Air shows are one of the world’s most popular, non — sporting outdoor attractions. Although the story of flight is over 100 years old, aircraft still hold a fascination for young and old, men and women from all backgrounds. Indeed, the first air show was held when aircraft and aviation was still in its infancy in the 1900s. Since then aviation has progressed in the full glare of the public gaze.
Some air shows are held as a business venture or as a trade event where aircraft, avionics and other services are promoted to potential customers. Many air shows are held in support of local, national or military charities. Military air services often organise air shows at military airfields as a public relations exercise to thank the local community, promote military careers and raise the profile of the military.
In this book, we cover the different types of air show and more importantly, the displays that make air shows memorable. For some it is the noise and speed of the latest military jets, for others, extraordinary aerobatics that seem to defy the laws of physics. There are also the displays of classic aircraft and warbirds as well as dramatic reconstructions of how aircraft are deployed.
What is clear is how far aviation has come but questions persist in how much farther it can go?
