Cars
Fact-checked

At WikiMotors, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is an Airplane Show?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

An airplane show or air show is an event at which various aircraft are displayed. Typically, a major feature of an airplane show is the demonstration flights performed to showcase the versatility of various aircraft and pilots. When an air show does not feature aerial displays, it is known as a “static air show,” referencing the fact that the aircraft remain firmly fixed on the ground. While safer for spectators, static air shows are much less exciting than shows with aerial acrobatics like formation flying and racing.

Airplane shows may be military or civilian in nature. Militaries hold air shows as community-building exercises, inviting the general public into military bases to see military aircraft in action and to talk with service members. Many military airplane shows are held in conjunction with military events like Fleet Week or commemorations of a nation's independence or other major historical events. A military airplane show may feature vintage military craft such as bombers from the Second World War, in addition to modern planes, and performances by military stunt squads like the Blue Angels are a common feature of air shows hosted by the military.

Tours of older aircraft are often given at airshows.
Tours of older aircraft are often given at airshows.

Civilian air shows may include performances by skilled stunt pilots, along with demonstrations of aircraft available to the civilian market. Visitors can tour aircraft on the ground and watch performances overhead at the airplane show, and sometimes people can also purchase seats on aircraft for short trips. Some civilian airplane shows are purposely held in scenic locations so that passengers can enjoy the view while they are up in the air.

Military aircraft such as the USAF's F-22 Raptor often make appearances at airshows.
Military aircraft such as the USAF's F-22 Raptor often make appearances at airshows.

Because airplane shows are crowded, they can be dangerous. Planes performing stunts and other maneuvers are at increased risk of collisions due to the reduced maneuvering room, and planes have been known to crash at airplane shows, sometimes serious injuring or killing spectators. A number of safety measures are used to reduce the risk, but organizers usually recognize that in a crowded environment, accidents are simply more likely, even with excellent protections in place.

Combat aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon often carry pyrotechnics during their airshow performances.
Combat aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon often carry pyrotechnics during their airshow performances.

The largest military airplane show is the Royal International Air Tattoo, a British event which attracts representatives from air forces all over the world. Numerous civilian airplane shows of varying size are held all over the world every year. Fliers tend to congregate wherever there is open space to do so, and pilots love networking and showing off their skills, so chances are high that there will be an airplane show somewhere near you in the next year or two.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Tours of older aircraft are often given at airshows.
      By: Carlson
      Tours of older aircraft are often given at airshows.
    • Military aircraft such as the USAF's F-22 Raptor often make appearances at airshows.
      By: dreamnikon
      Military aircraft such as the USAF's F-22 Raptor often make appearances at airshows.
    • Combat aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon often carry pyrotechnics during their airshow performances.
      By: McCarthys_PhotoWorks
      Combat aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon often carry pyrotechnics during their airshow performances.
    • Close air support and attack aircraft like the A-10 may be exhibited at airshows.
      By: Fotoluminate LLC
      Close air support and attack aircraft like the A-10 may be exhibited at airshows.
    • An Airplane show will feature acrobatics like formation flying.
      By: Jeff Schultes
      An Airplane show will feature acrobatics like formation flying.