Aviation history will be on display at Nellis show

Jace Radke

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003 | 9:28 a.m.

Attractions ranging from a replica of the 1905 Wright Flyer to the Air Force's newest weapon, the FA-22 Raptor, will be on display this weekend at Nellis Air Force Base as part of one of the state's largest public events.

More than 250,000 people are expected to attend "Aviation Nation 2003" Saturday and Sunday at Nellis, where civilians will be allowed onto the flight line to see military and private aircraft and aerial performances including the Thunderbirds.

"The community works for Nellis during the year, and we're going to be out there working to give them a spectacular show," Nellis spokesman Master Sgt. Charles Ramey said. "These are going to be work days for Nellis personnel."

Nellis personnel will be providing security, answering questions and helping in any other way they can for the show that runs Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More than 100 aircraft will be on display and performing, Ramey said.

According to weather reports Saturday should be clear, but there is a chance of showers on Sunday. The air show will go on if there is rain, but if rain or wind become severe some demonstrations could be delayed, Nellis officials said.

The show will feature more than 20 aerial demonstrations and fly-bys beginning at 9:05 each morning. The Air Force's F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15C Strike Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt II teams will be performing, as will the Navy's F-14 Tomcat and FA-18 Super Hornet teams.

Also featured will be unlimited air racing, where planes face off in races above the crowd.

The Thunderbirds are scheduled to close the show on Saturday and Sunday at approximately 2:40 p.m.

The theme of this year's show will be aviation through history and will feature fly-bys of planes from various eras, including the Wright Flyer, a working replica of the Wright brothers' first plane and an F-16.

"The events center around past, present and the future of powered flight and commemorate 50 years of superb precision flying by our own hometown Thunderbirds," air show director Bob Jones said.

A heritage flight will include an array of current military aircraft flying with World War II era P-51 Mustangs.

A hangar will feature historical exhibits, and there will also be a crafts bazaar and a kids zone with activities for children. Food, beverages and novelties will also be available for purchase.