Florida International Air Show takes to the sky this weekend

The Florida International Air Show is back after it was canceled last year due to COVID-19 concerns and lack of funding. When the air show planes fly into the Punta Gorda airport it will grab your attention.

Director of Aviation for the air show, Matt Lehn said you can expect to see the same flips and tricks from years past, and new planes too.

“This year we have the C-17 what you just saw land, they do a magnificent demo. They’re out of Charleston, the F-16 demo as well. It’s the first time we’ve had it in quite a few years. They’ll be a silicon jump team, Patty Wagstaff, world-renowned champion,” said Lehn.

Lehn said they’re expected to bring in three to five thousand people a day.

One of the most highly anticipated acts; the C-17 that will be flown by Brian Phillips. “We’re going to do a 12-minute demo profile from takeoff to land and that will include a high-speed pass over 300-knots and a slow speed pass. We’re also going to do a 360° turn.”

Lehn says this year they’re allowing attendees to get more up close and personal with the planes. “We now have our vendors in our aircraft line together on the ramp so when the general public comes to the gate they’re going to hit the air show immediately right up to the lot. I like to bring a plane so people can get up close to. You’ll see these World War II vets or Vietnam vets, they get to interact with an aircraft that they flew 30, 40, 50 years ago, that’s special to me.”

It is an event that is special, exciting and a chance for plane enthusiasts of all kinds to experience the thrill of taking flight.

Tickets are still on sale for the air show. It takes place on Saturday and Sunday with gates opening at 9:00 a.m. You can find information about how to get tickets and what you can and can’t bring with you by clicking here or visiting floridaairshow.com.