7 reasons to go to the Dayton Air Show

By: Vivienne Machi, Staff Writer

For the vast majority of us, our interaction with planes is limited to commercial flights and long TSA lines. But the annual 2015 Vectren Dayton Air Show is the opportunity to watch how truly beautiful planes can be, when handled by professional pilots who spend their lives perfecting gravity-defying feats.

Whether you mark off the Air Show every year, or will be attending for the first time on June 20-21, here’s what to look out for.

1. The Thunderbirds are back in town.

“Thunderbirds, let’s run ‘em up!” The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds return to the Air Show for the first time since 2011, and their shows have been sorely missed. The third oldest formal flying maneuver team in the world works jaw-dropping maneuvers at over 450 mph among six F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets.
2. Catch the Breitling Jet Team on their first U.S. tour

The French Breitling Jet Team is well-known across the Atlantic as the largest civilian aerobatic maneuver team in Europe, and their display is not one to miss. Seven Czech Aero L-39 Albatros jets are taking to the American skies for the first time this year, and according to Dayton Air Show Director Terry Grevious, they consider their Dayton stop to be one of their marquee events. As they should.
3. Five more acts come to town this year, including the U.S. Army Golden Knights

It’s crazy enough to watch pilots in jets perform maneuvers in the air that look too close for comfort, but watching people actually jump out of the plane to perform for our own entertainment is even more terrifying. And stupendous. A little bit of both. The U.S. Army’s best paratroopers will once again put on an amazing performance in Dayton. Check out more of 2015’s lineup here.
4. If you’re more of a truck fan, fear not: There’s an act for you, too.

We really should let this video of the Shockwave Jet Truck speak for itself. There aren’t many places where you can strap a jet engine onto the back of a semi truck and it won’t cause catastrophic amounts of damage, so this event is sure to be memorable. Combining air show and drag race, we urge you not to forget your ear plugs while you watch “the world’s fastest semi truck” blow down the runway with flames and fanfare.
5. Explore plane models on the ground

Spectators look over the B-24 Diamond Lil, a rare WWII ear plane, during the Vectren Dayton Air Show held at the Dayton International Airport, Sunday, June 29, 2014. GREG LYNCH / STAFF

Not all of the fascinating plane models will be solely in the air; a variety of aircraft of all shapes and sizes will be on the ground for your viewing pleasure during the air show.
6. Kids can get in on the fun too

Playing around in the Kids' Hanger. Photo source: daytonairshow.com

The free Vectren Kids Hangar is the perfect place to drop your young’ns for a spell. They can build crafts, play in a sand box, get their faces painted, and fly around pretending to be pilots themselves. Kids age 6-16 can partake in the Aerospace Adventures program, which provides hands-on activities including rocketry and flying simulators. One lucky future flyer can even win the chance to fly with professional pilot and Air Show performer Sean D. Tucker.
7. Don’t miss the Vectren Dayton Air Show Parade

The Dayton Air Show's kickoff event brings fanfare to downtown Vandalia. Photo source: Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce.

What better way to kick off the Air Show than in the 2015 Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce Dayton Air Show Parade? Downtown Vandalia comes alive with pride on June 19, and though the parade officially begins at 7 p.m., we recommend prepping early to beat traffic and get a great cheering spot. The route begins at St. Christopher’s parking lot (on U.S. 40 near I-75), travels west to the historic Crossroads of America, turns north on North Dixie and finishes at the Delphi plant on Northwoods Blvd. For more information on participating or attending, contact the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce at info@vandaliachamber.org or call 937-898-5351.

HOW TO GO

What: Dayton Vectren Air Show

When: June 20-21; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Flying to start around noon.

Where: Dayton International Airport, 3600 Terminal Drive

Cost: Adults: $21; Children ages 6-11 and seniors $16.

Parking/traffic info: $10 for cars and $20 for busses and RVS. Parking will be available onsite.

For more info: Visit daytonairshow.com or check out their Facebook page.

7 reasons to go to the Dayton Air Show

1. The Thunderbirds are back in town.

2. Catch the Breitling Jet Team on their first U.S. tour

3. Five more acts come to town this year, including the U.S. Army Golden Knights

4. If you’re more of a truck fan, fear not: There’s an act for you, too.

5. Explore plane models on the ground

6. Kids can get in on the fun too

7. Don’t miss the Vectren Dayton Air Show Parade