tomthegrom Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Hi guys, I am trying to plan a trip to the USA and I would like to include an airshow. I have been many times in winter for snowboarding trips but this one will be in summer. I am mostly interested in Military aircraft so I would like to try and see the Blue Angels and The Thunderbirds at the same show. Also heritage flights (I would LOVE to see the Phantom flying, demos and things like that. Anything else is a bonus. I love aerobatics and anything interesting. Would anyone have recommendations on what show/s to visit? Thank you for the help. Tom Quote Link to post Share on other sites
achterkirch Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 This year at air venture in Oshkosh, WI they will host the Canadian snow birds. They usually have a good variety of military displays. Old and new everything from WWII to now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bizzah Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Here's a good site that lists out all of the 2016 airshows that have been announced. Also, it shows whether the T-birds or Blue Angels will be there. Unfortunately, I don't think you will find any that have both at the same time. http://www.aero-pix.com/schedule/schedule.htm Quote Link to post Share on other sites
eraucubsfan Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 This year at air venture in Oshkosh, WI they will host the Canadian snow birds. They usually have a good variety of military displays. Old and new everything from WWII to now. I agree, "Oshkosh" is in my opinion the best overall airshow. They usually will have a wide variety of military, warbirds, antique and classic aircraft and general aviation. The afternoon airshow is usually highlighted by some of the best in the business. The warbirds show is usually pretty awesome. Also, the night airshows are something to see, along with the awesome firework show. If you do plan on going, highly suggest you become a member of EAA, it will save you money at the gate. If you enjoy camping, EAA members can camp at Camp Scholler, which is right next to the field. I think one of the best things about Oshkosh, is that while it is attended by thousands of people, you never really notice it because of the size of the grounds. As for the Blues and T-Birds, I don't think that they fly at the same show together anymore. Both there schedules can be found online. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
82Whitey51 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 If you want to catch the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds on your visit, here's an option: The Thunderbirds are at Lakeland FL for Sun N' Fun (a great all around airshow itself, with Warbirds, tactical jet demos etc.) on April 9-10. From there, you could take a day and drive on over to Pensacola and catch one of their practice airshows on the following Tuesday or Wednesday. Also, the Naval Aviation museum is right there on the base which is a great museum. I think the only time you'll see them both together is when they do their annual visits to each others respective home bases. They alternate each year typically. Unfortunately, these are not airshows open to the general public but if you got a buddy who has base access, then maybe they can bring you as a guest. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AnthonyWan Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Aviation Nation near Las Vegas in November. Accept no substitutes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bigasshammm Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Not sure which it is but whatever the air show that is at a beach would be the one I'd go to. Usually has the Blues or Thunderchikens and other military items. And it's at the beach! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scott R Wilson Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 If you want to catch the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds on your visit, here's an option: The Thunderbirds are at Lakeland FL for Sun N' Fun (a great all around airshow itself, with Warbirds, tactical jet demos etc.) on April 9-10. From there, you could take a day and drive on over to Pensacola and catch one of their practice airshows on the following Tuesday or Wednesday. Also, the Naval Aviation museum is right there on the base which is a great museum. I think the only time you'll see them both together is when they do their annual visits to each others respective home bases. They alternate each year typically. Unfortunately, these are not airshows open to the general public but if you got a buddy who has base access, then maybe they can bring you as a guest. Sounds like a great way to see both teams. Years ago when I visited the Thunderbird hangar at Nellis I was told they and the Blue Angels are not allowed to be at the same airshow in order to maximize both teams' exposure to the public. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gunfighter 124 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Miramar Airshow http://miramarairshow.com/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Exhausted Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Hi guys, I am trying to plan a trip to the USA and I would like to include an airshow. I have been many times in winter for snowboarding trips but this one will be in summer. I am mostly interested in Military aircraft so I would like to try and see the Blue Angels and The Thunderbirds at the same show. Also heritage flights (I would LOVE to see the Phantom flying, demos and things like that. Anything else is a bonus. I love aerobatics and anything interesting. Would anyone have recommendations on what show/s to visit? Thank you for the help. Tom Dayton, OH has one in the summer. It's rather large and I think you would enjoy this. Chicago's Air and Water Show is really amazing as well, though you would sacrifice the static exhibits while gaining a nice fresh water beach spot :D I will admit that Chicago is a bit crowded and the water is in the 50s, so consider that. The last and final air show I want to recommend for the summer is Chino's annual warbird show. It is VERY limited in modern aircraft, so no Harriers, Raptors, Lightning IIs or other staples. I did catch an F-16 and C-17 at this show however. The best part of the Chino show is the VAST quantity of WWII birds. They cater to photographers so they'll make a few slow passes at favorable angles, if that's your thing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Exhausted Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Hi guys, I am trying to plan a trip to the USA and I would like to include an airshow. I have been many times in winter for snowboarding trips but this one will be in summer. I am mostly interested in Military aircraft so I would like to try and see the Blue Angels and The Thunderbirds at the same show. Also heritage flights (I would LOVE to see the Phantom flying, demos and things like that. Anything else is a bonus. I love aerobatics and anything interesting. Would anyone have recommendations on what show/s to visit? Thank you for the help. Tom Dayton, OH has one in the summer. It's rather large and I think you would enjoy this. Chicago's Air and Water Show is really amazing as well, though you would sacrifice the static exhibits while gaining a nice fresh water beach spot :D I will admit that Chicago is a bit crowded and the water is in the 50s, so consider that. The last and final air show I want to recommend for the summer is Chino's annual warbird show. It is VERY limited in modern aircraft, so probably not many modern staples. I did catch an F-16 and C-17 at this show however. The best part of the Chino show is the VAST quantity of WWII birds. They cater to photographers so they'll make a few slow passes at favorable angles, if that's your thing. Just saw that Miramar is now in the summer, so I obviously recommend that. It's a great show you won't find matched anywhere. It's full of heritage flights and stuff. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bigasshammm Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 Do they still have the Reno air races? I haven't heard anything since that terrible crash but that would be a hell of a sight if you could make it. Always wanted to go to it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Lequerica Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 The Reno Air races are still alive and kicking. I've been going for forty years and wouldn't miss it for anything. There is no other place in the world where you will see 3000 plus horsepower P-51's, Bearcats, and other assorted warbirds travelling at 500 mph, 50 feet off the deck wing tip to wing tip. This year the Blue Angels will be there as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TomcatFanatic123 Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 (edited) Miramar Airshow http://miramarairshow.com/ Yes! Been every year since 2008 (except for the sequestration year). Excellent show. Oshkosh is on my bucket list as well.I've been to Aviation Nation (Nellis AFB, NV) twice, and that's a stellar show as well. Edited January 9, 2016 by TomcatFanatic123 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tomthegrom Posted January 9, 2016 Author Share Posted January 9, 2016 Thank you all for your replies. You have definitely given me some food for thought. Oshkosh with the night airshows sounds pretty cool. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Camus272 Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 (edited) Its almost impossible to get the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels at the same show. It requires DOD approval, and I've only heard of it occurring 2 or 3 times, in the current budget situation it's not going to happen. As others have said - Aviation Nation. Its scaled back a bit from 5 years ago, but its still amazing, you won't even be able to see everything in two days (and I say this as someone who is only interested in military aircraft). Edited January 9, 2016 by Camus272 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
82Whitey51 Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 Sounds like a great way to see both teams. Years ago when I visited the Thunderbird hangar at Nellis I was told they and the Blue Angels are not allowed to be at the same airshow in order to maximize both teams' exposure to the public. Yeah, they never do regular airshows together. When I was stationed at NAS Pensacola ('01-'03) they had their annual gathering there one season...and they also had the Snowbirds and Golden Knights. That was a heck of a fun couple of days. The Thunderbirds brought along 3 extra "D" models and the Blues flew both of their "Bs" in their performances in order to give each other rides. Some real unique looking diamond formations. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DarkKnight Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 Chicago is crowded on the beach, if you could get a spot in a hotel or building nearby that would be best, but heres the worst part, I have tried for years to get a "schedule" of any kind to no avail, os you have no idea when a raptor or B-2 will show and have to sit there all day wondering and seeing stuff you dont want to see Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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