Get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Air Show! Held against the stunning backdrop of Florida's iconic coastline, this exhilarating event promises heart-stopping aerial performances, jaw-dropping maneuvers, and unforgettable moments that will leave you breathless.
From gravity-defying aerobatics to high-speed flyovers by military jets, the sky will come alive with the sights and sounds of some of the world's most talented pilots and cutting-edge aircraft. Join us as we embark on a journey into the skies, where aviation enthusiasts of all ages will be treated to an unforgettable spectacle of precision, skill, and adrenaline-pumping excitement. Don't miss your chance to witness the magic of flight at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Air Show!
Dates: May 11th - 12th, 2024
time: The Drop Zone Beach open at 9 am on Saturday and Sunday. The Flight Line Club beach area will open at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday.
The program kicks off around 11:45am and the show runs until about 3:00pm (give or take 30 minutes, depending on time between flights).
Location: The event site for the Fort Lauderdale Air Show extends from 18th Street to Sunrise Blvd. on the beach.
For more info and to purchase tickets, click here.
2024 Performer Lineup
U.S. AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds showcase their incredible skills in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, delivering a thrilling demonstration filled with patriotism and high energy. Their performance combines both formation and solo maneuvers, captivating audiences with precision and awe-inspiring stunts. The four-jet diamond executes flawless formation flights, with wingtips mere feet apart, while executing loops, inverted rolls, and dynamic turns. The two solo jets dazzle with high-energy maneuvers, approaching each other at speeds of up to 1,000 mph from opposite directions. The show reaches its climax as all six jets converge in the delta formation, executing intricate maneuvers and signature breaks that paint the sky with speed, sound, and smoke trails.
GHOST SQUADRON
The Ghost Squadron, part of the Polaris Program's fleet of jets, offers astronauts from Polaris Program missions and other spaceflight projects valuable training opportunities. By undergoing training in these jets, astronauts can refine their crew resource management and navigation skills in a high-G, dynamic, and high-consequence environment. This real-world experience proves invaluable as they prepare for upcoming missions into space.
A-10 THUNDERBOLT II DEMO TEAM
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the "Warthog," is a single-pilot attack aircraft engineered for short takeoffs and landings, particularly on primitive airfields. Renowned for its versatility, the A-10 can effectively operate in various terrains and provide essential close air support to ground troops. Notably, the aircraft's design centers around its formidable nose gun, the 30 mm Avenger cannon. This seven-barrel rotary cannon, measuring nine feet in length, unleashes 30mm armor-piercing shells at a staggering rate of nearly 4,000 rounds per minute, earning the aircraft its nickname, the "Tank Killer." Remarkably, the Avenger cannon constitutes over 15 percent of the aircraft's total weight. When undergoing maintenance that requires the removal of the gun, special support is needed for the A-10's tail to prevent the nose from tipping upward.
NAVY F-18 RHINO DEMO TEAM
The F-18 Rhino Demo Team showcases the F/A-18F Super Hornet in a captivating 15-minute demonstration, highlighting the Navy's versatile carrier-based fighter. This twin-engine powerhouse generates an impressive 44,000 pounds of thrust, delivering a heart-pounding display of speed and maneuverability. It's truly awe-inspiring to witness the capabilities of this fighter, originally developed over 40 years ago, as it takes to the skies in a dynamic showcase of military prowess.
SOCOM PARA-COMMANDOS
The Para-Commandos, also known as the United States Special Operations Command Parachute Team, is comprised of volunteers hailing from the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and U.S. government civilians, all serving within the Special Operations Command. Established in 1991, this esteemed team embodies the pinnacle of Special Operations Forces within the United States armed services.
RED BULL HELICOPTER
The Red Bull Helicopter stands out as one of the select few globally certified to perform aerobatics. This extensively modified BO-105C is capable of executing a diverse range of maneuvers, including barrel rolls, loops, vertical climbs, nose dives, and forward and backward flips. Renowned pilot and Red Bull athlete Aaron Fitzgerald brings over 100 films and television shows worth of helicopter stunt expertise to the team, having joined Red Bull in 2018.
The 2024 Fort Lauderdale Air Show promises an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, thrills, and awe-inspiring performances. From jaw-dropping aerobatics to mesmerizing displays of military precision, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this spectacular event. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a family looking for a day of entertainment, or simply seeking an exhilarating outing, the Fort Lauderdale Air Show offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the magic of flight up close. Don't miss out on the chance to create lasting memories and be part of the adrenaline-fueled action at this year's air show!