US Navy Blue Angels returning to Michigan in July for Thunder Over Michigan Airshow
U.S Navy Blue Angels will be flying high over Michigan to participate in the Thunder Over Michigan Airshow on July 16-17 at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti.
Four shows over two days will showcase modern and vintage aircraft. Along with performances from the U.S. Air Force F-16 Demo Team and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
Visitors with a passion for the skies even can book a ride on a historic aircraft during the event. Here's what to know:
July 16-17 schedule
Entrance starts at 7 a.m. each day for morning shows.
Morning shows start at 9 a.m. with only the U.S. Air Force F-16 Demo Team. Show departs around 11 a.m.
Entrance starts at 1 p.m. each day for afternoon shows.
Afternoon shows start at 2:30 p.m., with only the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Show ends around 5 p.m.
Entry restrictions
Vehicles, guests, and items will be required to be searched. Vehicles will also be searched along with coolers, and belongings. If attendees fail to comply they will not gain entry into the show.
Cameras will be used to monitor.
Untended bags will be removed from the area.
Overnight RV parking is not allowed.
No smoking, which includes cigarettes, marijuana, and cigars. In addition to as well, vapes, no e-cigarettes.
The following items are prohibited; alcohol, cooking equipment, pets, weapons, drones, bicycles, tents, and more which can be found on their website.
Items allowed; baby strollers, personal umbrellas, coolers, food, portable chairs, cameras, nonalcoholic beverages, loose ice, baby food, and nonmotorized wagons.
Parking
Parking is first-come, first-served basis and there are no reserved parking spots. The parking staff will also assist with parking. All parking is on the grass.
Motorcycle riders are requested to bring their own pad.
Sitting or standing on top of your vehicle is not permitted. Guest are allowed to sit adjacent to their vehicle on the passenger side. If you are the owner of a pickup truck, you are allowed to sit in the rear.
For handicapped guests, golf carts will attempt to come around and assist if one needs help going to the restroom.
Hotels nearby
Hampton Inn
46280 N. Interstate-94 Service Drive, Belleville.
734-699-2424
Holiday Inn Express and Suites (2.3 miles)
46194 N. Interstate-94 Service Drive, Belleville.
734-857-6200
TownePlace Suites (2.3 miles)
46418 N. Interstate-94 Service Drive, Belleville.
734-699-2100
Ticket prices
Full-day passes gain you excess to both shows, while single-day passes are only for one show per day.
Thunder Deck
Watch the show from a deck area with your family while enjoying catered breakfast from 8-10 a.m. along with complimentary beverages, whether it is beer or nonalcoholic. Plus have access to nonpublic portable restrooms. The deck has a raised platform for viewing with seating and standing tables. Tickets are for one show either in the morning or afternoon.
Morning Show Pass (Adult) - $135 per person
Morning Show Pass (Child) - $115 per person
The afternoon Thunder Deck viewing pass features complimentary food served between lunch and dinner. Food will be given out from 3-5 p.m., plus complimentary beverages that can be beer or nonalcoholic.
Afternoon Show Pass (Adult) $135 per person
Afternoon Show Pass (Child) $115 per person
Drive-In car pass
Starting with gates opening up at 8:30 a.m., this option can feature both shows to view the U.S Air Force F-16 Demo Team in the morning and U.S. Navy Blue Angels in the afternoon. Chairs, food, and nonalcoholic beverages are allowed. Guest will have a chance to meet Warbird Pilots, Huey helicopter rides will be available upon walk-up registration, KidZone, and you will be able to shop at the Yankee Air Museum.
Concession stands with food for purchase will also be available.
Pass is good for one vehicle, the price covers all passengers in the car. No recreational vehicles, fifth-wheelers, oversize vehicles, campers, or trailers are allowed.
Full-day pass - $395 per car
Single-day pass - $225 per show, per car
The Officers Club pass
All-day pass to view the show in a private premium club setting while eating brunch, grilled entrees, side dishes, and desserts like old fashion-style ice cream sundaes. Throughout the day, guests will be fed snacks and appetizers plus a premium selection of beverage choices ranging from beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks, and water. Guests will also have access to private air-conditioned restrooms. This ticket also includes Yankee Air Museum parking and a shuttle that will take you to and from the club.
Adult Passes for ages 16 and up: $285 per person
Child Passes for ages 15 and under: $175 per person
No refunds, no rain checks on any tickets.
Yankee Air Museum is located at Willow Run Airport.
Book a flight tour
Guests can request a flight tour on one of Yankee Air Museum's aircraft.
B-17 Yankee Lady
Capacity- 12 guest
Flight times- 35 minutes
Flight times - 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Tickets are $495 a person. A few time slots are already sold out.
UH-1H Huey Greyhound
Capacity: 10 guests
Flight duration: 8 minutes
Flight times: vary
Tickets are available onsite only.
C-47 Hairless Joe
Capacity: 12
Flight duration: 20 minutes
Flight times: 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Tickets are $195 a person.
All-day show passes allow guests to choose any flight time, if you want to fly at 8 a.m. you have to have a morning show pass or all-day show pass.
If you would like to fly in the afternoon, you need an afternoon show pass.
Guest are requested to arrive at least one hour in advance.
More: Holiday flight cancellations could earn guests free stay at Great Wolf Lodge
Volunteer opportunities
If you would like to volunteer, the following spots are available.
Flaggers, A-Team, parking: Will assist in directing cars into the show during the morning and afternoon. Payment will already be completed, drivers will just have to show ticket.
Security: Will assist in guarding air grounds and other areas.
Garbage grunts: After each drive-in show, you will clean up any litter.
Chair and table setup (CATS): Will set up and take down all the tables leading up to and after the shows.
Contact Dave Steiner: dave.steiner@yankeeairmuseum.org
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: US Navy Blue Angels featured in airshow that's coming to Michigan
