Interactive Aircraft Cockpit Damaged Leaving the ICAS Convention

DreamBIG Entertainment’s iconic F/A-18 Hornet cockpit has been a family favorite at airshows and community events across the country for years, and in its own time of need, that’s why many have come running to help. Nearly $40,000 has been raised to cover repairs after the beloved cockpit was damaged on its way home from the 2025 ICAS Convention.

The DreamBIG F/A-18 cockpit, owned and operated by Dewey Larson, is not just a display; it is a fully interactive, hands-on experience that allows visitors (especially kids, but no judgment here) to sit in a real fighter cockpit, wear flight gear, and imagine themselves at the controls.

Friends and colleagues of Dewey explained that the accident happened as he was driving home from the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention in Las Vegas. He was reportedly forced to swerve to avoid another vehicle, causing the cockpit to break free from its mounts and land off the road, resulting in significant structural damage. With authentic F/A-18 components being rare and relatively tightly controlled, getting the cockpit fully repaired will not be simple nor cheap.

The timing makes the situation particularly unfortunate, as DreamBIG’s upcoming tour season was shaping up to be one of its strongest to date. The uncertain repair timeline means that upcoming appearances, and a major source of income for the operation, are now being questioned.

The airshow community was quick to respond. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover repair and recovery costs, already raising nearly $36,000 to help Dewey and DreamBIG get their show back on the road without taking too much of a hit.

“Dewey’s work has always been about inspiring curiosity, sharing aviation’s story, and connecting with fans at air shows across the country,” ICAS said in a social media post. “Our air show community has a long tradition of standing together when it matters most.”

FMI: www.dream-bigllc.com, www.gofundme.com/f/help-restore-the-f18-for-aviation-dreams