SAILING THROUGH AIR; NAVY FLIERS THRILL FANS.

Byline: David Greenberg Daily News Staff Writer

Eight-year-old Timmy De Ment's family drove to the 36th Point Mugu Air Show on Friday so he could see the flight skills he hopes one day will be his own.

The Van Nuys boy joined an estimated 25,000 people arriving for the event's first Friday night show featuring the Navy's famed Blue Angels precision flying team, which he hopes to join when he grows up.

``I want to see them do tricks,'' said Timmy. ``It will show me what I can do when I'm older.''

Other highlights on the first day of the three-day event at the Naval Air Station included performances by the Army's Golden Knights and the Navy's Leap Frogs parachute teams, as well as flyovers by the F-14 Tomcat, FA-18 Hornet, A-10 Warthog, F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter and the E-2C Hawkeye.

Organizers added a third day this year because of the air show's great popularity. About 250,000 people are expected Saturday and Sunday.

``There seemed to be enough people to warrant extending it for another day,'' said Barbara Burns, event spokeswoman.

The Blue Angels, she said, are by far the most popular attraction. The Navy team, piloting six planes, and the Air Force Thunderbirds are the military's only aerobatic-flying teams.

The Blue Angels perennially thrill the crowds at Point Mugu, Burns said. ``They do all sorts of aerobatic flying - amazing feats is the only way to describe it.''

Aircraft displays on the ground and children's games will also be featured during the show.

``I was very interested in seeing the show and seeing how our tax dollars are spent,'' said Warner McGrew, 55, of Santa Barbara. ``It's the thrill of seeing how our armed services are able to operate our equipment. We're well protected by the military.''

The show will continue through Sunday.

POINT MUGU AIR SHOW FACTS

Gates open at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with shows scheduled to start at 10 a.m. The Blue Angels will fly at 3 p.m. both days. Admission is free. For more information, call [phone].

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos

PHOTO (1) Two visitors peer from the cockpit of a C-130 plane Friday at the 36th Point Mugu Air Show. The show will continue through Sunday.

(2) Navy SEAL parachuters sail the air waves together at the Point Mugu Air Show, which stars the Blue Angels precision-flying team.

Michael Owen Baker/Daily News