The United States Navy Blue Angels perform in their F-18 Super Hornets at a showcase at the U.S. Naval Academy. (Screenshot/Stars and Stripes)
(Tribune News Service) — The CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show is back at the Dayton International Airport with a high-flying lineup featuring the U.S Navy Blue Angels, returning to Dayton for the first time in four years.
In addition to the Blue Angels flying their new Super Hornets, the July 30-31 event, presented by Kroger, will offer an array of aerial shows, ground displays, a children's activity area and more.
Here's a closer look at this year's lineup:
SCHEDULE
Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. The feature show will be held from 12 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The show schedule will remain the same for both days. All acts and times are subject to change without notice. The air show will take place regardless of rain or shine. However, the flying schedule of the show will adjust if needed depending on the weather.
— Flag drop and national anthem
— U.S. Army Golden Knights
— Kevin Coleman
— U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demo
— Vampire Airshows
— U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III
— Tora! Tora! Tora!
— Kent Pietsch
— USMC Fat Albert
— U.S. Navy Blue Angels
AERIAL SHOWS
U.S Navy Blue Angels
The Blue Angels' first performance was held June 15, 1946, in Jacksonville, Fla. Thrilling audiences for over seven decades with high-energy demonstrations, expect an exciting routine with sharp choreography. The fastest speed during their performance can reach up to 700 mph and can fly as close as 18 inches apart.
U.S Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team
This demonstration team from South Carolina performs precise aerial maneuvers to display unique and interesting abilities of the F-16, otherwise known as the Viper. The F-16 is a one-seater that can switch from an air-to-ground or to an air-to air role by using one button. The Viper Demonstration team appeared in Dayton over a decade ago.
U.S Air Force F-15C Eagle Two-ship Flyby
The F-15C Eagle is an all-weather tactical fighter constructed for ground, support and air-to-air combat. This dynamic team will fly a number of bold patterns.
U.S Army Golden Knights
The 16-member Army Golden Knights will open the Dayton Air Show. The team is known for their detail-oriented canopy work along with their skydiving formations and landings that will need to be executed precisely.
Tora! Tora! Tora!
This performance will be a recreation of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. The recreation will involve realistic explosions, fire, smoke and more.
Kevin Coleman
Raised in a family of air show pilots, Kevin Coleman, 29, began airplane aerobatic flight lessons at the age of 10. He went solo at 16, earned his pilot's license at 17 and flew in his first air show at 18.
GROUND DISPLAYS
Aside from aerial performances, there will be many planes you will be able to see within arm's reach. With over 30 ground displays to choose from, the air show provides many different aircraft to appreciate. A few of them include but aren't limited to the U.S Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, U.S Air Force F-15 and the U.S Army CH-47F.
JUST FOR KIDS
The CenterPoint Energy Kid's Hangar will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to play in sandboxes, enjoy face painting and participate in crafts. This free all-day activity for kids is a great time to take a break from the heat. Air Show performers might stop by the Kids' Hangar to sign autographs.
Food, beverages and restrooms will be nearby. However, all children must be under parental supervision.
HELICOPTER RIDES
The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation will return again this year to provide rides. For a $110 donation, participants will be able to climb aboard a UH-1H "Huey." Anyone choosing to ride can fly with up to 10 passengers and a veteran pilot for 10 minutes.
If you're seeking an even more intense ride, a 10-minute solo ride on the AH-1F Cobra for $625 could be a true adventure.
Riders are first come first serve. No advance reservations will be accepted. You can find more information on helicopter rides at https://daytonairshow.com/huey-cobra-helicopter-rides/.
TICKET INFO
General admission tickets, priced at $20-$30, are available online or can be purchased at the gate. Tickets are to be used for one day. Children under the age of 5 have free admission.
All tickets sales are final. Refunds and rain checks are not available. There are a variety of ticket options to choose from. In particular, the Synchrony Family 4-Pack is available for $99 and includes four general admission tickets, four hot dogs, four Cokes, one general admission parking pass and one official souvenir program.
Visit https://daytonairshow.com/2021-2/tickets/#gen for the family value pack or more ticket options. For more information call 800-514-3849.
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