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Be Amazed at a Military Air Show

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Have you been to a military air show? The Navy’s Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds both put on a great show for families all over the country.

They recently released their 2018 and 2019 schedules. If you haven’t been to a military air show, make plans to attend one this year. If you have been to one of these exciting military air shows, share this information with friends so that they may experience the fun too.

The Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. Surprisingly, they have been around since 1946. You don’t want to miss their amazing military air show. They are scheduled for 59 demonstrations in 31 locations this year and 61 demonstrations in 32 locations next year. With this many military air shows scheduled, you are sure to find one near you. Their schedule is available by clicking here.

What can you expect from a Blue Angels’ air show?

It’s a great family event to go to. This year marks the 72nd year of the Navy’s Blue Angels and they are sure to put on a good show. It is such a popular event that over the years they have performed for close to 500 million spectators.

At the military air show, you will not only see a dazzling performance of flight maneuvers, but you will also have a chance to see the planes up-close. You might even be able to meet some of the pilots and ask them questions. Here are 60 questions answered on their website. You might find your answer there, but you’ll still want to meet one of the pilots. They’ll have great stories because they love talking about their experiences.

Be Amazed at a Military Air Show

The Air Force’s demonstration team will celebrate 65 years of showcasing the latest advancement in aircraft this May.

What can you expect from a Thunderbirds’ air show?

Another great military air show not to miss is the Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Thunderbirds. If you don’t live near a location that the Blue Angels will be performing, review the show schedule here for the Air Force Thunderbirds. This is another fun military air show that your family will love.

The show is an hour long and packed with exciting aerial maneuvers. It all begins with a drill type ground ceremony before the planes take flight. Once in the air you will see tight formations with only a few feet between the planes. You’ll witness precise techniques used by the solo performances. This really is a show not to be missed.

Both the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels have long and rich histories. Attending one of their military air shows is a great opportunity to learn about how they were started and how aviation has changed over the years. The Air Force’s demonstration team will celebrate 65 years of showcasing the latest advancement in aircraft this May.

When the Air Force’s official air demonstration team was founded in 1953, the Air Force had been its separate service for only 6 years. There were only 7 officers and 22 enlisted as part of the team. Their show was only 15 minutes as well.

Since then 325 officers have been part of the team over the years.

The military air shows have been great recruitment tools for the Air Force. The Navy uses the Blue Angels military air shows for recruitment as well. The current commanding officer hopes that those that witness the precision and dedication of the team will be inspired to “strive for greatness and follow their dreams.” Both the Air Force and Navy have been successful in these endeavors.

Have you attended a military air show in the past? What was your favorite part of it?

 

Your Guide to the 2016 Military Air Show Season

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Military air shows are exciting events. “That’s the sound of freedom,” people say when a jet passes over. Just the sound of a jet can bring many emotions. For those that have served our country and for their spouses and families, it brings a sense of pride. For young children it is a world of amazement.

Both the Navy and Air Force have special squadrons that are the highlights of military air shows. Since 1946, the Navy’s Blue Angels have held performances for more than 484 million fans. It is now estimated 11 million spectators will attend the Blue Angels air shows annually.

Your Guide to the 2016 Military Air Show Season

This year the Blue Angels celebrate their 70th season. Unfortunately, it came to a quick halt. Source: Navy.mil

The Blue Angels

Blue Angels are made up of only 16 officers. There are 3 tactical jet pilots, 2 support officers and 1 Marine Corps pilot position open each year to replace departing members. Each officer generally stays with the Blue Angels for 2 years.

While the Blue Angels began with 4 aircrafts, they have since expanded to 10. The original 4 aircrafts made up their famous diamond formation.  The air shows now include solo performances to show how capable these jets are. The Blue Angels currently fly the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet and the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. It’s amazing to watch these aircrafts in action. They fly merely 18 inches apart during their famous diamond 360 maneuver.

This year the Blue Angels celebrate their 70th season. Unfortunately, it came to a quick halt.

On June 2, America lost a great hero, Capt. Jeff Kuss of the Marine Corps. He was the number six pilot, the Opposing Solo, of the Blue Angels. His F/A-18 Hornet crashed while training in Tennessee. We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Captain Kuss.

The Blue Angels canceled their June appearances. Navy officials announced on June 26 that the elite flight demonstration squadron will resume its schedule on July 2 at the National Cherry Festival Air Show in Traverse City, Michigan.

You can review the 2016 air show schedule to determine the closest one to you.

Air Force Thunderbirds

Another wonderful opportunity to view air shows comes from the Air Force Thunderbirds, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron.

They started the season with a flyover at the Daytona 500 and were making their way across America delighting people with their precision flying demonstrations when an unfortunate accident occurred. They also lost a jet on June 2.

One of the Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcons completed a flyover for the commencement at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, before crashing in a field. The pilot was able to eject without suffering any serious injuries.

Following this incident, the squadron had a short stand down. The Thunderbirds resumed their flight demonstration schedule in mid-June.

Your Guide to the 2016 Military Air Show Season

Four U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons, known as the Thunderbirds, flying in formation with white trailer of smoke over the 42nd Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Air Show at Point Mugu, Calif.

The Air Force has been amazing crowds since 1953. They have performed across America as well as around the world. Millions of people have had the opportunity to witness their air shows.

Each military air show is free and open to the public. You can check the Thunderbirds 2016 air shows schedule to see if there’s one coming up near you.

If you plan on attending an air show this summer, take a small backpack with items such as sunblock, bug spray, rain gear, bottled water, snacks, hats, binoculars, a camera and earplugs. You’ll also want a blanket or chairs to sit on.

To avoid as much traffic as you can, consider going early and leaving late. Make sure to keep an eye on the kids so they don’t touch the static displays.

Be ready to ask questions. The men and women that are part of these proud traditions are happy to answer them.

Here is the complete summer schedule for the Navy’s Blue Angels and Air Force’s Thunderbirds.