With a poor weather outlook leading up to the weekend, things were looking a bit gloomy. But the storms held off, allowing for high ceilings, cool temperatures, and lots of sunshine. The 44th annual Vectren Dayton Airshow had the perfect weekend! The USAF Thunderbirds were this year's headliners, with much to prove. This was their first Dayton performance in four years, since their 2017 cancellation. They arrived in adverse conditions, but performed in flawless weather on all three days. This being their second trip to Dayton, the Geico Skytypers showed off in their SNJ-2 demonstration. Art Nalls ripped up the sky in his British Sea Harrier, wowing the crowds with its VSTOL abilities. For aerobic performances, we saw Jacquie B., along with the duo of Sean D. Tucker and Jessy Panzer. An airshow regular, this was the final performance of Tucker's Challenger III biplane in Dayton, as it will be retired to the Smithsonian at season's end. Skip Stewart was also on the bill, but unfortunately had an engine issue just a few short miles from the airport. Luckily he was able to put the aircraft down safely on an empty, rural road. Another first for Vectren was the C-17 and KC-135 refueling demo, coming all the way from Altus AFB. The U.S. Navy also provided two F/A-18 Super Hornets, flying alongside Cavanaugh Flight Museum's FM-2 Wildcat for the Heritage Fight. The show was attended by FDA contributor and Dayton local, Courtney Caillouet, as well as Robert Griffiths, making his American airshow debut.
dayton
With a poor weather outlook leading up to the weekend, things were looking a bit gloomy. But the storms held off, allowing for high ceilings, cool temperatures, and lots of sunshine. The 44th annual Vectren Dayton Airshow had the perfect weekend! The USAF Thunderbirds were this year's headliners, with much to prove. This was their first Dayton performance in four years, since their 2017 cancellation. They arrived in adverse conditions, but performed in flawless weather on all three days. This being their second trip to Dayton, the Geico Skytypers showed off in their SNJ-2 demonstration. Art Nalls ripped up the sky in his British Sea Harrier, wowing the crowds with its VSTOL abilities. For aerobic performances, we saw Jacquie B., along with the duo of Sean D. Tucker and Jessy Panzer. An airshow regular, this was the final performance of Tucker's Challenger III biplane in Dayton, as it will be retired to the Smithsonian at season's end. Skip Stewart was also on the bill, but unfortunately had an engine issue just a few short miles from the airport. Luckily he was able to put the aircraft down safely on an empty, rural road. Another first for Vectren was the C-17 and KC-135 refueling demo, coming all the way from Altus AFB. The U.S. Navy also provided two F/A-18 Super Hornets, flying alongside Cavanaugh Flight Museum's FM-2 Wildcat for the Heritage Fight. The show was attended by FDA contributor and Dayton local, Courtney Caillouet, as well as Robert Griffiths, making his American airshow debut.
