NORTH CHARLESTON — With eyes glued to the sky, visitors at Joint Base Charleston will watch as the Air Force Thunderbirds make thrilling maneuvers and formations during the Charleston Airshow.
"For our formations we're flying close to 18 inches apart," said Maj. Zachary Taylor, who flies Thunderbird 2, left wing. "That's from the top of my canopy to the bottom of No. 1's wing."
The Charleston Airshow on April 20 and 21 includes three hours of action-packed aviation each day. Gates open at 9 a.m. with the air show starting at noon. The Thunderbirds take flight at 3 p.m.
Showcasing the F-16 Fighting Falcon’s capabilities, the Thunderbirds will be flying in a tighter diamond formation and performing more precise maneuvers than previously.
For Taylor, the air show is 40 minutes of "pure focus." He remains in formation most of the flight, which requires a lot of attention. From the ground, spectators can expect to see a loud, in-your-face performance that is also a tug at their heartstrings, he said.
Taylor said most of his enjoyment comes from outside of the jet when he gets to talk with people in the community.
Major Zachary Taylor, Thunderbird 2, left wing, stands in front of his plane after flying over Joint Base Charleston in North Charleston on April 17, 2024. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flew seven F-16 Fighting Falcons over Joint Base Charleston in preparation for the air show this weekend.
"We are very excited to put on this demonstration," Taylor said. "We're so proud to serve and to carry on the legacy of those that came before us."
Thunderbirds only go to a select number of air shows each year, so it's an honor for them to be in Charleston, said Capt. Michael O'Connor, director of air operations at Joint Base Charleston.
The other demonstrations at the air show showcase many eras of aviation.
The C-17 East Coast demo team will be flying on their home turf during the air show. The team, based in Charleston, will show the C-17 Globemaster III in action while providing information about the aircraft's role in military operations.
These aircraft often are seeing flying in and out of Charleston, so the air show provides the opportunity to learn more about them, said O'Connor.
One of the more exhilarating performances is the Red Bull Air Force, comprised of athletes and experienced aviators. This performance combines daring aerial formations with daunting parachute jumps. O'Connor said helicopters complete tail loops and parachuters jump off helicopters.
"It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up," O'Connor said.
The B-29 Superfortress Bomber, called Doc, is making a special appearance at the air show. There are only two of these World War II bombers that are able to fly, O'Connor said. This aircraft model is most recognized for dropping the atomic bombs in Japan during the war.
Other performances include the United States Marine Corps F-35B demo team from Beaufort showcasing the aircraft's hovering capabilities, and a heritage flight with the World War II-era P-51 Mustang flying alongside a modern aircraft.
"We have everything from the B-29 Bomber from World War II all the way up to the F-22, our stealthiest fighter jet," O'Connor said. "Depending on which era of aviation they love, they'll be able to find an aircraft that fits that."
The air show is free, but a parking pass is required. All 10,000 parking passes for April 20 are distributed already; some still remain for April 21. Event organizers recommend carpooling with someone who has a pass if none are available because the number of attendees is not limited.
Attendees may bring closed water bottles, food and folding chairs for their time on the base. Service animals are allowed, but pets are prohibited.
Outside of the air show, the Thunderbirds are making an appearance at the Charleston RiverDogs game on April 18, where they will shake hands and take photos with attendees.
On April 19, there will be an exclusive air show for nearly 7,000 students traveling with their schools and military friends and family with a military identification card.
