Air show facts for kids
An air show is a fun public event where different kinds of aircraft are shown off. Sometimes, planes are just parked on the ground for people to look at. These are called "static air shows." Other times, pilots perform amazing tricks in the sky!
Some of the biggest air shows in the world are the Le Bourget and Farnborough. These shows are huge, with many planes and exhibitors. For the most planes flying, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in the United States is massive, with about 10,000 aircraft attending each year. The Royal International Air Tattoo in England is the biggest military air show. In Latin America, FIDAE in Santiago, Chile, is the largest aerospace fair.
Contents
Why Do We Have Air Shows?
Air shows are held for many reasons. Some are big business events where companies show off new planes and equipment to potential buyers. Many shows also raise money for local or national charities.
Military air forces often host air shows at their bases. This is a way for them to thank the local community and show people what they do. It also helps them encourage young people to consider a career in the military.
When Do Air Shows Happen?
The time of year for air shows changes around the world. In the United States, the air show season is long, usually from March to November. In Europe, it's shorter, from late April to mid-October. Countries like Japan often have shows at military bases all year. In the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand, shows usually happen between January and March.
When it's not air show season, pilots and performers are busy! They use this time to fix their planes and practice new moves.
Types of Displays
The kinds of tricks and displays you see at an air show depend on a few things. Weather, like how cloudy or foggy it is, plays a big role. Aviation rules also set limits on how low planes can fly and what they can do. Pilots also need to consider any special rules for the airspace they are flying in.
Because of these factors, pilots often plan different types of shows. They might have a "full" show for perfect weather, a "rolling" show for slightly worse conditions, and a "flat" show for when the weather is not great.
Air shows can be very different in size. Some are huge military events with lots of planes flying and big exhibits on the ground. Others are smaller, held at local airfields, with just a few hours of flying. Air shows can happen during the day or at night, which is becoming more popular. While most happen at airfields, some are held over castles or even over the sea at beaches!
The very first public international air show was the Grande Semaine d'Aviation de la Champagne. It took place in Reims, France, in August 1909. Many different types of aircraft were shown and flown there.
Exciting Attractions at Air Shows
Long ago, before World War II, air shows often featured long-distance races. Today, most air shows focus on short, exciting aerial demonstrations.
Many air shows feature warbirds, which are old military planes from past wars. You'll also see amazing aerobatics (plane tricks) and demonstrations of modern military aircraft. Some shows even have unique acts like wing-walking, where someone walks on the wing of a plane in flight! You might also see radio-controlled aircraft, simulated helicopter rescues, or sky diving displays.
Aerobatic Planes and Teams
Special aerobatic planes are built for tricks. They have powerful engines, are very light, and have large control surfaces. This lets them roll super fast and make tight turns. A skilled pilot can make these planes climb straight up, tumble end-over-end, and do incredible loops.
Big air shows often feature famous military jet teams. These include the United States Navy Blue Angels, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, and the Swiss Air Force Patrouille Suisse. These teams fly in formation, performing synchronized maneuvers.
You'll also see solo military demonstrations, sometimes called tactical demos. These shows focus on what modern military aircraft can do. The pilot will show off the plane's speed, quick turns, fast climbs, and how precisely it can be controlled. They might do rolls, loops, and even simulated bomb drops with special effects on the ground. Some planes, like the Harrier, can even take off and land straight up and down!
Safety at Air Shows
Safety is extremely important at air shows for everyone involved. While accidents are rare, they have happened in the past. Because of this, aviation authorities around the world have created strict rules and guidelines for air shows.
For example, after an accident at the Farnborough air show in 1952, the rules were changed to make sure planes fly further away from the spectators. Aviation authorities often watch air displays closely to make sure all safety rules are followed.
Rules control how far aircraft must fly from the crowds. These distances can change based on the pilot's experience, the type of aircraft, and the maneuvers being performed. Slower, lighter planes can usually fly closer to the crowd than larger, faster jets. Also, a jet flying straight will be allowed closer than if it's doing a loop or a roll.
Pilots must get special permission to perform different types of displays, from basic tricks to very advanced aerobatics. To get these permissions, they have to prove to an examiner that they can perform safely without putting anyone in danger.
Even with all these rules, accidents can still happen, but they are very rare. When air shows are properly supervised, they have excellent safety records. Organizations like the International Council of Air Shows and European Airshow Council meet regularly to discuss safety and learn from any incidents.
See also
In Spanish: Exhibición de vuelo para niños
- Fly-in
- Flypast
- Barnstorming
- List of airshow accidents
- List of air shows
- Teardrop turn
- Whifferdill turn
- Bessie Coleman
