Summary

  • The Legacy of Liberty Airshow on June 2 features the USAF Thunderbirds for free.
  • The Columbus Air Show on June 14-16 welcomes the Thunderbirds, Super Hornets, and F-35 Lightning II jets.
  • The Dayton Air Show in July honors 50 years of aviation with the Blue Angels.

Regardless of an airshow’s type or venue, it always attracts people, particularly through a range of thrilling performances. Fighter jets-focused airshows are especially heart-pounding and enriching for spectators. This summer will be no different when some of the largest air shows are organized across the US. This article highlights what is expected to be the most thrilling experience this summer.

1

Legacy of Liberty Airshow

June 2, 2024 | Hollowman Air Force Base | Free Admission

Air Demos:

  • U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
  • Parachute Team Wings of Blue
  • Devil Dogs B25
  • SoCAL Hellcat & Zero
  • F-16 Combat Air Demo

Civilian Performers:

  • Bill Stein (Aerobatics)
  • Undaunted Airshows (2 Ship Aerobatics/dogfight) RV7/8
  • Aarron Deliu (Aerobatics)
  • MicroJet Airshow – Torrey Ward

Static Displays:

  • Luke AFB F-35A Lightning II
  • Joint Terminal Attack Controller Humvees
  • Offutt AFB RC-135 and TC-135
  • Hot air balloon
  • Aero Club C172 and DA40
  • Holloman AFB MQ-9 Reaper and F-16 Vipers
  • Glider
  • CH-47
  • TG T-38 and C-12
Thunderbirds perform in an airshow in the US.

It is one of the very few action-packed air shows in the country, and it offers free admission for all. The one-day air show will take place on June 2 at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The US Air Force Thunderbirds (F-16 Fighting Falcons) is the featured performance. According to the Holloman Air Force Base,

“The Legacy of Liberty Airshow is a celebration of 76 years of Airpower and we have a lot in store! We’re proud to have the Thunderbirds for 2024 Legacy of Liberty Airshow where they will feature aerial performances and in addition, there will be aircraft demonstrations and performances by the Wings of Blue parachute team from the United States Air Force Academy.”

Related

Where Can You See The USAF Thunderbirds Performing In 2024?

The squadron will perform at more than 20 shows from now until October.

2

Columbus Air Show 2024

June 14-16, 2024 | Rickenbacker International Airport | Adult Admission: $65

Notable performances

  • United States Air Force Thunderbirds
  • KC-135 Stratotanker 121 Refueling Wing – Ohio National Guard
  • U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Demonstration Team
  • F-35A Lightning II Eglin AFB *flybys only – all three days
  • United States Navy Legacy Flight
  • Lockheed P-38 Lightning
  • Goodyear FG-1D Corsair
  • B-25 “Georgie’s Gal”
  • Jack Aces P-51 Demonstration Team
  • P-51 Mustang “By Request” CAF Redtail Squadron
  • Battlefield Europe
  • Northrop F-5B Freedom Fighter
  • Columbus Cup STOL Drag Racing
  • Skip Stewart
  • Bill Stein
  • Carol Pilon – WingwalkerThird Strike Wing Walking
  • Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Car

Another venue to witness thundering performances this summer is at the Columbus Air Show which is making a comeback after a very long time. The air show is organized over three days, with thrilling flying performances and informative static flight displays. The Thunderbirds are joined by F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35 Lightning II jets.

Six fighters being operated by the Thunderbirds aerial display group.

According to the Columbus Air Show website,

“After a nearly 20-year absence, the world-famous United States Air Force Thunderbirds will return to Central Ohio June 14-16, 2024 at Rickenbacker International Airport! The 2024 Columbus Air Show promises to be a weekend packed with heart-pounding air performances and family-friendly activities. This is your chance to get up close to see the aircraft and pilots in action!”

Related

The US Air Force Thunderbirds: Everything You Need To Know

The USAF Thunderbird display team performs its shows with the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

3

Dayton Air Show

June 23-24, 2024 | Dayton International Airport | Adult Admission: $42

Notable performances

  • U.S. Navy Blue Angels
  • USAF F-16 Viper Demonstration Team
  • T-34 Association
  • Tora! Tora! Tora!
  • Rob Holland Ultimate Airshows
  • Titan Aerobatic Team
  • USAF C-17 Globemaster
  • U.S. Army Golden Knights
  • P-51D Swamp Fox
  • Greg Koontz

The birthplace of aviation is bringing the annual airshow in a special way this time – celebrating 50 years of air shows in Dayton, Ohio. Once again, the US Navy Blue Angels will be the star of the show over the weekend in July. According to the Dayton Air Show website,

“The Blue Angels will headline a jaw dropping lineup of performers and aircraft ground displays in what will be one of the biggest and most special air shows in Dayton history.”

Blue Angels flypast during airshow (thumbnail)

Photo: Kirk Wester I Shutterstock

A range of other performances and static displays have been lined up for the event. Moreover, Maverick and his wingman Iceman will be at the show for people to interact and ask questions.

Related

How Much Training Must Blue Angels Pilots Undertake To Join The Famous Display Team?

The famous display team has a hefty bar for new pilots to clear.

4

California Capital Evening Airshow

July 13-14, 2024 | Mather Airport, Sacramento | Adult Weekend Admission: $50

Notable performances:

  • Frecce Tricolori – Italian Air Force Jet Team
  • F-35 Lightning II Full Demo
  • US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet TacDemo
  • US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III Demonstration Team
  • Patriot Parachute Team
  • Sukhoi West Demo Team
  • GhostWriter Airshows

The California Capital Evening Airshow provides the spectators a unique opportunity to enjoy and capture thundering performances in the last hours of the day. Gates open at 15:30 hours local time each day, with flying performances spooling up at 18:00 hours. The air show features the USAF F-35 Lightning II demo team, showcasing the aircraft’s full flying capabilities through 14 distinct maneuvers.

F/A-18 Super Hornet departing an airport

Photo: Boeing

According to the California Capital Airshow website,

“On the slow end, the jet will get down to an airspeed of less than 100 miles per hour, just barely hanging there but in complete control. Then on the high end, Captain Melanie “MACH” Kluesner, will take it up to just below the sound barrier for the high-speed pass. The jet will pull up to 9G’s, nine times the force of gravity, and carve into the air at huge angles of attack of more than 50 degrees.”

Related

What Is The Top Speed Of The F/A-18 Super Hornet?

The aircraft might not be the fastest in the sky, but it is plenty effective in its many roles.

5

Boeing Seafair Air Show

August 2-4, 2024 | Lake Washington, Seattle | Adult Admission: $35

Notable performances:

  • US Navy Blue Angels
  • US Army Golden Knights
  • US Navy C-130 Fat Albert
  • US Air Force F-35A
  • US Marine Corps F-35B
  • US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III
  • US Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demo
  • US Navy EA-18G Growler Demo Team
  • PBY-5A Catalina 9767

The last venue on our list is the Boeing Seafair Air Show, which will be held in August. The weekend-long air show and festival will feature action-packed air performances across Lake Washington in Seattle. Spectators will see the USAF F-35As and the US Marine Corps F-35B in action.

Three F-35Bs on an airfield apron.

Photo: Peter R Foster IDMA I Shutterstock 

According to Seafair 75,

“The F-35A, a fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighter, will showcase its unparalleled agility, speed, and precision in a breathtaking performance that highlights the pinnacle of modern aerial prowess. Spectators can anticipate heart-stopping maneuvers, including high-speed passes, tight turns, and vertical climbs, all accompanied by the unmistakable roar of its powerful engine.”

Related

Paris Air Show: How Did It Start?

From its early beginnings alongside the Paris Motor Show to its move to Le Bourget in 1953, the Paris Air Show has captivated audiences for 125 years.

“This vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) variant of the F-35 family will showcase its unique versatility and agility, demonstrating its ability to operate from amphibious assault ships and austere, expeditionary airfields. The F-35B’s remarkable hovering and precise maneuverability, coupled with its advanced sensor systems, promise an unforgettable display of aerial prowess.”

Have you visited these air shows or similar ones in the past? Do you plan to visit these this year? Share your plans and experiences in the comments section.

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