All eyes will be on the skies over the Ohio River for this year’s 2-day show, sponsored by the City of Owensboro and featuring performers showcasing vintage warbirds, military jets, aerobatic demonstrations and the world-famous USAF Thunderbirds team. This is the first time the Thunderbirds team will be performing anywhere in Kentucky in more than 15 years.
For 62 years, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds have had the privilege and responsibility of performing for people all around the world, displaying the pride, precision and professionalism of American airmen. In every demonstration, with more than 40 maneuvers, the team combines years of training and experience with an attitude of excellence to showcase what the Air Force is all about.
As the jets take to the skies for each demonstration and fly only a few feet from wingtip to wingtip, the crowd gets a glimpse of the awesome skills and capabilities that all fighter pilots must possess. The solo pilots integrate their own loud and proud routine, exhibiting some of the maximum capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon – the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet.
Spectators can expect to enjoy the Thunderbirds as well as the other demonstrations both Saturday and Sunday September 12 and 13 beginning at 1 p.m. along Owensboro’s Riverfront.
Friday, September 11 will be your chance to meet some of the pilots of these aircraft and experience a taste of the Owensboro Air Show. As the sun begins to set, a few performers will take to the sky to entertain the crowds with an evening spectacle of nighttime air show performances, followed by fireworks to conclude the night. The City is also thrilled to have a B-17 bomber in town for the weekend. “It is a living history museum of one of the most iconic aircraft that helped the allied forces gain victory in WWII,” said Tim Ross, Director of Public Events.
Admission for the Friday event is just $2.00 per person and kids 10 and under get in FREE. There will be food and drink vendors onsite, so make your plans to head to the airport right after work to enjoy a show never before seen in Owensboro. Admission to the riverfront Air Show is free.
For those that may want an even better seat for the spectacular show, a limited number of reserved seats will be available at the Owensboro Convention Center this year. “It is right in the middle of the air show demonstration area and will undoubtedly give spectators a tremendous view of the show,” Ross said.
2015 Owensboro Air Show Performers
US Air Force “Thunderbirds” Demonstration Squadron
US Special Operations “Black Daggers” Parachute Team
John Klatt (flying an Air National Guard MXS)
Mike Goulian (flying his EXTRA 330SC)
T-33 “Ace Maker” flown by Greg Coyler
Gene Soucy (flying his Grumman biplane “Showcat”)
Matt Younkin (flying his Beech 18)
Boeing B-17G “Yankee Lady” WWII Flying Fortress
