You have probably started hearing the jets overhead as they roar into and over Punta Gorda's skies for this weekend's 31st Florida International Air Show based at Punta Gorda Airport. This Saturday and Sunday the gates of the 31st show will swing open at 9 a.m. Exhibitions start at 10, and air performances at 10:30 a.m. The Air Show this year, in addition to featuring some extraordinary aerobatics, will welcome a visit with the surviving members of Doolittle's Toyko Raiders. Other attractions include a land-based static exhibition of commercial and military planes, interactive exhibits and rides. For complete details of the show go to http://www.floridaairshow.com.
Here are some of the highlights:
Doolittle's Tokyo Raiders
Their attack on Japanese Home Islands during World War II is known as the mission that changed the war and one of the most courageous acts in military history. Three of the five surviving heroes of the Raiders, Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole, plane number one and Doolittle’s co-pilot, Major Thomas C. Griffin the navigator on plane number nine and S/Sgt David J. Thatcher, engineer/gunner on plane number seven, will be there at the Show for your Q & A and autographs.
Air Performers
The Heavy Metal Jet Team -- The Heavy Metal Jet Team roars in for their first performance at FIAS. The Heavy Metal Jet Team features former Top Guns, World Record Holders, and Top-Notch Jet Pilots in a thrilling exhibition unique to any Air Show in the country. Read more about these exciting pilots.
F-22 Raptor The Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft – a combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics. Read more on this incredible plane.
F-16 Fighting Falcon • A compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. In air combat, the F-16’s maneuverability and combat radius exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft.
Misty Blues All Woman Skydiving Team • As the only all women's skydiving demonstration team in the world, this team has been performing all around the world for over 25 years, have set 35 world records and recorded 40,000 jumps.
Patty Wagstaff Recognized as a pioneer of women fliers by the Smithsonian and a 6-time member of the US Aerobatic Team, who has won gold, silver and bronze medals in Olympic-level competition. Patty is the first woman US National Aerobatic champion. She flies a thrilling, low-level aerobatic routine. Read more about this incredible woman pilot.
OTTO, the Helicopter One of the most unique and versatile air show acts in the world entertaining crowds by blowing bubbles, playing with his yo-yo, racing around barrels and picking them up, shooting smoke in all directions, towing banners, and more.
Jacquie “B” Warda Featured in Smithsonian Air & Space, World Airshow News and Sport Aerobatics, her favorite aircraft is her unique Pitts S-1T. Her “Red Eagle” is one of three Pitts built to fly around the Statue of Liberty during the 1986 centennial celebration. More about Jacquie.
DAV Flight Team - B-25, “Panchito” This North American B25 was among the famous twin engine medium bombers used during World War II. The original "Panchito" was with the 396th Bomb Squadron stationed in the Central Pacific.
E-Team Skydivers Whether it is a dramatic drop-in appearance by Elvis’, or leading a 5,000 square foot American flag, Paul McCowan & the E-Team Skydivers have been thrilling crowds since 1971.
A-10 Warthog • A-10 Thunderbolt, also known as the Warthog, the Flying Gun, and the Tank Buster. Used extensively during Operation Desert Storm, in support of Nato operations in the Kosovo crisis, in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
P51 Mustang A veteran of two wars—World War II and the Korean War—North American Aviation's P-51 Mustang was the first U.S. fighter airplane to push its nose over Europe after the fall of France.
Glory Days Jet Dragster • Driver Jerry McCart and his crew built the 2009 Worthy Jet Dragster powered by a GE J85-15A. This engine type was used on F-5 and T-38 Fighters, a Prototype Stealth 116, and when combined with the afterburner produces 8,000 pounds of thrust.
*Note that not all acts may appear due to circumstances beyond control of the Florida International Air Show.
Announcers
Danny Clisham Danny Clisham is one of America’s most popular air show announcers. In the course of his career, he has entertained millions of attendees at air shows throughout North America.
Charlie Shoe is a local favorite known as "The Morning Mayor" from his radio show on Seaview 104.9 every morning from 7-10 a.m. He is also an avid aviation buff and Punta Gorda Airport supporter who has been flying since 1963 with a commercial instrument rating.
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