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The Orlando Air Show soars over the skies of Sanford this weekend

Look Up! The Orlando Air & Space Show soars into Orlando Sanford International Airport once again, as the popular event returns to Orlando this month featuring the Air Force Thunderbirds!


Orlando Air & Space Show

The Orlando Air & Space Show will once again soar over the skies of Orlando and Central Florida, when the spectacular event returns to Orlando Sanford International Airport this weekend, on October 28 - 29, 2023!


Thousands of people will flock to the airport to see the world famous U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, F-35 Lightning II Demo Team, F-18 Rhino Demo Team, and many more in action!


Check out the highlights of this amazing weekend of flying action...



U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon and perform a combination of formation and solo maneuvers in an inspiring, patriotic, high energy demonstration. The four-jet diamond performs precision formation flight with the aircraft wingtips as close as 4 feet apart while performing loops, inverted rolls and even high performance turns! The two solo jets perform high energy maneuvers together and from opposite directions closing in on each other as fast as 1,000 mph. The six jets come together in the delta formation as the finale for the show, flying difficult formations and signature breaks that fill the sky with speed, sound and smoke trails!


Orlando Air & Space Show

F-35 Lighting II Demo Team

Also taking part in this year show will be the spectacular F-35 Lighting II Demo Team.


The F-35 Lightning II, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter, is the most advanced stealth fighter in the world today. The full capabilities demonstration of the F-35 features 12 different maneuvers and lasts approximately 15 minutes.


During the demo, some of the maneuvers will see the F-35 as low as 200 feet off the ground and at speeds that exceed 700 mph. The two most eye-popping maneuvers include the pedal turn where the F-35 drops in a tight turn at near zero forward speed and the tactical pitch where the jets enters at a high speed and then turns abruptly to literally skid across the sky.


Orlando Air & Space Show

The F-18 Rhino Demo Team

The F-18 Rhino Demo Team flies the F/A-18F Super Hornet in a 15 minute demonstration of the Navy's workhorse carrier based fighter. This twin engine beast puts out 44,000 pounds of heart vibrating thrust in dynamic display of speed and maneuverability that is awe inspiring for a fighter originally developed over 40 years ago.


Orlando Air & Space Show

U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight

The U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight program presents the evolution of USAF air power by flying today's fighter aircraft in close formation with vintage fighter aircraft. t was created in 1997 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the United States Air Force. It incorporates fighters from World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War and other conflicts in which the USAF has been involved.


Orlando Air & Space Show

Navy Legacy Flight

The Navy Legacy Flight will feature the FA/18 Super Hornet and an F4U Corsair formation flight showcasing the past and future of Naval aviation.


Orlando Air & Space Show

Michael Goulian

Also taking to the skies performing jaw-dropping maneuvers above Sanford Orlando International Airport this October will be Michael Goulian, who is one of the top aerobatic pilots in the world.


Mike's air show performance combines the heart-stopping gyroscopic tumbling of modern display flying with the crisp, aggressive, demands of precision competition aerobatics.


Orlando Air & Space Show

Quick Silver P-51D Mustang

Scott "Scooter" Yoak will put on a dazzling aerobatic display in this amazingly restored P-51D Mustang. This P-51 is a celebration of our nation’s armed forces. Every aspect of the paint represents those who have served, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The black cape covering the front of the aircraft represents the veil of protection that our armed forces give us. That veil is one of the reasons why we have what we have today, freedom. As the cape extends to the back of the canopy, it spreads out and divides into feathers, symbolizing the eagle that has flown with every aviator since the birth of aviation in 1903.


Orlando Air & Space Show

John Black

John Black flies his Super Decathlon to the edge of the envelope putting on an dynamic display and showing what you can really make an over-the-wing airplane do! John learned to fly at just 17 and his first aerobatic lesson was in the very same type of plane he flies for his air show performance. A retired Air Force pilot, John currently flies the P-51 Mustang, L-39, and AT-6 when he’s not gracing the skies and wowing crowds with his show stopping performance!


Get your tickets now for this not to be missed event, click here for details


Orlando Air & Space Show

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