Visitors Allowed To Get 'Up Close And Personal' With Planes, Pilots

“The Cradle of Naval Aviation,” Naval Air Station Pensacola, celebrates its 100th birthday this year, and the festivities continue in November with spectacular day and night flight performances featuring the famous Blue Angels and aviation acrobats during the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show. The air show takes place at Sherman Field aboard NAS Pensacola on November 7, 8 and 9. This year, the show is a highlight of the Pensacola Foo Foo Festival, a 12-day celebration of the best experiences in the city.

The Blues’ weekend kicks off with a nighttime air show on Friday, Nov. 7, featuring aircraft with sparks, smoke, and brilliant lights. The show wraps up with a large fireworks display. Gates open at 3 p.m. on Friday, and the air show begins at 4 p.m.

The Blue Angels will perform on Saturday, Nov. 8, and Sunday, Nov. 9. Gates open at 8 a.m., and the air show begins at 9 a.m. Scheduled performers include an MXS aircraft that performs precision power aerobatics with multiple rolls, the nationally-known shock wave triple engine jet truck, a daring wing-walking duo and the Screamin’ Sasquatch aircraft that flies straight up at maximum speeds. More than 100 planes will also be on display along the flight line, providing aviation enthusiasts interactive experiences.

The Blue Angels are expected to fly at approximately 2 p.m. each day.

“The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show gives spectators the chance to get up close and personal with the airplanes and the pilots,” said Patrick Nichols, NAS Public Affairs Officer. “They can see, touch, and climb into the planes on static display, talk to the air show pilots before and after their performances, and meet the Blue Angels who will visit the flight line after their dynamic show.”

(Image from file)

FMI: www.naspensacolaairshow.com/attractions/schedule