HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- As the Wings Over Homestead air show, Nov. 3 and 4, draws near, Airmen and members of Homestead Air Reserve Base are putting the finishing touches on the planning for the base's most anticipated event.
Spectators attending the air show will see awe-inspiring maneuvers by the Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force's premier aerial demonstration team.
Flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Thunderbird's aerial demonstration team features wingtip to wingtip precision maneuvers, showcasing the maximum capabilities of the aircraft.
The show also features a vast array of other aerial acrobatics, demonstrations and performers:
- U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team: The U.S. Army's official aerial demonstration team.
- Black Diamond Jet Team: The seven-ship aerobatic jet team pilots five L-39s and two T-33s
- Sky Soldiers: The demonstration team, comprised of veteran pilots and ground support staff flying real Army aircraft, performs patriotic tributes to our country's military by flying real combat flight maneuvers.
- MiG-17F from Fighter Jets Inc.: Piloted by Randy Ball, the aerobatic demonstration features the capabilities of the MiG-17F, including 8-G turns, 500 knot passes, and vertical afterburner climbs.
- AT-6: With an extremely low-level routine, the entire show is performed beneath a maximum altitude of 1,500 feet.
- Twin Beech 18: Piloted by Matt Younkin, the Beech 18, never designed for aerobatic flight, executes maneuvers not designed for such a large transport plane.
- MXS-RH: Piloted by Rob Holland, stepping off his Gold Medal Finish at the 8th World Advanced Aerobatic Championships, Rob brings world-class maneuvers to his performance.
- Extra 330C: Piloted by Mike Goulian, the aerial demonstration features an aggressive approach with precise rolls, pulls and tumbles.
- Red Tails: The volunteer-driven Red Tail Squadron's purpose is to honor the accomplishments of America's first black military pilots - the Tuskegee Airmen - and their crews.
- Pitts S-1: Piloted by Mike Wiskus, the aerial demonstration features aerobatic stunts with the Lucas Oil Pitts.
- Fowler Cary, T-33, An aircraft with an interesting history, it features the distinctive Thunderbird paint scheme.
- Aerostars: The aerobatic demonstration team executes graceful aerobatics flown in tight formation, with breakaways, opposing passes, and inverted maneuvers.
- OV-1D: Piloted by Dr. Joseph Masessa, the OV-1 Mohawk is a visual surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft; an integral part of the Army's air power during the Vietnam War.
- Good Year Blimp: The famous airship, synonymous with the world's largest sporting events, joins the 2012 Wings Over Homestead air show.
The show will also have several types of aircraft on display that spectators can view up close and personal:
F-22, A-10, B-52, B-25, Bonanza 33, Bonanza 35 V-Tail, Cessna 172, Cessna 182T, Delta-757, Ercoupe, R-16, F-18, F-5, KC-10, L-39, Long EZ, MiG-17, OV-1D Mohawk, PT-22, R-44, T-28, T-34, TB-30, Velocity, DC-3, F-15, L-29, Maule MT-7, PT-17, SNJ-5, T-6, YAK-52
The show also features the Budweiser Clydesdales and the Air Force jet car.
This year's air show offers fun for all ages. A space-themed Kidz Zone will give kids the ability to test their monkey-like skills on a rock wall. There will be a variety of slides as well as a bounce house available for children.
As one of the most largely attended air shows in the country, spectators should keep in mind traffic to and from the base may be congested. Performance hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The gates open at 8 a.m. on both days. However, the base will not admit anyone after 3 p.m. due to the need to turn traffic lanes around after the show.
Free parking, and handicapped parking, on base is available to the public. Take exit 9 off Florida's Turnpike to access the free parking offered by the base. However, on-base parking is limited and subject to fill up fast. In the event on base parking becomes full, the county will be offering paid parking just outside the base at a cost of $10 per vehicle. Please remember to carpool if possible. RVs and campers will not be allowed on base during the air show.
The following do's and don'ts will allow spectators to stay safe, have the most fun, and get the most out of the air show experience:
Do ...
Do carpool: Traffic flow into the base will be easier if friends and family carpool.
Do wear your seatbelt: Air Force instructions require the use of safety belts.
Do bring sunscreen and sunglasses: Shade on the flightline is limited. Take extra precautions with small children.
Do hydrate: Beverages will be available during the air show. It is highly recommended to stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion and other heat related conditions.
Do bring a camera and pen: Many of the performers make themselves available for autographs and pictures during the show.
Do bring ear plugs: Loud noises on the flight line can damage your ears. Hearing protection is highly recommended.
Do bring folding chairs: Seating on the flight line will not be available. Visitors who will want to sit during the show, especially children and elderly, will want to bring lightweight, portable seating with them.
Do bring strollers and wagons for the kids.
Do feel free to bring small handbags (purses), diaper bags, wheelchairs, and electric carts for the handicapped. Please remember all items will be subject to search.
Do use handicapped parking: Handicapped parking will be available for vehicles with proper identification.
Don't ...
Don't smoke on the flightline: The entire area is a no smoking area.
Don't over indulge in alcohol: Applicable laws will be enforced. Alcohol consumption can also increase the chance of heat stroke or dehydration on a hot day.
Don't roam into restricted areas: Homestead Air Reserve Base is a military installation and certain areas are off limits to the public.
Don't arrive to the base late: Limited parking on base will require visitors to arrive early to ensure a parking spot.
Don't park where you are not supposed to.
The following items are prohibited on base:
dogs or other animals, weapons of any kind (to include weapons carried by off-duty law enforcement personnel), firearms, explosives, knives, stun guns, tasers, batons, blunt objects which could be considered a weapon, pepper spray, alcohol, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, fireworks, large coolers, large backpacks or briefcases, large bags or packages, bicycles, inline skates, skateboards, fireworks, outside food or beverages, hand-held laser pointers, RVs, or campers
Certain necessary bags will be permitted and are subject to search. Some examples of acceptable baggage are diaper and camera bags. Strollers, wagons and folding chairs will also be permitted and are highly recommended.
All of the prohibited items listed may be put into an "amnesty box" if brought to the air show. This storage container has been provided to the public near the air show entrance screening area for the deposit of any weapons, prohibited items and/or contraband without fear of arrest or prosecution. Items placed in the amnesty box will not be returned.
A variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase.
For more information and a complete list of performers, please visit
www.wingsoverhomestead.com.
For more information on Homestead Air Reserve Base, visit
www.homestead.afrc.af.mil.