The purpose of this page is for me (Ben) to tell you a bit about the airshows I have attended (and share some photos). See the excitement! Feel the thunder of the engines in your chest! Smell the jet fuel, avgas, and smoke diesel!

(Photos this way!)

My first airshow was in 1981 at Cleveland. I was 11 at the time, and very impressed. Among the participants were the USAF's Thunderbirds, flying T-38 Talons. The Cleveland International Airshow is excellent, probably because it began as part of the big air races held there in the 20's, 30's and 40's. Unfortunately a fatal crash involving a house in Parma in the late 40's caused the races to be ended. I have been back to the Cleveland airshow in 1988, 1990, 1991, 2000, 2001, and 2003. Unfortunately, I didn't take photos in '88, '90 and '91.

I have also been to the Erie (Pennsylvania) Airshow in 1988, 1993, 2004 and 2005. In recent years this has been much more of a viable event, but it needs to find a consistent date. Haven't been back in the past two years, not eve sure it went on this year (2007).

Hamilton, Ontario held an excellent airshow every Father's Day weekend. My oldest daughter and I were able to first attend in 1999. This was the 25th anniversary show, and they really put on the dog, bringing in both the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the USAF Thunderbirds. I believe this show has been cancelled in recent years due to post-9/11 insurance costs.

The Wings of Eagles airshow in Batavia, NY was put on by the National Warplane Museum of Geneseo, NY. I attended their show in 1994, and let me tell you, it was a moving experience. The focus was on WW II aircraft, with a few modern displays. 1995 was just as good, as many aircraft came in for the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. Unfortunately, I didn't get many photos. I was also able to attend in 1997 and 1998, but the show has shifted away from a warbird to a somewhat more civilian display show, with very few static displays. In 1999, no airshow was held in Batavia, and it looks as though this show is a piece of history only.

The 1941 Historic Aircraft Group in Geneseo, NY has a delightful show focusing on warbirds and smaller, privately owned aircraft. I attended their show in 2005, and it was excellent.

I moved to Pittsburgh, PA in June of 2000, too late to see the first airshow here. I caught it in 2001, and it was quite a sight! No "major" acts, but a great selection of attractions. The quality of the show has ramped up even more considerably, and I have attended in 2002 and 2004 through 2007.

Finally, there is the Niagara Falls Airshow "Thunder over Niagara", which I have attended in 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2007. This is put on by the 914th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command, and was the best airshow value out there (i.e., free, with lots of neat static and flying displays). In 1999 the show moved to the civilian side of the field and began charging admission. 2000 marked a return to the air base and free admission, and that year's show was a top-notch experience.

Although not an airshow per se, The local chapter of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum held an open house on August 25th and 26th, 1995. My wife and I went for her first helicopter ride (I'd gone twice before), and we saw the Lysander they are restoring. It was an interesting use of a few hours. I have also been to the National Air Tour when it came to Pittsburgh in 2003 and a couple of open houses at the Allegheny County Airport.

Want some tips on attending airshows? Look here.

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