AirShows 2007

The Airshow.

There are few things that I find that rival the sheer excitement and joy of being at an airshow.

I am a confessed junkie.

And I haven't even yet attended some of the big ones (Nellis, Edwards, for a start).

However, you'll find these at airports, Naval Air Stations, and Air Force Bases around the country. (For international folks, there are plenty around the world, as well, however my information is limited to the United States. But, the Farnborough, Paris, Berlin, and Dubai airshows are top-notch.)

Most people can associate one of only two teams with an airshow - the world class, above the best, superb United States Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy's group called... um... Blue Angels.

However, it should be noted that they are not the only ones. If you're lucky, you may come across the Snowbirds, Canada's contribution. There are the private acts, like Patty Wagstaff. She's an acrobatic flier and what she makes an airplane do is stunning (and speaking of stunning... men, first you get to watch an amazing acrobatic act, and then out of the cockpit steps a stunning pilot!)

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Golden Knights. The US Army demonstrates parachute precision. Usually, these folks will open an airshow by presenting the colors - via parachute.

Maybe you'll have an opportunity to see Sky Soldiers, a helicopter demonstration team.

Don't like airplanes? Well, I'm surprised you've read this far. And I'll reserve my other comments about you, too. But, there's something for you at an airshow. Check out Shockwave. What's Shockwave? Shockwave, my friends, is a big rig truck... powered by a jet engine. Ever seen a truck do 300 mph?

So, find your closest airshow. Need a reference? You can click here for a full schedule.

Go, take the kids, and have fun. It'll be an experience you'll enjoy.