Air Force captain getting ready to soar at weekend’s Westmoreland Airshow

The event will take place today and Sunday at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Unity.

Air Force Capt. Melanie “Mach” Kluesner will be hurtling through the sky over Westmoreland County at more than 600 mph this weekend.

She’ll have a touch screen at her fingertips to help her maneuver an F-35A Lightning II jet and even more technology in the visor of her helmet. But before she hops into the cockpit, she will do a little bit of what she referred to as “chair flying” — sitting in a chair and going over the routine with her demonstration team.

“It’s just unlike anything else you can do in life,” she said Friday in preparation for this weekend’s Shop ’n Save Westmoreland Airshow at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Unity. “This is such a once-in-alifetime opportunity to fly a jet this powerful.”

Visitors are expected to flock to the airport today and Sunday to watch her and other pilots show off their aircraft’s acrobatics and power. Ground displays will include planes, a monster truck and other attractions, as well as food and vendors.

If weather becomes a factor, there is plenty of extra time worked into the daily schedule so crowds can get the maximum experience possible, said David Schultz, director of the show and air boss. To be able to fly, there needs to be at least 1,500 feet of clearance between the ground and bottom of the clouds, as well as a visibility radius of 3 nautical miles with light to no precipitation.

There is a chance of rain and storms both today and Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Gates open at 9 a.m. each day and opening ceremonies are scheduled for 12:20. Gates close at 4 p.m.