Later this week, look up in the sky and you’ll see birds, planes and even more planes as The Great Georgia Air Show returns to Peachtree City. The popular event takes place each October at Falcon Field in Peachtree City and features a variety of aircraft and aeronautic performers and daredevils, in addition to numerous family friendly events to enjoy and exhibits to peruse.
Even if you have attended The Great Georgia Air Show in the past, this year’s lineup offers plenty of new things to take in. There will be an expanded reenactor’s encampment, more and varied vendors, four flight simulators, a tennis court for kids and a huge fun zone featuring a combat simulation dome and rock-climbing walls.
Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. and at 9:30 a.m. both days a civil war cannon firing and flag raising ceremony will get things started. The military reenactor’s encampment will span the eras from the Civil War to Vietnam and highlight aviation’s contribution to each conflict. Just like at World War II Heritage Days, which takes place at Falcon Field each spring, there will be a USO style show featuring performers in the style of Betty Grable and The Andrews Sisters. Visitors will be able to get close to a lot of static military aircraft displays from World War II to current inventory.
The biggest draw of The Great Georgia Air Show though is the performers and the lineup this year is terrific. The Heavy Metal Jet Team, North America’s newest jet demonstration team with 5 L-39s—a 4-ship diamond and an amazing solo pilot—is sure to excite the crowd with thundering passes and tight precision maneuvers! Their arctic camo paint scheme will make a striking statement against our crystal blue October skies, while the navy and crimson solo jet really cranks up the intensity.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II East Demonstration Team will prove to all just why it’s the weapon system of choice for close air support. The distinctive sound of the engines is sure to send chills up the spine. The Navy’s current top-of-the-line fighter/attack aircraft, the F/A-18 Super Hornet, will be front and center as we celebrate the Centennial of Naval Aviation. Hotwire Harry will perform his hilarious show, while the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team will also thrill audiences. Grace and raw power are on display when these 4 At-6 “Texans” with their Pratt and Whitney radial engines roar across the field. This team has been performing together for over 20 years—they know how to please a crowd. Wild Horse Aviation and founder Buck Roetman will be in attendance and the Black Daggers United States Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team will bring in the flag at the start of the show and also perform a combat troop jump to demonstrate its real-world capabilities.
Kent Shockley will also be in attendance with his Shockwave Jet Truck while Jim Tobul brings in his F4U-4 Corsair and Chris Avery flies the FG-1A Corsair.
Discounted tickets are available through Friday at all Kroger stores. Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. At the gate, tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Military personnel in uniform and children under five are free.
Shuttle buses start running at 8 a.m. each day and will run throughout the day until 6 p.m. Buses will run from each of the designated parking areas to the airshow entrance at Falcon Field and back. When you get on the bus, the bus driver will announce what lot you are at, i.e. Starr’s Mill School, Cooper Lighting, etc. After the show there will be designated loading queues for each location. Just get in the appropriate line.
In an effort to improve the overall Airshow experience, the Great Georgia Airshow welcomes a group that will act as hosts for all guests. The American Cancer Society is a National health organization with millions of volunteers all dedicated to waging war on cancer. The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Fayette County takes place at the Atlanta Regional Airport, Falcon Field on May 18, 2012. Last year was our first year at the new location and to show our love for the venue and for aviation, during the Airshow the ACS volunteers will be supplying Airshow guests with information on vendors, acts, and helping you find your way. They will also be available to share information on how you can help the ACS in the fight against cancer. The ACS Hosts will all be wearing a pale blue shirt with the Relay For Life insignia on the front and the word “Committee” on the back.
For visitors looking for a top of the line experience at this years Great Georgia Air Show, there is a new viewing section and separate entrance called Sky Court. Parking is directly on the field and very convenient. Upon entering the Sky Court, there are two very different experiences awaiting our visitors.
For air show fans with children, we offer Cloud 9, an oasis for families providing shade and seating only. (Meals can be purchased separately in the Sky Court ).
Adjacent to Cloud 9 is the exclusive viewing section called The Silver Lining Club. The Silver Lining provides a more elegant experience, complete with catered meals and an upscale atmosphere. Both sections of the Sky Court provide opportunities to meet and greet performers.
For more information on the air show, Sky Court or answers to any questions you might have, visit www.thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com
