. In the past, she has been involved in major craft projects, including a multi-million dollar project where she found a three mile object-free diameter space to launch an experimental rocket.

As an NMSU graduate, Jo has served on the NMSU Foundation Board for 15 years, and even received an honorary PhD from the university. Also, for the past 15 years, Jo has attended the Oshkosh Airshow, spending the last four years at the show in dorms she purchased for children with Cerebral Palsy.

The Thunder on the Rio Grande Air Show, co-sponsored by NMSU and Adventure Aviation, currently has more than 50 static displays scheduled and plans to see 10,000 people each day. The success will likely come from the talent of Scott and Jo. Scott, through NMSU Special Events, is handling the planning, marketing and ticket sales. Jo is putting her experience with air shows and aircraft into planning the event.

Others offering their talents include Bill Moody, a retired pilot and air boss (the individual who runs the logistics of the air show performance side) from previous shows. Doug Newton, general manager at Adventure Aviation and retired military pilot, is helping with the contact side of the planning, including names and numbers for various military personnel. More than 150 volunteers will help make the event a success.

“The support and interest is amazing,” Jo says. “I am an aviation addict and it is exciting to see that we are bringing the thrill of aviation to this community.”