The skies above Sanford will come alive this weekend with the roaring, rumbling engines of American fighter jets and parachute teams jumping from high above.
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The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team will headline the Orlando Air Show, which returns amid America’s 250th birthday year after being canceled last year during a government shutdown. Aviation fans can also see the F-18 Super Hornet Demo, the Navy SEALs Leap Frogs Parachute Team, several stunt pilots and the REMAX Parachute Team at the Orlando Sanford International Airport.
“It’s the fastest, most maneuverable fighter jet in the world. It can supercruise at one and a half times the speed of sound without using fuel-consuming afterburner. It’s really a crazy plane,” said Chris Dirato, the show’s director of public relations. “What they do in the demo is just amazing. It almost stops in mid-air, somersaults and then goes back down and makes sharp, sudden turns.”
Dirato said not to sleep on the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet demo, which features dynamic maneuvers to highlight the aircraft’s speed, agility and versatility. The Navy SEALs Leap Frogs will demonstrate elite skills through a high-altitude parachute demonstration with flawless timing and a precise landing.
Stunt pilots include Galen Killam, Melissa Burns, the Racers Jet Team L-39 and John Black, who’s based in Florida.
Seeing performers from the U.S. Air Force and Navy can inspire pride in America among attendees at the family-friendly show.
“The feeling of patriotism is very big. You’re out there seeing folks who are protecting our freedom every day performing. They’re showing the capabilities of these aircraft and the talented pilots that they are,” Dirato said. “It’s a great educational moment for kids. We consider our air shows family-friendly events, so we have tried to make it more of a festival-like atmosphere than just an air show.”
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Another unique feature of the show is a drag race between the Air Dot Show Tour’s custom high-performance Tesla Cybertruck and a P-51 Mustang, pitting electric torque against piston power.
Earlier this year, the Air Dot Show Tour kicked off in April at Cocoa Beach before heading to Fort Lauderdale in May and to the northern states this summer. Following the Orlando show, the tour heads to Atlanta and then returns to Florida for a special event at Kennedy Space Center Nov. 7-8.
While the show is full of entertainment value, Dirato said it can also be an educational experience for visitors.
“It can be an educational moment for the kids because seeing an air show might inspire these kids to pursue a career in aviation or even the military. So I think that’s very important,” he said.
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If you go
The Orlando Air Show opens its gates at 9 a.m. on Sept. 26-27 at 1200 Red Cleveland Blvd. in
Sanford. Tickets start at $32 for general admission up to $179 for the Flight Line Club VIP section. The aerial portion of the show runs from noon-4 p.m. each day. Sunscreen, ear protection and up to one liter of sealed bottled water are allowed into the show, as well as chairs and a personal-sized umbrella for general admission. For more information about parking, what to bring and tickets, visit air.show.
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