Houston Airshow Attracts Visitors from Around the World

On October 29 to October 30, the Commemorative Airforce (CAF) hosted a two-day airshow named Wings Over Houston located at Ellington Field, Houston, TX. This was the 36th annual airshow and was certainly a pleasant experience, to say the least. 

From the 122nd FW based out of Louisiana flying F-15Cs to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, this airshow was one to remember. Although it was rather cloudy, the performances were nevertheless able to go ahead as planned. Starting at 8:00 a.m. you were able to go and tour the immense C-5 Super Galaxy or perhaps something slightly smaller such as the F/A-18 Superhornet. If you prefer going back in time, you could commute to the warbird area where, on display, was a B-29 Superfortress, B-17 Flying Fortress, SB2C Helldiver, and various other flying legends.

After touring the display aircraft you could return to the viewing area to watch Debby Rihn Harvey perform aerobatics before the U.S. Coast Guard executed a rescue demonstration. Afterward, John and Shane McGillis would show off even more aerobatics in an Extra 300 preceding the 446th AW performing extensive maneuvers in a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. And, of course, not forgetting the F-15Cs from the Louisiana Air National Guard or "Bayou Militia".

Various other performers demonstrated the capabilities of their aircraft, from an L-39 Albatross to a Douglas A-1 Skyraider, and even a flying Messerschmitt Me262. After "Tora Tora Tora" (a Pearl Harbor Reenactment) commenced various trainers such as a T-28 Trojan and T-6 Texan before the airshow showcased even more warbirds. A P-63 King Cobra, P-51 Mustang, SB2C Helldiver, Me262, B-17 Flying Fortress, and C-47 Skytrain all took flight for a presentation of what these aircraft were capable of. It was a sight to remember forever.

Finally, after the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs and F-16 Viper Demo Team demonstrated outstanding maneuvers, it was time for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to do what they do best: flying on the very edge of their seats, pushing the Super Hornets to the limit, they performed various formations and low passes. Flying as close as three feet apart at around 400mph is no easy undertaking. The Blue Angels pilots train extensively to reach the capability to perform such maneuvers for the entertainment of those young and old.

This airshow was certainly one to cherish. Visitors ranging from infants to those in their senior years were able to enjoy the outstanding spectacles throughout the day. Smiles stretched from all sides of the airfield as jets roared through the sky executing maneuvers many can only hope to accomplish one day. It was a spectacular event, and coming back strong from 2020 was certainly demanding. Thanks to numerous sponsors and volunteers, Wings Over Houston was revived with quite a roar.