Air Shows

Since the dawn of aviation, air shows have captivated people. From the barnstormers during the roaring twenties to the Blue Angels air shows today, the sight of air show planes defying gravity brings excitement. Their pilots have spent lots of time, money and effort to hone their skills at flying shows. At public air shows you are usually allowed to enter the airfield a while before they become airborne, and walk along the flight line taking pictures and admiring the air show planes.

Recently Red Bull sponsored a televised air race in New York City, where air show pilots had to pass between pylons floating on the Hudson river. With cameras mounted on the tail of each plane, pilots made low altitude hairpin turns low over the Hudson..

Many of the aerobatic stunts at flying shows look dangerous, but it's amazing the great safety record that air shows have. Although small, light aircraft are easy to fly, It's entirely different piloting the world war two fighting planes or Thunderbirds air show jets. Split second timing is crucial in aerobatics and air show formation flying. These courageous men and women air show pilots deserve our appreciation.