Airshows offer plane aficionados a stunning glimpse into the world of flight. Attendees are treated to the amazing things that talented pilots and well-maintained airplanes can do when teamed together. Whether you are four, forty or eighty the powerful airplanes and acrobatic flying will delight and amaze.
There are many smaller air shows scattered around the country but if you are planning to travel, you may want to consider one of these airshows, widely considered the most exciting and entertaining in the United States.
Held this year from July 26th to August 1st, AirVenture Oshkosh is hailed as the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” for good reason. Each of the seven days, from sun up to sundown, are filled with acrobatic flying, aircraft from every era of flight to explore, hands-on learning, and informative workshops. Not to be outdone, the evenings are the time to talk to the pilots and gather with other flight lovers.
Held this year on August 7th and 8th at the Willow Run Airport, the Thunder Over Michigan Airshow is sponsored by the Yankee Air Museum and all proceeds go to supporting the museum and its mission to educate folks about American aeronautics and aerospace history and technology. There are actually 4 shows, with separate tickets required, each showcasing the agile and amazing flying of the USAF Thunderbirds as well as the USAF F-35 Demo Team. As an added bonus, this year the show will also be featuring a huge gathering, dubbed the world’s largest, of Mitchell B-25 Bombers.
Held this year on October 30th and 31st, at the Chino Airport in Southern California, the Planes of Fame Airshow merges the great historic aircraft of the past with the technologically advanced aircraft of today. In the spirit of Halloween, they promise a few extra tricks and treats in the form of exceptional in-flight acrobatics.
Held September 15th through 18th in Reno, Nevada, the Reno Air Races are not technically an air show, but they are still great fun for those who love the power of airplanes and the wonderful high-speed competition. Come and see the fastest motorsport on Earth as planes and pilots go head-to-head at 500+ miles per hour, competing in the STIHL National Championship Air Races. A unique and awe-inspiring experience. Between races, you can check out a huge variety of military and aviation displays as well as performances by the National Aviation Heritage Invitational flyers.
The Commemorative Air Force(CAF) air shows are held at various locations, check their website for dates, times, and places. The members of the CAF aim to teach the history of American fighting aircraft while preserving the planes and honoring those that flew them. All the airshows feature flyovers educational workshops, guided tours of the planes on the ground and even plane rides for those who want to get the full experience.
Whether you’re a pilot, a military buff, or just want to have a fun vacation with the kids, there’s something for everyone at these top-tier airshows. So, get ready for a fun-filled season, sit back, and take in the thrill and wonder of flight.
For more information about planning a trip to an airshow or anywhere else in the continental US, contact us at Saker Aviation.
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