History will be made at this weekend’s
Cleveland National Air Show at Burke Lakefront Airport. For the first time ever, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will include two female pilots as part of its six-member formation flying team. Now in its 43rd year, the summertime fave mixes history with state-of-the-art technology. More than 50 old-school planes and choppers are grounded in a walk-through exhibit, while fighters like the F-15E Strike Eagle take to the air for breathtaking performances. “It’s an aviation amusement park,” says spokeswoman Ann Gynn.
Much of this year’s high-flying action will be provided by jets and helicopters with cool names like the Oracle Challenger, Super Hornet, and Shockwave Jet Truck. Each day culminates in a presentation by the popular Thunderbirds. You’ll want to bring blankets and lawn chairs, says Gynn, and get “as close to the action as possible.”
Sept. 1-3, 9 a.m.
