As the US marks National Aviation Day on August 19, there aren’t many better ways to celebrate aviation than by experiencing an air show — a thrilling byproduct of an industry that gives us gravity-defying machines and the men and women who fly them.
If you haven’t witnessed the beauty of the US Navy Blue Angels performing a four-plane diamond roll, or watched aerobatic pilot Sean D. Tucker cut a ribbon on the ground with his airplane wing — do it. You’re in for a treat.
In 1939, President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed August 19 National Aviation Day to honor OG aviator Orville Wright on his birthday. What would Orville think about how aviation has changed since the days of the Wright brothers?
A multimillion dollar industry
But if you missed Oshkosh — not to worry. There are still many amazing feats of flying to witness between now and the end of air show season.
Meanwhile, below are 10 air shows happening in the coming months some of which are hopefully are taking place near you:
When: August 18-19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where to watch: North Avenue Beach
When: August 22, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Where to watch: Beaches and the boardwalk
When: September 1-3, noon-3 p.m.
Don’t miss: The Pentagon’s newest and most technologically sophisticated fighter jet — the F-35 Lightning — makes an appearance with the Heritage Flight Team. If you’ve never seen an F-35 fly, you should. Based on previous performances, possible thrilling maneuvers could include near-vertical ascent, spirals and inverted flight.
When: September 1-3, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Don’t miss: This may be your last chance to see famed aerobatic pilot Sean D. Tucker perform solo. After a 40-year career, Tucker announced plans to retire from solo aerobatics at the end of this season. He plans to donate his custom Oracle Challenger III to the Smithsonian.
Where to watch: Burke Lakefront Airport
Sean D. Tucker is an aerobatic pilot — one of the best in the world. It’s hard to understand why he risks his life, until you get to know him.
When: September 15-16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Don’t miss: If you’ve never seen a really large jet like a C-17 Globemaster airlifter perform at an air show, you’re in for a treat. A flight demonstration by a C-17 is like a pro-wrestler dancing a ballet. You’re watching a 5-story airplane that weighs more than a quarter million pounds and has a wingspan of nearly 170 feet execute turns and passes very close to the airfield. It’s truly jaw-dropping.
Where to watch: Stewart International Airport
When: September 28-30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where to watch: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California
When: October 6-7, noon-4 p.m.
Don’t miss: The GEICO Skytypers Airshow Team uses their North American SNJ-2 propeller airplanes to write messages in the sky. In less than two minutes, the Skytypers can release smoke, spelling 20 to 25 characters. A message can be from 2 to 5 miles long and as big as the Empire State Building. It’s all coordinated by the lead pilot — who carries a small computer device that’s pre-loaded with messages. The computer is wirelessly connected to the other five pilots.
Where to watch: Fort McHenry National Monument and Middle Branch Park, Maryland
When: October 13-14, noon-6 p.m.
Don’t miss: A Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is scheduled to perform at this show. If you ever wanted to see this fearsome stealthy super-fighter jet in action, here’s your chance. The Raptor is designed to fly faster and stealthier than any of its fighter jet predecessors. During performances, the F-22 has been known to execute eye-popping maneuvers like The Cobra — when the plane rears up from horizontal to vertical like a snake — and the Mongo Flip, when it essentially performs a tumbling backflip.
Where to watch: Russell Regional Airport near Rome, Georgia
When: October 26-28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Don’t miss: The Boeing B-29 Superfortress named “FIFI” is one of only two left that still fly. This is the first type of US military bomber produced with a pressurized cabin, allowing it to fly above bad weather. The B-29 made history in 1945 when it dropped atomic bombs on Japan, ending World War II. Fans may recall FIFI appearing in a 2016 episode of AMC TV’s “Better Call Saul.”
Where to watch: Dallas Executive Airport, Dallas, Texas
When: November 2-3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Don’t miss: The US Navy Blue Angels elite flight demonstration team has been wowing crowds since 1946. Their annual homecoming performance is the team’s chance to look good in front of their friends and neighbors. What these pilots manage to do with their twin-engine F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets is simply breathtaking.
Where to watch: Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida
