The 27th Annual Wings Over Houston Airshow takes flight Saturday, Oct. 15, and Sunday, Oct. 16, at Ellington Airport (EFD), featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
Making its first appearance at the Wings Over Houston Airshow will be the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, F-22 Raptor, and the Red Bull Motorsport Teams of Kirby Chambliss, in his Zivko Edge 540, and Chuck Aaron, the only civilian pilot to be licensed in the U.S. to perform helicopter aerobatics. The Red Bull Air Force Parachute Team will take to the skies in their winged jump suits as they approach the crowd at Ellington Airport. Fans will also be treated with an exclusive look as the Horsemen pilots take to the skies in F-86 Sabres debuting in Houston. Jason Newburg, 2010 Lonestar Aerobatic Unlimited Champion, will showcase his performance in a Pitts Viper.
Returning favorites include the Tora!Tora!Tora! reenactment of the World War II air power attack on Pearl Harbor. Also returning will be a firepower demonstration with the Korea/Vietnam era aircraft, including the Huey helicopter, AD-4 Skyraider, O-2 Forward Air Command “Oscar Duece” and AC-47 Spooky Gunship. The Boeing B-29 Superfortress “FIFI” returns to the skies in a rare sighting as it is the only flying B-29 remaining. Military demonstrations include the Air Force Heritage Flight, U.S. Coast Guard MH65C Dolphin Helicopter, U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet from the West Coast Demo Team, the C-130H Tactical Special Forces Jump and AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter Demo.
“Wings Over Houston Airshow strives to bring new, exciting aviation demonstrations and exhibits each year. This year, we are especially proud that we will be one of the few airshows to demonstrate the F-22 Raptor,” said Bill Roach, executive director of Wings Over Houston Airshow. “We appreciate our loyal volunteers, sponsors, fans, and members of the media as the event could not be a success without each and every one of you.”
Tickets for the 2011 Wings Over Houston Airshow are on sale now. Advance tickets are $17.50 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 through 11, and free for children 5 and under. Reserved “Prime-View” seats at the “50-yard-line” are $45 and include reserved parking and an event program. Eagle Squadron Hospitality tickets are $125 and include reserved seating, catered food and beverages throughout the day, reserved parking and a souvenir cap, program and poster. Tickets can be purchased by calling 888-4-FLYSHOW or at WingsOverHouston.com.
