Civilian And Foreign Performers Can’t Fill The Bill

With the shutdown of the U.S. government progressing into its fourth week, air shows across the country are feeling the bite as all U.S. military participation – both static and aerial performances – have been withdrawn for the third straight weekend and likely the fourth one approaching.

In the beginning, airshow organizers held fast to the “the show must go on” mantra, as they relied more heavily on civilian and foreign military acts. The Canadian forces Snowbirds performed at the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach and at San Francisco Fleet Week, both in California.

The Pacific show also featured the Royal Air Force Falcons and C-17.

The Amigo Airsho was cancelled at the last minute when organizers were notified that the use of Biggs Army Airfield was no longer approved due to the shutdown. Biggs is located on the property of Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The static displays and performers were already on site and setup for the event was nearly complete.

The Orlando Air Show, scheduled for the weekend of October 24-26, announced its cancellation on October 21. The show only had four civilian performers scheduled with the majority of the show being U.S. military.

Thunder Over the Sound, scheduled for November 1-2 at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, announced its cancellation last week. Organizers of the event stated that the government shutdown prevented them from effectively or safely proceeding with the show as planned.

Although U.S. military demonstration teams are continuing to fly for proficiency, and in the hope that the shutdown is resolved, it is expected that additional air show cancellations will be announced as this season draws to a close.

FMI:  www.newsairshow.com/