But Modern Military Aircraft Will Not Be Part Of The Displays

While contemporary military aircraft will not be participating in air shows this year, the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation (AFHFF) has developed plans to be sure that Heritage Flights will continue to be available to air shows that wish to have them participate.

On the Facebook page of "The Aviation Enthusiast" is a posting from the organization indicating that the AFHFF has increased its commitment to providing Heritage Flights for the entirety of the 2013 season, though modern aircraft will not be able to participate in the shows.

Still, AFHFF says its civilian pilots will fly civilian warbirds at remaining scheduled 2013 Heritage Flight air shows "to honor the brave men and women who have served, and proudly support the Air Force's recruiting and retention efforts." It is the Foundation's belief that -- in due time, when the fiscal environment changes -- the U.S. Air Force will re-instate the use of modern fighters into the program.

In a related development, the Florida Times Union reported Thursday that officials at NAS Jacksonville are considering whether to cancel the annual Sea and Sky Spectacular, which is held each year at either Naval Air Station Jacksonville or at Jacksonville Beach based out of Naval Station Mayport. The Blue Angels are the traditional headliner for the show, and show organizers said that the cancellation of the Blue Angels' schedule for 2013 has forced them to re-evaluate the entire show. The event is free to the public, and includes many civilian performers as well as military demonstrations.

(Heritage flight ANN  staff photo)

FMI: www.facebook.com/AirForceHeritageFlightFoundation