Columbus Air Show takes off this weekend. What to know before you go
Awe-inspiring maneuvers, vintage aircraft, famous pilots—and even an appearance by impersonator "Hollywood Tom Cruise"—are key reasons to attend the Columbus Air Show at Rickenbacker International Airport this weekend.
The event is presented by Scotts and produced by Herb Gillen Airshows, the Upper Arlington company behind air shows across the country. It will be the city’s first air show in 16 years, and the first visit by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in nearly 30 years, according to Herb Gillen, owner of Herb Gillen Airshows.
Gillen cited a “variety of factors” for the delay in hosting the events, which were historically produced by the military.
“The show, for a long time, was held on the (Ohio) Air National Guard Side (of Rickenbacker),” he said. “It would be at the whim of the commander, whether they wanted to do a show. (And) planning and production for an air show is a very time-intensive experience. It’s two and a half, three years out that you start planning.”
More: Blue Angels preview 2023 Columbus Air Show and new jet in visit to Rickenbacker airport
When and where will the Columbus Air Show take place?
The Columbus Air Show runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday at Rickenbacker International Airport, 2241 John Cir Drive.
How much are tickets?
Tickets for Saturday are sold out. There are limited tickets available for Friday and Sunday. General admission tickets are $55, but there may be discounts depending on time of purchase. General admission tickets for children 15 and under are free when accompanied by an adult ticketholder. Active duty, reserve and retired military members receive a 15% discount on general admission tickets and general parking. All tickets must be purchased in advance online at columbusairshow.com.
What about parking and traffic?
Parking passes are required, and must be purchased in advance online at columbusairshow.com. The price is $35 for one vehicle, but there may be discounts depending on time of purchase. General parking passes will get attendees spaces within walking distance of the Air Show Main Entry Gate.
Increased traffic is expected each day, with the heaviest surge for outbound traffic occurring between 3:45 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Several officers from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office will help direct traffic at intersections along Alum Creek Drive/Rickenbacker Parkway and other areas. All roads will be open, but some routes may only have one lane in one direction.
What aircraft will be featured in the show?
Attendees can expect to see F/A-18 Super Hornets—blue and yellow fighter jets—flown by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, one of the top aviation demonstration teams in the world.
“They’ll fly at speeds up to 750 miles an hour, almost pushing the speed of sound,” Gillen said. “When all six fly together, that's the Delta formation, and at times, they're as close as 18 inches of separation. So, it takes great skill and precision for them to be able to do that."
Also flying are the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors and the Ohio Air National Guard’s KC-135 Stratotankers, which are aerial refuelers maintained at the local 121st Air Refueling Wing.
Attendees will also see vintage military aircraft from World War II, including a P-51 Mustang, B-25 and P-51D, owned by Scotts CEO Jim Hagedorn.
Will Columbus pilots be in the show?
Several local pilots are flying in the Columbus Air Show.
"We've got a lot of younger guys that are chomping at the bit to jump in and do it," said Col. Scott Lerdon, commander of the 121st Air Refueling Wing, Ohio Air National Guard. "It's a ton of fun."
Below is a list of participating pilots.
Friday
Lt. Col. John Tudela - New Albany
Lt. Col. Zack Smith - Pickerington
Capt. Luke Bainer - Westerville
1st Lt. Jack Kincade - Hilliard
Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Dunn - Grove City
Master Sgt. William Gilbert - Ashville
Airman first class Josh Moore - Wooster
Saturday
Col. Lance Kollstedt - Maineville
Lt. Col. Clark Jones - Chillicothe
Maj. Kristian Tonnessen - Gahanna
Capt. Erich Buhagiar - Hebron, Connecticut
Senior Master Sgt. David Sorrell - Lancaster
Master Sgt. Greg Wetzel - Dublin
Staff Sgt. Steve Owens - Huntington, West Virginia
Sunday
Lt. Col. Robert Cruea - Washington Courthouse
Capt. Andrew Smithhisler - Dublin
Capt. Nick Collier - Sidney
Capt. Thomas Wharton - Lancaster
Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Cartwright - Reynoldsburg
Anthony Derryberry - Lancaster
Technical Sgt. Tyler Simmons - Columbus
Will there be any racing?
Audiences will be able to watch about 25 pilots air racing in the STOL Drag Racing Columbus Cup.
Will there be other entertainment, attractions and activities?
In addition to seeing aircraft in the sky, attendees will be able to view planes in ground displays.
Another major attraction is the Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Truck—a Hot Streak II '57 Chevy pickup loaded with a twin jet engine. The flame-shooting vehicle can go as fast as 350 miles per hour.
"At some some point, it will race an airplane, and often beats the airplane," Gillen said.
Additionally, there will be appearances by the Ohio State University Marching Band and “Hollywood Tom Cruise.”
“There is a gentleman from Hollywood that is a dead ringer for ('Top Gun' character) Maverick,” Gillen said. “People can get their picture taken with (him).”
The family-friendly event also includes a STEM area, where aviation schools will facilitate hands-on, educational activities to promote aviation careers.
For Lerdon, the air show is a nice way for Columbus residents to kick off the summer.
"It's a great opportunity to see what their tax dollars pay for, and what we do on a daily basis to keep this country safe," he said. "And every person out here is just proud to do it. We have one of the highest reenlistment rates in the country, and we're manned at one of the highest levels because people like being here. They love Ohio."
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Will the Columbus Air Show return next year?
If Gillen had his way, there would be regular air shows in the city.
“We hope to make it an annual event," he said. "But we want to get our first show under our belt and regroup ... and get feedback from the community and figure out if this is something that is sustainable to do every year.”
@miss_ethompson
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Air Show coming to Rickenbacker International Airport
