Vectren Dayton Air Show

Iconic WWII Aircraft Fly Into Vectren Dayton Air Show

April 17, 2018 By Dayton Most Metro

Vectren Dayton Air Show officials announced today that the B-17 Movie Memphis Belle and Tuskegee Airmen P-51 Mustang Red Tail with its Rise Above theater will appear at the 2018 Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger on June 23rd and 24th at the Dayton International Airport.

On May 17th, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton will open its exhibit of the magnificent B-17F Memphis Belle, the first U.S. Army Air Forces heavy bomber to complete 25 missions over Europe and return to the United States. This date is exactly 75 years after its crew finished their last mission in the war against Nazi Germany on May 17, 1943.

The B-17G Movie Memphis Belle that will appear at the 2018 show was the star of the 1990 Warner Brother film, Memphis Belle. The film was a fictionalization of the 1943 documentary Memphis Belle, about the 25th and last mission of the American Boeing B-17 Memphis Belle Flying Fortress bomber. The Movie Memphis Belle will commemorate this milestone and take spectators back in history giving them a chance to both see this iconic WWII heavy bomber fly and view it on display up close and personal in this anniversary year.

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron has selected Dayton for an appearance of its Tuskegee P-51 Mustang aircraft and Rise Above Theater production. CAF’s mission is to educate audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen – America’s first black military pilots. These airmen became legendary because their strength of character, courage and ability to triumph over adversity served to inspire others to RISE ABOVE obstacles in their own lives and achieve their goals. The CAF presentation will include a flight and display of the P-51 Mustang Red Tail aircraft Tuskegee Airmen flew. The Rise Above theater is a 30-seat panoramic film presentation of the Tuskegee Airmen’s story.

“We are honored to add these two historical WWII attractions to the show”, stated Scott Buchanan, Chairman of the USATS Board of Trustees. “They both played a major role in our country’s history and we’re thrilled to have them join our incredible 2018 show lineup.” Buchanan added.

The B-17 Movie Memphis Belle and Tuskegee P-51 Mustang will join previously announced attractions, the world-renowned U.S. Navy Blue Angels, TORA! TORA! TORA!, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor and U.S. Army Golden Knights. That’s not all, air show legend Sean D. Tucker, Jack Link’s Jet Waco, female aerobatic superstar Vicky Benzing and Cincinnati’s own Redline Airshows Aerobatic Team will perform in 2018 too. Air show officials plan to announce other attractions over the next couple of months.

2018 Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger tickets including the popular Pavilion and Blue Sky Chalet are now on sale at the show’s website, www.daytonairshow.com. Customers can enjoy print-at-home or print- to-mobile options available for website purchases.

Beginning May 14th, customers can conveniently purchase discount general admission tickets at area Kroger stores. This Kroger exclusive offers $3 off adult and children tickets at over 100 Kroger stores in the Dayton- Cincinnati region. Kroger discount tickets are good for either Saturday or Sunday admission. Visit the show’s website for further information.

Vectren Dayton Air Show Adds Ultralight Display

June 16, 2015 By Lisa Grigsby

Some of the most fascinating flying machines at this weekend’s Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger will also be some of the tiniest.

While massive military jets such as the Air Force C-17 Globemaster III airlifter and KC-135 refueler will dominate the static display area at Dayton International Airport, spectators will also have a chance to discover the world of light-sport and ultralight aircraft—the smallest, simplest machines one can fly.

As many as six light airplanes are scheduled to be on display both days of the weekend air show. While numbers and types are subject to change, the lineup includes examples of Challenger, Phantom, Quicksilver, Rans, Titan and Xenon aircraft. Put on by local enthusiasts, the ultralight display is new to the air show this year.

Instead of streamlined hulls and jet engines, these one- or two-seat machines are made with tubes, wires and fabric. They typically have two-stroke engines that deliver 30 to 60 horsepower. They don’t go fast, but their open-air designs offer spectacular views.

“They give the pilot a bird’s eye view of the world with the wind in his face,” said Paul Lindamood, director of Dayton Ultralights, an informal group of recreational fliers based at Moraine Airpark.

“Ultralight flying is largely about the simplicity, the romance and the glory days of flying—the sheer exhilaration of being a part of the wind, the sky and the elements,” said Lindamood, who plans to display his Quicksilver 2S both days.

Lindamood believes ultralight flying allows one to experience flight as the Wright brothers knew it—but with the benefit of today’s aerospace materials and design knowledge. “Wilbur and Orville would have marveled at what these modern day craft can do,” he said.

Originally organized in 2000 and revived in 2013, Dayton Ultralights holds numerous annual fly-ins, contests and group flying excursions. It counts a local flying membership of 75, with more than 30 pilots and aircraft based in the Dayton region. Its Facebook page includes more than 1,100 pilots from around the world.

“We work to reach out to the flying and non-flying community in communicating the merits of ultralight and open-air flying. We endeavor to adhere to all conventional rules of flight and airport safety operations, and to constantly improve our flying skills and abilities,” Lindamood said.

The Vectren Dayton Air Show is one of America’s top annual aviation events. This year’s headliner act will be the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Joining them will be the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, U.S. Army Golden Knights and a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue (SAR) demonstration. Making its first appearance in Dayton will be the Breitling Jet Team from Dijon, France, on its first North American Tour. The show will also feature Jack Link’s Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet WACO, Mat Younkin’s Beech 18 aerobatics, the legendary Sean D. Tucker, the Shockwave Jet Truck and the Wright “B” Flyer, a lookalike of the Wright brothers’ first production airplane.

Discount general admission tickets are on sale at area Kroger Stores. The Greater Dayton RTA is offering Park & Ride express shuttle service from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Gates are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The feature show takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane…It’s a LOT of Planes

June 27, 2014 By Nikki Nett

Look up

No matter how long you’ve lived in Dayton, or how familiar you are with the Vectren Dayton Air Show, it’s always a bit surprising when you hear the roar of fighter jets overhead on an average weekday morning. If you were looking up on Thursday morning, you likely saw the Delta formation of the prestigious United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron making their (very fast) way to the Dayton International Airport. More commonly known as the Blue Angels, they have been a delight to fans and a centerpiece of airshows across the country for decades. Once again, we welcome them to Dayton!

The Blue Angels are comprised of an elite group of servicemembers from the Navy and Marines. While many see the aerobatics of the F/A-18 Hornets, not everyone knows that it takes a team to get those pilots in the jets. The crew arrives early in the recognizable “Fat Albert”- the name affectionately given to the C-130 cargo plane. Fat Albert serves as more than just a utilitarian people mover. You will see what that large plane is capable of as the Blue Angels begin their demonstration. If you’re an air show aficionado, you may remember the JATO take off from years past. This huge propeller plane actually took off with jet assistance! Though that impressive feat ended in 2009, we happen to know that Fat Albert still has a few tricks up his sleeve.

Part of the crew that keeps the Blue Angels flight-ready is from right here in our backyard. AM1 (AW) Bobby Meagher is a 1998 graduate of Norwood High School in Cincinnati. He is part of the airframes division of the squadron. The Blue Angels are among the oldest F/A-18’s in the fleet and require quite a bit of maintenance to keep them in performance condition. Petty Officer Meagher has been maintaining the Blue Angels for almost 3 years now. Born at WPAFB to 2 Air Force parents, he enlisted in the Navy and first heard of the Blue Angels at his first command. Realizing the enormous opportunity, he set out to be part of this squadron. He’s looking forward to seeing friends and family while he’s close to home, and of course, enjoying some LaRosa’s pizza!

Blue Angels “Boss”

At the helm of this squadron is CDR Thomas Frosch. He is the Commanding Officer, and pilot of the #1 jet. Known as “Boss” to the crew, it is his responsibility to not only oversee all of the operations of the Blue Angels, but also be the lead for all flight demonstrations. When asked how he enjoyed the flyover of Cincinnati en route to Dayton, he said, “It was great, it’s the best way to see a city, flying overhead. Of course, I’m the only one that got to enjoy it, I was looking down while the rest of them were looking at me, as they’re supposed to, they’re the wingmen!”. If you’ve ever wondered how they fly in such close proximity to each other, there’s your answer. The Boss leads the way, and the rest of the highly skilled pilots follow suit. Pretty impressive to say the least.

So, how does one become a Blue Angel? Well, for CDR Frosch, the seed was planted early. As a 6 year old from Clinton Township Michigan, he remembers seeing them perform for the first time. When asked what his inspiration was, the expected answer was, of course, Top Gun. With a slight laugh, he said that it was actually The Final Countdown (a movie about the USS Nimitz going back in time to the day before Pearl Harbor) that first inspired him to want to take off and land from an aircraft carrier. When asked what was harder, performing the exact flight maneuvers that the Blue Angels are known for, or landing on a carrier, the emphatic answer was, “landing on a carrier at night is the hardest thing to do”. Interesting perspective when you consider that in all of Naval Aviation, that is really the backbone. There are squadrons deployed all over the world on carriers. In fact, it’s likely that as you are reading this, somewhere there is a jet landing or taking off from an aircraft carrier doing the job that the Navy has been tasked with.

Honor. Courage. Commitment.

Those 3 words are the epitome of service in the United States Navy. You can see the realization of those 3 words when you have an opportunity to see this squadron in action. From the way they move through the air, to the way the ground crew works together so seamlessly, you will walk away with a new appreciation for the Sailors and Marines serving our country. The mission of the Blue Angels is to inspire all who come to see them. And inspire they do!

Knowing that the Vectren Dayton Air Show is a family event, we asked for one tidbit of advice for the children who may come out to see the shows this weekend, that may find themselves inspired by what they see. CDR Frosch replied, “Teamwork. Teamwork is the foundation for everything that we do. From the ground to the air crew, the focus is on teamwork. Of course STEM is always important, but you don’t have to be an engineer to fly”. Communication and trust are paramount to the safety and performance excellence that we will get to see this weekend.

But wait, there’s more…

Though the Blue Angels are the highlight for many, aviation fans of all kinds will find something to interest them at the Vectren Dayton Air Show. Naturally, the Birthplace of Aviation will have a Wright B Flyer on hand, and with WPAFB a cornerstone of our community, the Air Force will be well represented – including the Wings Of Blue Parachute Team! You can find the full air show schedule here. There are many ticket options and you can see them here.

No matter what attraction sparks your interest, you’re sure to enjoy the aviation fun that has become a much-loved tradition in the Dayton area!

You can see some of the airshow excitement on Instagram! Our own Nikki Nett (@nikkisayswhat) will be running the Dayton Baton (@daytonbaton) on Saturday. You can double tap those pictures until your heart is content!

Vectren Dayton Air Show will roar with P-51, F4U warbirds and EAA offer Young Eagles Flight opportunity with Sean D. Tucker

June 25, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

The most exciting aviation event in the Tri-State region got even better with the addition of two magnificent warbirds to the 2014 Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger, show officials announced today.

One is a pristine example of the North American P-51D Mustang, the famous fighter that helped win World War II. It’s restored in the markings of Capt. Herbert G. Kolb’s Baby Duck, a plane he flew to make five of the 14.5 kills credited to him. The other is a rare Chance Vought F4U-5 Corsair, a version of the carrier-based fighter that had a more powerful engine than earlier versions and numerous other performance enhancing features.

Thanks to the show’s “Performer Pit Row” static display, spectators will be able to get a close look at these warbirds and other planes when they aren’t flying in the June 28-29 air show at Dayton International Airport.

They join modern military performers including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier, the Air Force Academy’s Wings of Blue parachute team and the U.S. Coast Guard’s HH-65 Dolphin search-and-rescue demonstration. Civilian performers include Sean D. Tucker, Patty Wagstaff, the North American AeroShell Aerobatic Team, the F-86 Sabre and the Shockwave jet truck. The one-of-a-kind Wright “B” Flyer, a lookalike of the Wright brothers’ first production airplane, will also fly each day.

Air show superstar Sean D. Tucker will give a child his or her first flight in a general aviation airplane in cooperation with the Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger and the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA’s) Young Eagles program. Tucker, chairman of EAA’s Young Eagles since 2013, will give the flight at 10 a.m. on June 25, just prior to the air show on June 28-29. News media will be invited to cover the flight from the air in a photo chase plane. The flight will be offered to the winner of a Vectren Dayton Air Show essay contest. Visit www.daytonairshow.com/youngeagles for contest details.

Since 1992, more than 44,000 EAA volunteer pilots participating in Young Eagles have given first flights to more than 1.8 million youths. Registered Young Eagles have opportunities for scholarships, flight training, online resources, free student membership to the Academy of Model Aeronautics, free access to more than 300 science and technology museums and more. Thousands have become aviators themselves.

Tucker is a National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinee and one of the National Air and Space Museum’s 25 Living Legends of Flight—an elite group that includes Jimmy Doolittle, Chuck Yeager, Bob Hoover, Gene Cernan and John Glenn. He is also one of the Living Legends of Aviation. He will be a featured performer at the air show along with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier, USAF Academy Wings of blue Parachute Team, Patty Wagstaff, AeroShell aerobatic team, Shockwave Jet Truck and more.

Ticket prices remain unchanged from 2013. The popular Chairman’s Club, Pavilion, Family 4 Pack, and Blue Sky Chalet are now on sale, offering a range of seating amenities. Tickets can conveniently be purchased through our show website at www.daytonairshow.com. Deep discount general admission tickets are on sale at more than 100 Kroger stores in the Dayton-Cincinnati region.

Founded in 1975, the Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger is one of North America’s premier air shows. It features world-class aerobatic champions, military jet demonstrations and entertainment for the whole family, celebrating Dayton’s rich aviation heritage as home of the Wright Brothers, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and National Aviation Heritage Area. It is produced by the United States Air and Trade Show, Inc., a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit Ohio corporation that relies on sponsorship and community support to offset costs. The Dayton/Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates the show adds $3.2 million to the region’s economy every year. For more information, visit www.daytonairshow.com.