>> INSIDER’S GUIDE TO THE DAYTON AIR SHOW: 7 things to know before you go
>> How to avoid traffic and parking headaches at the Air Show
>> Where to eat before or after the air show
This year’s event takes place June 22-23 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Dayton International Airport, 3600 Terminal Drive.
Here’s what you should know to have a great time:
MUST-SEE SHOWS IN THE SKY
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds, also known as America’s Ambassadors in Blue, will headline this year’s air show.
First taking off in 1953, the Thunderbirds have been performing for now 66 years. Reaching a speed of Mach 2 at altitude, these six General Dynamic F-16 Fighting Falcons will close a great air show with their dazzling flying skills.
C-17 and KC-135 Demonstration
For the first time, watch the C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker take the skies in Dayton together. See these two heavy hitters from the United States Air Force perform both separately and together during the day.
U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet Legacy Flight
The U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet team will be flying all the way from Lemoore, California to be with us in Dayton. Here are some fun facts about the Super Hornet:
- The first airstrikes launched against ISIS were completed by a Super Hornet.
- It is the most cost-effective aircraft. It costs less per hour than any other tactical aircraft in the U.S. armed forces inventory.
British Sea Harrier
The British Sea Harrier is truly a unique aircraft, and an incredible example of aviation technology. Watch this machine lift off like a helicopter, hover in mid air, then take off in flight at nearly the speed of sound. Sure to be a crowd favorite, the British Sea Harrier, nicknamed the “jump jet,” is one you won’t want to miss.
GEICO Skytypers
The GEICO Skytypers will add a lot of fun to the air show, showcasing their precise combat maneuvers, and even type giant messages in the sky using synchronized smoke releases. Their 18 minute, low-level flying demonstration will honor the U.S. Armed Forces.
Team Oracle
Sean D. Tucker will again be flying the Oracle Challenger III at this year’s air show. Watch him add to his 1,200 performances and 20,000 hours of flight time when he takes to the skies with his team.
U.S. Army Golden Knights
Opening this year's show, the Army Golden Knights inspire audiences of all ages with their patriotism and exciting maneuvers. Formed in 1959, the Golden Knights are the Army's official demonstration team. Members are drawn from US Army paratroopers who have demonstrated excellence in parachuting skills. The Golden Knights will show intricate canopy work along with skydiving formations and landings that require extreme precision.
Skip Stewart
UPDATED 6/21: Acrobatic pilot Skip Stewart won’t be able to perform in the 2019 Vectren Dayton Air Show this weekend because of engine trouble Thursday night that forced him to land on Tipp Elizabeth Road in Tipp City.
One of the most entertaining air show pilots in the world is sure to give a thrilling and edgy performance at this year’s air show. Skip Stewart and his highly-modified Pitts S-2S, nicknamed “Prometheus” after the Greek titan, are sure to put on a high-energy show. He was the first pilot to fly an airplane under a jumping motorcycle at an air show, so expect some crazy stunts and moments that will make you gasp and cheer.
>> 7 badass planes at the Air Force Museum
>> 6 things you didn’t know about Dayton’s aviation history
Jacquie B
Jacquie B became the first female pilot to enter the air show industry at the age of 50, and now she gets to bring her Extra 300S aircraft to Dayton. Painted on the side of her craft is the statement: “Ladies, it’s time to fly!” and B has been doing just that with over 3,200 flight hours and 1,100 coast-to-coast air show performances.
>> 5 truly historic places to visit if you want to experience the history of flight in Dayton
Shockwave Jet Truck
This one attraction does not fly in the air, but instead races down the runway. This jacked-up truck holds the Guinness World Record for fastest jet truck, clocking in at 376 mph. This is due to the three Pratt & Whitney J34 jet engines, producing 36,000 horsepower.
THE SCHEDULE
Gates open at 9 a.m.
Feature show: Noon to 4:15 p.m.
Gates close at 6 p.m.
Note: Show schedule is the same for both days but subject to change.
FEATURE FLYING SHOW:
Flag Drop and National Anthem
U.S. Army Golden Knights
British Sea Harrier
GEICO Skytypers
U.S. Air Force C-17 & KC-135 Demonstration
Team Oracle
U.S. Navy F/A-18F/Corsair Legacy Flight
Jacquie B
Shockwave Jet Truck
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
*All acts and times are subject to change without notice.
MUST-SEE PLANES ON THE GROUND
Though planes will be soaring overhead don't forget much of the show is on the ground. Visitors will be able to view a variety of aircraft on display ranging from WWII warbirds to modern military aircraft.
Among the ground displays will be the U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon, the C-17 Globemaster III, a U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, the U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk and a Tuskegee Airman P-51D Mustang “Miss America”.
HELICOPTER RIDES
The Sky Soldiers, a Vietnam re-enactment group, will provide rides in a vintage UH-1H "Huey". For a $75 donation, riders are able to strap in the back of the helicopter and fly with a veteran pilot for 8-10 minutes. Weather permitting, the doors of the helicopter are open during the flight. The UH–1 "Huey" entered U.S. Army service in 1958 with more than 9,440 different aircraft having been procured over thirty five years. The HUEY was the first mass-produced turbine powered helicopter to enter Army service.
VECTREN KIDS’ HANGAR
When the kids need a break, this is the place to go. The Kids’ Hangar has places for children to dig in a huge sandbox, enjoy face painting and crafts, climb on a backyard gym and maybe even get some autographs from the air show performers. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Vectren Dayton Air Show
WHERE: Dayton International Airport, Vandalia
HOURS: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. June 22-23
TICKETS: Save up to $7 when you shop at Dayton and Cincinnati area Kroger stores. Advance online sales are available through Sunday, June 23, at 12 p.m. ET. All ticket sales are final, no refunds, no rain checks. Click here to view the assortment of ticket options, or call 888-695-0888.
Note: Your Kroger sales receipt is your ticket. It will be collected at the Main Gate and will no longer be exchanged for a ticket.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Vectren Dayton Air Show
About the Author