2012 AIRSHOW SEASON
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.
2012
Wings, Wheels, & Rotors Expo 2012
DATE: OCTOBER 28, 2012
| LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA
| 87 IMAGES
Once again, the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Center (formerly Army Air Field) opened it's gates for the annual Wings, Wheels, and Rotors expo 2012. This year was a bit light on the aviation displays due to rising gas prices, but still an nice collection of Warbirds, civilian and law enforcement helicopters, classic aircraft, and modern military cargo aircraft were in attendance.
MCAS Miramar Airshow 2012
DATE: OCTOBER 12-14, 2012
| SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
| 258 IMAGES
With overcast skies to kick off the first day of the nation's largest military airshow, the MCAS Miramar Airshow 2012 looked to be in danger of rain. But soon the clouds parted and the acts took to the air over the three days including the F-22 Raptor demo, F-18E Super Hornet demo, the famed Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), the headlining US Navy Blue Angels, and many more for an incredible show!
Fleet Week 2012 - United Family Day 2012
DATE: OCTOBER 7, 2012
| SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT
| 425 IMAGES
Part 2 of the 2012 Fleet Week Airshow in San Francisco. This second gallery features the United Air Lines family day held at San Francisco Airport where all the airshow aircraft that performed over the bay were staging from including the US Navy Blue Angels, F-22 Raptor, Canadian CF-18 Hornet, Super Hornets, and many more! Special United airliners and warbirds attended the event as well.
Fleet Week 2012 - San Francisco Bay 2012
DATE: OCTOBER 6, 2012
| SAN FRANCISCO BAY, CALIFORNIA
| 197 IMAGES
Part 1 of the 2012 Fleet Week Airshow in San Francisco. This first gallery spotlights the flying airshow portion of Fleet Week over the San Francisco Bay. With a beautiful setting of the Golden Gate Bridge and bay, the US Navy Blue Angels, Patriots Jet Team, various aerobatics, and demos by many different modern military aircraft headlined the show. The event kicked off with the Parade of Ships in the harbor.
Thunder over the Valley Airshow 2012
DATE: AUGUST 25, 2012
| SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
| 168 IMAGES
The 2012 Thunder over the Valley Santa Maria Airshow was set to be a really grand event, but cancellations and delays forced the show to condense the performances down to a small few. But even with the lack of performers, the Marines and Navy sent out two Super Hornets and three Ospreys which performed spectacular demos on the Saturday show! An impressive collection of warbirds also highlighted the show.
Wings over Camarillo Airshow 2012
DATE: AUGUST 19, 2012
| CAMARILLO AIRPORT, CALIFORNIA
| 93 IMAGES
The 2012 Wings over Camarillo Airshow packed a punch this year with an impressive lineup of warbirds that took part in the show. The Planes of Fame Air Museum sent out quite a few of their aircraft along with the CAF's own aircraft based at the airport. The result was a huge warbird gaggle with some rarities including a FW-190. The only real downside to the airshow was the intense heat wave.
MCAS El Toro Airshow 2012
DATE: JULY 13-14, 2012
| THE GREAT PARK, CALIFORNIA
| 269 IMAGES
Continuing to grow and get support by the US Marines, the Great Park Anniversary Celebration at the former MCAS El Toro base continues the spirit of the old El Toro Airshows every year bringing new people to the base and many who visit the shows back in the day to relive their childhood or fond memories of serving on the base. This year, the Marines sent out an impressive line-up of aircraft.
Wings over Gillespie Airshow 2012
DATE: JUNE 2-3, 2012
| GILLESPIE FIELD, CALIFORNIA
| 138 IMAGES
Growing in size every year from what was a dormant state, the Wings over Gillespie Airshow showcases some of the bests in warbird aviation. This year's show was a bit shorter than usual, but it was packed with warbirds ranging from the some of the most famous warbirds in history to the most rare. On the modern end, the US Marines sent out a MV-22 Osprey, a great surprise for all who came to the show.
DAY 1 GALLERY
DAY 2 GALLERY
March ARB Airshow 2012
DATE: MAY 18-20, 2012
| MARCH ARB, CALIFORNIA
| 121 IMAGES
Returning after a year hiatus, the March ARB show brings back a great review of US Air Force aviation to the Inland Empire. Dubbed Thunder over the Inland Empire, the show featured everything from aerial fire fighting tanker drop to demos by US Marine and Navy aircraft. Robosaurus and an incredible collection of massive Air Force aircraft lined the field and the USAF Thunderbirds headlined the show.
Planes of Fame Airshow 2012
DATE: MAY 4-6, 2012
| CHINO, CALIFORNIA
| 236 IMAGES
The largest gathering of warbirds on the west coast, the Planes of Fame Airshow features military aircraft from all eras of history but mainly on World War 2 aircraft from all countries. The 2012 Airshow featured nearly 40 vintage aircraft and even a QF-4 Phantom. The Planes of Fame Airshow is world renowned bringing in people from all across the globe. This year's show was a hot one, but full of flying!
Riverside Airport Airshow 2012
DATE: MARCH 31, 2012
| RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
| 183 IMAGES
Showing that a small airport can pack a big punch, the Riverside Airport Airshow not only collects the best aerobatics around, but an impressive turn out for modern military aircraft from the Navy and Air Force. But above all else, it's the impressive lineup of warbirds that really steal the show, focusing heavily on the trainer aircraft of World War 2.
NAF El Centro Airshow 2012
DATE: MARCH 10, 2012
| EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA
| 146 IMAGES
Kicking off the military base airshow season and the first airshow of the year for the US Navy Blue Angels, the NAF El Centro airshow presented a great display of Navy and Marine modern military hardware. With the winter training complete, it was also time for the new Blue Angel team to take to the air for their first public performance of 2012.
Cable Airport Airshow 2012
DATE: JANUARY 7-8, 2012
| UPLAND, CALIFORNIA
| 169 IMAGES
Once again kicking off the airshow season for Southern California, this little-big airshow starts off with a great look at all manner of vintage military and civilian aircraft. Featuring mostly WW2 and pre-WW2 trainers along with a vast assortment of sport aircraft for civilians up to modern Cessnas, this airshow has quite the variety offering rides and constant flying throughout the day.
All images are © Britt Dietz & may not be used without expressed permission.
If you are interested in using photos in a publication, website, commercial purpose of any sort, or are interested in purchasing prints, please contact Britt Dietz with your inquiry here to find out more on usage and/or pricing. Please note these images are protected by copyright. See Site Copyright & Terms for more information.
If you are interested in using photos in a publication, website, commercial purpose of any sort, or are interested in purchasing prints, please contact Britt Dietz with your inquiry here to find out more on usage and/or pricing. Please note these images are protected by copyright. See Site Copyright & Terms for more information.
WARBIRD-PHOTOS AVIATION PHOTOGRAPHY: ALL IMAGES, AND GRAPHIC DESIGN ©2024 BRITT DIETZ AND MAY NOT BE USED WITHOUT EXPRESSED PERMISSION OR LICENSING -- Southern California Military Aviation Photography by Warbird Photographer Britt Dietz - Airshow Photos and Military Aviation Image Galleries - Page Loaded in 0.01081 Seconds