Air show soaring above Fort Lauderdale skies this weekend: ‘You can’t beat it’
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – South Florida residents might want to look up at the sky and catch a glimpse of the Fort Lauderdale Air Show happening this weekend, giving onlookers a thrilling spectacle as fighter planes soar above the city’s coastline.
“We certainly expect a tremendous air show once again in Fort Lauderdale,” Air Dot Show Public Relations Representative Chris Dirato told Florida’s Voice. “The backdrop for this show is ‘You can’t beat it’ with the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful beaches of Fort Lauderdale.”
According to Dirato, the show is being headlined by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Other aviators scheduled to appear include Ghost Squadron, A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Team, Navy F-18 Rhino Demo Team, SOCOM Para-Commandos, Red Bull Helicopter, Coast Guard Sar Demo, and the Red Bull Air Force.
“To add in these great aviators both military and otherwise just adds to the fun and excitement,” Dirato said.
Specifically, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon and “perform a combination of formation and solo maneuvers in an inspiring, patriotic, high energy demonstration.” The aviators also display a four-jet diamond precision formation flight approximately four feet a part while performing hoops, inverted rolls, and high performance turns.
Furthermore, two solo jets will perform “high energy maneuvers together from opposite directions.” The planes also are noted to close at an incredible 1,000 miles per hour. Afterwards, the six jets come together in delta formation for a finale of breaks with speed, sound and smoke trails.
“The [Thunderbirds] are known far and wide. The fact they fly 18-inches a part is just amazing in itself. We expect they will put on a great show as will all the other acts,” Dirato said. “There’s a combination of military and civilian acts that will be performing and we think the beaches will be packed and the weather is going to cooperate and we’ll have another great show.”
Along with the Thunderbirds, the event’s Ghost Squadron fleet provide “training opportunities for astronauts from Polaris Program missions and other spaceflight initiatives.” The jets also allow astronauts to enhance their skills in a “high-G, dynamic, and high-consequence environment” in preparation for missions to space.
Another event jet, the A-10 Thunderbird “Warthog” is a “single-pilot attack aircraft designed for short takeoffs and landings from primitive airfields.” The Warthog can operate anywhere and typically provides ground troops with close air support.
Descending through the air, spectators also might see the SOCOM Para-Commandos. The parachute team, formed in 1991, are composed of volunteers from the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and U.S. government civilians assigned to the Special Operations Command.
The SOCOM Para-Commandos also are designated as the elite Special Operations Forces of the United States armed services.
Overall, Dirato expected “tens of thousands” of attendees to the show during both days. He also noted the event’s impact on Fort Lauderdale’s economy.
“I think it means a lot. Going back to the pandemic time period when a lot of these businesses were suffering tremendously, its been a slow but gradual time back into prosperity,” Dirato said. “We’re thankful to be able to help those businesses along by bringing the show here to Fort Lauderdale.”
Moreover, Dirato emphasized the event’s infusion of money to hotels, restaurants, and commercial establishments in the area.
While the Air Dot Show Tour is occurring in Fort Lauderdale, Dirato noted the city as being one of six locations of the tour. The event also has stopped in Orlando with upcoming shows in Augusta, Georgia; Ocean City, Maryland; Orange County, New York; and Atlanta, Georgia.
For those looking to see the show, Saturday tickets have already sold out. Tickets for Sunday show are $72.25 while other packages are priced at $37.50, $189, and a VIP Penthouse package of $599.
