GEICO SKYTYPERS POST GIANT MESSAGES IN THE SKY OVER CHICAGO

Air Show Performance team types giant messages in the sky and performs a low-level precision formation demonstration during the Chicago Air and Water Show
Chicago, IL (July 24, 2013) – The GEICO Skytypers will make their first appearance in the Chicago area during the 2013 Chicago Air and Water Show scheduled for August 3- August 4, 2013.

The team performs a thrilling, low-altitude, precision-formation flying demonstration. The pilots fly six WWII-vintage aircraft, coming from all directions and filling the sky to provide spectators a unique viewing experience while showcasing the tactics and maneuvers utilized in training during WWII.

Their inaugural appearance in Chicago will be the first time people from the area can view the GEICO Skytypers’ giant billboards in the sky. During skytyping missions the pilots fly 250 feet apart in a wide “line-abreast” formation. The team “types” dot-matrix-style messages that are approximately 1,000 feet tall and can be viewed from up to 15 miles in any direction and span up to eight miles in length. Each skytyped letter is generated in approximately four seconds, which is 17 times faster than the more traditional skywriting method.

The GEICO Skytypers fly six of the 11 remaining North American SNJ-2s for their airshow performances and skytyping missions. Each World War II-era plane has been fully restored and equipped with a computer that coordinates the smoke puffs released from each of the aircraft to form letters that are as tall as the Empire State Building.

“The contrast between the advanced technology utilized to produce these messages paired with a 1940s vintage aircraft is truly unique,” said Steve Kapur, GEICO Skytypers marketing officer and pilot. “We consider it a privilege to fly these warbirds on behalf of GEICO at air shows all across the U.S.”.

The Skytypers performance offers a rare chance to view a military-style formation flying demonstration utilizing WWII military training planes. Maneuvering the antique aircraft requires great skill and expertise. A majority of the GEICO Skytypers pilots earned their wings in the military and most currently fly for commercial airlines.

2013 Chicago Air & Water Show Information
• Saturday, August 17, 2013 10:00am-3:00pm
• Sunday, August 18, 2013 10:00am-3:00pm
• Complimentary General Admission
• Parking – Millennium Garages


About the GEICO Skytypers
The GEICO Skytypers are the only flying unit in the world that performs at air shows typing messages in the sky. For more information on the GEICO Skytypers, visit geicoskytypers.com. The team can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube To request more information or a 2013 electronic press kit, please write or call the contacts listed below.

About GEICO
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 11 million private passenger customers and insures more than 18 million vehicles (auto & cycle).

GEICO’s online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes, claims reporting and to print insurance ID cards.

GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

For more information, go to www.geico.com.