The Augusta Regional Airport will once again host this year’s Air Show this weekend on May 25 and 26.
With gates opening at 9 a.m., this year’s show will headline with the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team alongside several other acts.
“The F-22 Raptor demo puts thrust vectoring on full display as it makes sharp turns to skid through the sky and climbs straight up, stops in mid air, then reverses towards the ground before flipping the nose around in a summersault at near zero forward speed,” stated the Air Show Tour’s website.
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The F-22’s advanced avionics and sensors allow pilots to track, identify, shoot and eliminate air-to-air threats before ever being detected.
“The F-22 also has the stability to attack targets on the ground,” the website stated. “The F-22 is a stealth fighter and virtually invisible to radar. Because missiles hanging from the wings or on the wing tips create a radar signature, they are stored internally.”
Twin engines on the F-22 Raptor produce more thrust than any current fighter, and power combined with the sleek aerodynamic design allow the F-22 to cruise at supersonic airspeeds without using fuel-consuming afterburner.
Additional performances will feature: the EA-18G Growler Team, a Navy MH-53 SEA Dragon, a Navy Legacy Flight, Buck Roetman, an attack helicopter demo, the Remax parachute team, a P-51 Mustang Demo and the Georgia State Patrol.
The EA-18G Growler Team flies the first newly-designed electronic warfare aircraft produced in more than 35 years. The aircraft also retains multi-mission capabilities with its validated design and the capability to perform a wide range of enemy defense suppression missions.
“Our events are a groundbreaking fusion of outdoor festival vibes and a high-flying aviation spectacular, offering a revolutionary blend of a center stage production with the exhilarating performances of an air show,” Tour CEO Bryan Lilley said.
Through team introductions, pilot interviews and direct crowd engagement with emcees, the on-stage program is designed to enthrall locals and enrich audience experience.
“Air Dot Show Tour events appeal to a diverse audience far beyond just aviation enthusiasts, encompassing destination travelers, families, thrill seekers and people of all ages,” Lilley said.
Opening ceremonies for both days will begin at 11:30 a.m and will include an invocation, the National Anthem and the jump in of the American Flag, prior to flight performances starting at noon and continuing until 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
The headlining Raptor flight will take off at 2:15 p.m. and Saturday’s event will conclude with a 7-9 p.m. social at Augusta’s Topgolf, located at 437 Topgolf Way.
“We cannot wait to share this elevated experience with our 2024 tour attendees,” Lilley said. “These are truly not-to-miss experiences and there are a variety of dates and locations for all.”
Adult general admission starts at $29.75 with a complimentary parking pass to gain access to the airfield. Children under five enter for free, and lawn boxes for a private viewing area on the grass will be available for $34.75 per person.
A pre-event sale to save 30% on general admission and lawn box tickets is available until Friday, or save $100 on the flight line club.
To purchase your tickets or find more information, visit: https://augustaairshow.com/
