Wings & Waves Air Show To Be Held In Daytona Beach, FL

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and a dozen other high-flying acts will take to the skies to entertain an anticipated crowd of 100,000 visitors at this year’s two-day Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Wings & Waves Air Show in Daytona Beach.

Crowds will gather on the shore in front of the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort and up and down ‘The World’s Most Famous Beach’ to watch one of the premiere air and aerobatic shows in the nation, beginning at 11:30 a.m. both days. Embry-Riddle’s Wings & Waves Air Show is free and open to the public.

This year’s event will include the Embry-Riddle Community Zone at the Daytona Beach Band Shell, featuring hands-on activities for children by Kiddie Hawk Air Academy and Embry-Riddle’s Aviation 101, an online course for kids. There will be student research projects including the 105 MPG EcoCar 2, university & event souvenirs, a photo zone and more.

A special tribute to America’s World War II veterans will take place the day before the air show, as they will be honored with a VIP experience including a front row seat to the air show’s Friday dress rehearsal over the ocean. Saturday night, a fireworks display will pay tribute to all veterans and 40 years of Embry-Riddle’s ROTC program.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will join an action-packed weekend of aerial performances by more than 40 aircraft over the Atlantic Ocean. Numerous Embry-Riddle alumni are scheduled to participate, including three Embry-Riddle 2011 Worldwide graduates as lead pilots of the Thunderbirds, GEICO Skytyper lead solo pilot Steve Salmirs and Quick Silver P-51 Mustang pilot Scott “Scooter” Yoak along with Embry-Riddle sponsored aerobatic performer Matt Chapman.

For Salmirs, who is also currently a student in the Embry-Riddle Worldwide online master’s program, performing as part of Wings & Waves is special for more than one reason. “Through its academic programs with an aviation influence, Embry-Riddle has helped form a basis in my life for achievements and direction,” said Salmirs. “Math, science, logic and communication are the skill sets necessary to design and fly air shows; however, it was the personalities and achievements of my professors that gave me my passion, which, above all, is the one tool that can overcome many obstacles.”

Performances on Oct. 11 and 12 will start daily at 11:30 a.m.

(Thunderbirds image from file)

FMI: www.wingsandwaves.com