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Reasons Air Show Tickets Are the Perfect Gift

You may be searching for that perfect gift this year for a special someone. If aviation is something that gets their gears going you may want to look into air show tickets! Read more below…

You may have been wondering, what is the perfect gift to give someone this season? Maybe you have a friend celebrating their birthday or anniversary with your partner and want to gift something memorable; an airshow ticket is perfect. It’s best for anyone, especially if you are considering what to get a flying enthusiast. For people who show little interest in flying, the thrill and ambiance of an airshow event could make them love aviation. An airshow is characterized by excellence on all fronts. From the beauty of watching someone who glides simply to the roaring sound from a modern fighter jet, the whole event is always challenging and full of inspiration.

This article has been compiled to outline why air show tickets are the perfect gift.

Some of the Best Airshows to Visit in the World

Airshows are famous worldwide, and many look forward to them. They are educative, fun, and also an opportunity to connect with others from different areas of the world. They include:

Bournemouth Air Festival, Dorset, England

The Bournemouth Air Festival is one of the most significant air shows in Europe that is held for free. It is a four-day festival that attracts large numbers of spectators from all over the world. It is a time to watch airplanes do their maneuver while you also have the beach to party.

Reno Air Races, Reno, Nevada, USA

It is called Reno Air races because the show’s highlight is the race. It is a show-off of thrilling watch Air races that holds every September in the USA. Six categories of aircraft compete on a race course that spans between 3 to 8 miles.

Abbotsford Airshow, Abbotsford, Canada

This airshow is the largest airshow held in Canada every year, and it has recorded over 125,000 spectators coming to watch performers in their dozens as they take the skies.

The Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK

This is the world’s largest military airshow, and it is hosted every third weekend in July at the RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. This event attracts over 150,000 people from around the globe during the weekend to come and watch. The show is held to support the royal air force charity trust.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA

This airshow is the largest rendezvous annually for people who are very much enthusiastic about aviation. For this show, over 10,000 aircraft grace the blue horizon with different amazing stunts well represented.

Why You Should Consider Getting an Air Show Ticket as a Perfect Gift

1. It serves as a treat for Flying Enthusiasts

You should consider gifting any aviation enthusiast an airshow ticket as they’ll be enthralled watching the aircraft performances. The airshow ticket is an invitation for a lifetime treat. They need to hold onto their chairs at the event and stay awestruck as they watch professional experts completely control different aircraft in the air. You are in for a treat, as you would have a lot to watch. The planes would fly close enough, sometimes too close for your comfort, but you have nothing to worry about. The giant aircraft wouldn’t fall on you.

2. Airshows Are Educational

From the early 20s and 30s, these airshows were hugely popular thrillers that were exciting to watch. There’s so much fun and terrifyingly high buzz in an airshow event, but away from the fun, it’s pretty engaging and informative. In watching different aircraft maneuvering their way in space, you are watching historical scenes in flight.

You can have a close-up view of the aircraft and learn details about the model as they are always available to peek at before and after the airshow. If you pay much attention to the things you see, you can even get to strike conversations with the pilots.

3. Airshows Are Fast

Airplanes move very fast, but you may never get to see them at this speed if you only visit local aero clubs. That person you want to get a perfect gift for may just need a redefinition of what speed means, and getting them a ticket to an airshow would achieve that! At an airshow, you’ll get to know what it is for a pilot to perform feats that seem impossible with regard to speed.

4. Everyone Would Have Fun

You have already gotten a ticket for yourself, and you’re thinking of gifting someone a second ticket so they’ll tag along. Here’s why you shouldn’t think twice before getting a second ticket, an airshow is so much fun. You’ll see more live acts and stunts performed by experts as you have always seen in the movies.

5. Airshows Are Loud

At times, you may just be tired of so much quiet, and you’ll want to scream at the top of your lungs, but you can’t do that without attracting unnecessary attention in your room or even at an uncomplicated family rendezvous. An airshow is that perfect place to scream as loud as you want, all day. 

An airshow ticket is a perfect gift for someone who’s always stuck indoors and needs a change. Airshows are the Real Deal.

You have the perfect opportunity at airshows to meet people from all walks of life. It is always an enlightening time for children or young adults about what the world was like in the past when you have war veterans share their experiences with you firsthand. These genuine heroes have flown airforce planes in the past for a combat operation or sacrificed a considerable part of their lives to serve as professional pilots in the army.

Wrapping Up Air Show Tickets

A great time is guaranteed for anyone attending an airshow. Whether the person you are gifting the airshow ticket is going alone to rekindle memories or with family and friends, everyone is guaranteed a memorable experience. Regardless of age, there is something for everyone. With many activities at the event, ensure maximum enjoyment of every bit of the event. 

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Performers

The History of the Blue Angels Aircraft

The History of the Blue Angels Aircraft

You’ll often see the Blue Angels performing at airshows up and down the country. This team of aircraft takes formation flying to a whole new level. You might be surprised to know that the Blue Angels aren’t what you’d call ‘new’. They have been around for a while! Today we are looking at the history of the Blue Angels aircraft and where you might be able to spot a piece of history for yourself.

Who are the Blue Angels?

The Blue Angels are one of the worlds leading military aerobatic display teams. They currently operate an aircraft called the Boeing F/A-18 super hornet. The makeup of the blue angles is traditionally composed of six aircraft. In its present form, these are flown by five Navy pilots and one marine corps pilot.

A Blue Angels show is certainly an unforgettable experience. You’ll see loops, rolls, head-to-head passes, and other amazing feats! The list of maneuvers is impressive (and also slightly nail-biting)

This History of the Blue Angels Aircraft

While you might see the Blue Angels flying extremely fast and modern fighter jets, it hasn’t always been this way. The Blue Angels have also flown propellor-driven aircraft and airplanes much smaller than the current craft.

The Blue Angels were first formed in 1946 and were part of the navy. They were originally formed to display the aircraft and garner public support for the navy. It might surprise you to learn that their name came, not from any official designation, but from a nightclub called the ‘Blue Angel’ in New York!

The first flights were a dangerous affair! So much so that they practiced in secret to avoid the public finding out about any accidents!

The first aircraft flown by the Blue Angels were propeller-driven Grumman aircraft such as the F6F Hellcat and F8F Bearcat… However, it didn’t take them long to see the benefits of using jets instead, and as of 1949, the Grumman Panther in 1949.

The age of the Blue Angels display team is astounding. Although there are only 6 Blue Angels aircraft at any one time, in the History of the Blue Angels, there has been a total of 272 pilots who have worn the coveted blue flight suit, first adopted in 1954.

Over the next three decades, the Blue Angels would transition away from Grumman to several other different types of aircraft that you can see below…

Which Aircraft Have Been in The Blue Angels?

To fly with the precision and speed that the Blue Angels do, they have always needed the latest cutting-edge aircraft technology. The list below features many aircraft, which at the time were state of the art.

– Grumman F6F Hellcat

The Grumman F6F Hellcat was considered one of the most successful fighter aircraft of the war. With its huge engine and stubby wings, it shot down more fighters than any other aircraft on the planet! Being launched from an aircraft carrier meant it was a natural choice as a navy display aircraft.

– Grumman F8F Bearcat

While this wasn’t the first aircraft to be used by the Blue Angels, it was the first to carry their official name. This would be the last propeller-driven aircraft that the Blue Angels would fly.

– Grumman F9F Panther

In 1949 the Blue Angels entered the jet age! Sadly in 1950, the unit was disbanded for a time as the pilots were needed for active service in the Korean war!

– Grumman F9F Cougar

The ‘Cougar’ was the first swept-wing jet to be operated by the Blue Angels. This aircraft wasn’t utilized for long. It only flew as part of the Blue Angels from September 1956 until early in 1957.

– Grumman F11F Tiger

The Grumman F11F was an interceptor aircraft designed to fly extremely high and fast to meet potential threats from bombers. This aircraft and its use were considered to be the ‘golden age of the Blue Angels. They would go on to fly it until 1968! This would be the last Grumman aircraft that the Blue Angels would fly.

– McDonnell Douglas F4 Phantom

The F4 Phantom had a leading role in the cold war and the Vietnam war. It was displayed worldwide in Asia, Europe, and South America by the Display team. It would also start a relationship with the Blue Angels and McDonnel Douglas, spanning nearly 30 years!

– Douglas A-4F Skyhawk

With its stubby appearance, the Skyhawk was fast and highly maneuverable (which is just what a display team needs!) and was first used in 1974. It would go on to serve the Blue Angels well for another 12 years!

– McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet

This was the beginning of what most people classically associate with the Blue Angels. The F/A18, with its swept wings and twin tail, has become an iconic classic. Flying at up to 700mph (even during displays) brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “blink, and you’ll miss it.”

– Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet

The F/A-18 Super Hornet is extremely similar in appearance to the original. However, upgrades to the aircraft have made it one of the best performers in the history of the Blue Angels! If you are at an airshow today, this is the current version that you can see!

Where Can I See Blue Angels Aircraft?

Want the good news?

There are places where you can still see aircraft (both past and present) flown by the Blue Angels. At the Wings Over Camarillo Airshow, our static ground displays include the option of getting very close to a F/A-18!

And there’s more…

If you want a view of the past and to envisage what a Blue Angels display used to look like, you’ll also be able to see the Grumman Wildcat and the Grumman Bearcat… Not as a static display, but actually flying in action!

If you are love history and air displays, then the Wings Over Camarillo air show has plenty for you! With countless historical aircraft and displays that will have you gasping in awe, it is well worth a visit. Why not check when the next event is planned?

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Performers

The Life of an Air Show Stunt Pilot

The Life of an Air Show Stunt Pilot

Stunt pilots are the key for a successful airshow, but what really goes on behind the scenes in the life of a stunt pilot?

It seems that the life of an air show pilot is endless glamour and fun. They’re signing autographs, giving interviews, and of course commanding the awe and admiration of the big audience in the sky above. They zip and dip through the air in beautiful, gleaming machines. Who wouldn’t want to have that kind of job, day in and day out? However, anyone who has peeked behind the scenes of an air show recognizes that there’s a great deal more to what goes on during the event.

Competition and Scarcity

Show biz is show biz. Although air show pilots must supply precision flying skills and plenty of talent, not to mention practice, these aviators are still primarily entertainers. And there are always plenty of people willing to entertain for free or cheaper than the going rate.

There are only a few slots for features in air shows and plenty of talented acts who are vying to fill them. It’s no surprise that only a few air show pilots are able to make a living of it full time. The expense and labor which are required to pull of an air show (permits, advertising, parking, security, permission from the Federal Aviation Administration, and so on) are staggering.

Expense and Sponsorship

For the vast majority, aviation is a “passion project.” Owning and maintaining one’s own airplane is incredibly expensive, which is why very few people can afford to do so. Hangar space, aviation fuel, maintenance, and especially insurance all add up incredibly quickly.

An airshow stunt pilot who does manage to make a living in “the flying circus,” then, is usually sponsored, much as race car drivers are.

Glamorous Flying Life

Most of the work of air show pilots, ironically, takes place on the ground. Because of the incredibly high overhead involved in their profession, air show pilots must also serve as their own publicists, bookers, social media producers, business managers, agents, and much more. Many hustle to arrange media interviews, public speeches, and social events.

It’s not unusual to see air show pilots towing their own airplanes or even trucking them from place to place. Some wash, vacuum, and even maintain or service their own airplanes. Even after the show, pilots and crews usually attend a social event to thank sponsors and local leaders.

Time and Challenges

Everyone involved with an air show, even experienced military pilots, must attend morning briefings on the day of the air show. The FAA is always eager to inspect and check experimental or light aircraft which will perform along with the high-performance jets and warbirds.

Air show pilots rarely preflight their airplanes alone. They must not only undergo a typical safety walkaround, but prepare their craft for performance. That can include securing props, adding smoke oil, and other preparations. At most shows, part of the attraction is allowing the crowd to watch them go about their work, albeit at a distance.

An incredible amount of work and time goes into developing an air show routine. Not only has the professional aerial performer dedicated many years to developing and sharpening basic aviation skills, he or she must push beyond that. Choreographing and pacing each piece of a show, not to mention learning and perfecting new tricks and maneuvers, can often require incredible patience. Practice must go on even when it’s not air show season: Airplanes must fly to keep healthy, and it’s best for pilots to fly on a regular basis to maintain their skills as well.

Conclusion

Air show performers and creators are extremely hard working. Their hard work and dedication creates immense joy and awe for the community. Being a stunt pilot is a daring and difficult job, and it’s important to honor them.

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