Los Angeles County Air Show Flying in March 19 to 20

The show will feature a host of amazing, gravity-defying performers, including the legendary Blue Angels, a tribute to Pearl Harbor featuring the Commemorative Air Force’s “Tora! Tora! Tora!,” wing-walking demonstrations, numerous historic aircraft, a patriotic parachute team, a jet-powered semi-truck, and more. – Courtesy Photo

By Greg Aragon

There is an awesome getaway on my radar and it is not just a minor blip or some kind of bogie. It is the Los Angeles Country Air Show and it is flying into the William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster from March 19 to 20

The show, powered by Lockheed Martin, will feature a host of amazing, gravity-defying performers, including the legendary Blue Angels, a tribute to Pearl Harbor featuring the Commemorative Air Force’s “Tora! Tora! Tora!,” wing-walking demonstrations, numerous historic aircraft, a patriotic parachute team, a jet-powered semi-truck, and more.

The Air Show will also feature several of the top air show performers from around the country such as high-energy aerobatics, barnstorming, and various warbirds, while additionally focusing on the innovative aircraft whose roots are tied to the Antelope Valley and the Lancaster area. On the ground, spectators will be able to explore static aircraft displays, interact with pilots and crew members, and experience attractions and educational exhibits designed to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

“We have an epic lineup of performers planned for the 2016 Air Show,” says Dennis Dunbar, executive director of the Los Angeles County Air Show. “We are bringing some of the best aerobatic performers and wing-walkers from around the country to the Aerospace Valley, along with warbirds, military aircraft, pyrotechnics, and so much more.”

I cannot wait to the see the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels. Demonstrating incredible mid-air precision, this team of elite pilots will maneuver their Boeing F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter jets across the sky, sometimes flying only 18 inches apart. The Blue Angels demonstration will also include a performance by their Lockheed C-130 support aircraft, affectionately known as “Fat Albert.”

I’m also looking forward to seeing “Tora! Tora! Tora!,” a recreation of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, which signaled signaling the beginning of America’s involvement in World War II. An emotional and factual narration complete with President Roosevelt’s address, the interactive exhibit will take visitors back in time as it salutes fallen soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

The performance will include replica Japanese Zero fighters, Kate torpedo bombers, and Val dive-bomber aircraft. Designed as a living history lesson, it is choreographed with realistic explosions, fire, smoke, and precision flying all set to music.

Another must-see performance for me will be Shockwave, the reigning Guinness Book World Record speed holder for fastest jet truck. Owned and operated by father and son team, Neal and Chris Darnell of Darnell Racing Enterprises, Shockwave is a triple-jet engine Peterbilt semi, boasting 36,000 horsepower and a top speed of 376 miles per hour.

Other show highlights are sure to include the Third Strike wing-walkers, who will not only demonstrate the team’s original wing-walking routine, but will be followed by the industry’s only dual wing-walking act featuring two stunt-women traveling atop a vintage Stearman biplane. Also, the Patriot Parachute Team, a group of professional parachutists and former Navy SEALs, who will stun the crowd with their precision aerial antics and landings.

The Los Angeles County Air Show will be held March 19 to 20, at William J. Fox Airfield at 4555 W. Avenue G in Lancaster. Air Show gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 4 p.m., with performances from approximately 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for ages 6 to 12; and ages 5 and under are free. Food will be available for purchase. Organizers advise guest to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, cameras, comfortable walking shoes, lawn chairs, blankets, ear plugs, and cash for parking and concession purchases. For more information, tickets, and a list of nearby lodging visit www.lacountyairshow.com.

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