Airshows are one of the primary showcases of military and civilian aviation all around the world. From vintage aerobatic feats recollecting the early 'barnstorming' days to high powered military fighter jets and everything in between, Airshows are a stable of aviation showcase held around the world every year. Either hosted by active military bases or civilian airports, Airshows are one of the greatest pastimes you'll find in America and the world, drawing millions of people each year. Here you'll find selected images from Airshows all around the west coast of the United States going as far back as 2003.
With weather threatening the show but ending up not being a factor, Nellis AFB put on one heck of a show to close out the 2011 airshow season in Las Vegas, Nevada. Featuring the best of the US Air Force from mock dogfights, attack runs, infantry jumps, and a heck of a lot more this show was one of the finest of the year. The biggest highlight: a B-2 Stealth Bomber on display and flying during the show.
Each year, the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Center (formerly Army Air Field) hosts what started as a small helicopter and car show and has now grown into a rather large display of military and warbird aircraft along with an incredible display of classic cars during the Wings, Wheels, and Rotors Expo. This year, a very heavy marine layer caused the aircraft to be limited, but still some surprises shows up.
One of the best and largest Military Airshows in the entire country, the MCAS Miramar Airshow collects not only some of the best Airshow performers in the world, but also a very comprehensive look at modern military aviation with demos by all branches of the military. Highlights of the airshow include the Marine Air Ground Task Force and the US Navy Blue Angels.
Despite the bad press over the Air Racing event that was to be the highlight of the Airshow, the 2011 Camarillo Airshow went off with quite a few acts, but still had a lot of down time and confusing schedule of flying acts. The massive amount of warbirds and the short flight by a Super Hornet jet courtesy of the US Navy did help to boost the show into a pretty fun event despite the short comings this year.
Surrounded by the beauty of Big Bear, the Big Bear Airport neatly carves out the surrounding forest to reveal a quaint little airport. Every other year the airport hosts a rather impressive collection of aircraft and cars on display for the bi-annual Big Bear AirFair which include everything from famous classic warbirds to a wide assortment of civilian aircraft on display.
Growing much bigger than the year before, the Great Park - MCAS El Toro Airshow has proven itself to be a up and coming airshow force that must be attended. With over 25,000 people in attendance this year, this show has grown beyond just a small event with the US Marines sending out several aircraft, an impressive lineup of aerobatic performers, and many warbirds taking part in this year's show.
Continuing the country-wide celebration of the Naval Centennial, the Wings over Gillespie Airshow 2011 showcased an impressive selection of Naval aircraft spanning early World War 2 to the Vietnam Era. While it was hot during the day and chilly during the night, the crowds still came out to enjoy the show. The best part of the airshow, however, is the spectacular San Diego sunsets.
Weather couldn't stop the incredible collection of World War 2 warbirds that always descend on the Planes of Fame Air Museum Airshow out at Chino Airport, California. With the theme of the Centennial of Naval Aviation, the Planes of Fame Airshow showcased all manners of Naval Aircraft spanning through the years and through the wars from props to jets.
The days leading up to the world famous Planes of Fame Airshow in Chino, California are always a very busy bunch of days for everyone on the airport. As a massive gaggle of warbirds and aircraft arrive to take part in the show, the Chino Airport is transformed from a general aviation airport into a very high class and much anticipated airshow that is visited by thousands from all over the world.
Despite the frigid cold, occasional rain, and very cloudy skies, the Riverside Airshow 2011 pulled out a tremendous success with a lot of aerobatic and modern military acts. From Warbirds to the lumbering but awesome C-17, the Riverside Airshow always puts on a top notch show during the start of the Airshow season.
United States Naval aviation has a big birthday this year, turning 100 years old, and what type of party would this be without a big celebration? But not just any birthday party, a year long multi event celebration of the Centennial of US Naval Aviation. Starting off this party is the kick-off event at Naval Station North Island on Coronado Island, San Diego in Southern California.
Kicking off the 2011 Airshow season, Cable Air Faire is one of the smaller airshows in Southern California. However, the show gives a different look to aviation, showcasing the more rare vintage and modern civilian aircraft. Along with a unique up close opportunity to see the aircraft take off really close to the crowd line, the show's car show compliments the exotic aircraft static displays.