More than 100,000 aviation fans gathered at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California to celebrate the 2026 Wings Over Solano air show. The air show included the debut of a new performer, as well as the return of many fan favorites.
Thunderbirds
Picture of the Day: Thunderbirds in Training
Robert Kolinsky submitted this photo and note: “USAF Lt. Col. Justin ‘Astro’ Elliott, commander of the Thunderbirds, leads the team down Taxiway Bravo at Edwards AFB, California during their 2023 winter training.”
Video: A behind the scenes look at the Thunderbirds training for air show season
Of Wings & Things columnist Frederick A. Johnsen, who is also the force behind the Airailimages YouTube channel, posted a video of the Thunderbirds practicing for the upcoming air show season.
Honoring a hometown hero
Sergeant Chad Mumbauer is the epitome of a 25-plus year public servant and Marine Corps veteran who leads by example. With the heart of a warrior, he has overcome brain cancer three times in the past 10 years and returned to full duty as a leader of the department’s Special Operations Unit in the City of Lakeland Police Department.”
Pictures of the Day: The stars of the show
While ace photographer Megan Vande Voort captured some of her usual great photographs of the Thunderbirds at the 2022 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, she also caught some unexpected shots, as well, including one of the demo team’s biggest (and littlest) fans.
Georgia airshow a homecoming for some Thunderbirds
Tickets for the drive in air show must be purchased online.
Video: Blue Angels, Thunderbirds fly over DC to honor healthcare workers
The video, which runs almost 11 minutes, also shows the preflight routine before the jet teams take off.
Video: Blue Angels fly with Thunderbirds to thank COVID-19 healthcare workers
The video includes shots from the cockpit, shots from the ground of the teams flying over the iconic cities, as well as the reactions of healthcare workers.