Headlining the air show was the U.S Air Force Thunderbirds.
Thunderbirds officials decided to proceed with their performance following a brief rain shower. Air show announcers said the team needed four to five miles of clear air space to proceed safely.
Thunderbirds advance pilot and narrator Maj. Jeffrey Downie said the fighter jets can travel 1,500 miles per hour. The Thunderbirds team is known for flying in a diamond formation with two solo pilots.
Sunday’s air show drew in more than aircraft enthusiasts; history buffs and people who are simply amazed by flight made the trek to Dayton International Airport.
History is here
The air show debuted a replica of the Wright brothers’ Wright “B” Flyer “White Bird,” which can fly up to 60 miles per hour, according to air show announcers Rob Reider and Danny Clisham.
The creation of the replica is 20 years in the making, according to Wright B Flyer Inc. The nonprofit has been working to offer orientation flights in the aircraft, pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Other nods to heritage were made during the air show.
Sam and Jeff Steiner, of Columbus, have been anticipating Dayton’s air show for weeks.
History is what drew the couple an hour away from home on a Sunday afternoon: they said they’ve been civil war reenactors for several years and are fascinated with wartime aircraft.
Both are particularly a fan of B-25 planes and were excited to see the B-25 Rosie’s Reply on Sunday.
A fascination with flight
When gates opened at 9 a.m. Sunday, air show goers poured in to set up chairs. Others were setting up camera equipment to capture planes of multiple generations shooting across the sky.
Scott and Wendy Kiser, both of Englewood, had their tripod set up shortly after gates opened.
The Kisers said they’ve been attending the Dayton Air Show for years. The couple both share an appreciation for “all things that fly” — whether it be the U.S Air Force Thunderbirds or ruby-throated hummingbirds.
“The pandemic kept us away for a few years, but we’re back and very excited,” Scott Kiser said.
Air show attendance appeared robust. Show producers do not release attendance figures until Monday following the weekend’s performances.
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