Pacific Airshow 2024, Huntington Beach, California Oct 4-6th

[Gripenfury]

This years airshow on the beach looks really interesting.

Has anyone been there and have any tips or tricks?

This is the line-up released on June 20th.
Updated September 17th

*= no longer on organizers list.

-USAF Thunderbirds
- US Navy Leap Frogs[*]
- USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo
- USAF F-22 Raptor Demo
- USAF Heritage Flight [A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-22 Raptor, P-51 Mustang x2]
- US Navy F/A-18 Rhino West Coast Demo
- US Navy EA-18G Growler x2 Demo
- US Navy F-35C Lightning II Demo
- US Navy Legacy Flight [F/A-18 Hornet, F-35C Lightning II, F4F Wildcat]
- USMC MV-22 Osprey Demo
- USAF C-17 West Coast Demo
- USAF KC-135 Stratotanker Demo [*]
- Louisina ANG ”Bayou Militia” [F-15 x2 Flybys]
- US ARMY Helicopters Blackhawk [x3] & Lakota [x2]
- Michael Goulian [Extra 330SC]
- Rob Holland [MXS-RH]
- Greg Colyer & Rob Mitchell T-33 Shooting Star (x 2)
- Jeff Boerboon [Extra 330]
- Franky Zapata [Flyboard & Airscooter][*]
- Scott Urschel [Bo 105]
- Patriots Jet Team L-39 Albatros (x 6)[*]
- STOL Demo on Beach feat. Luke Czepiellia [x5]
- Scaled Composites [Aircraft TBA]
- Fedex 757 Flybys
- Torrey Ward [Microjet, Subsonex JSX-2]
- Jacko Strong [Parachute /Stunt TBA
- The Horsemen [P-51 x3][*]
- Lyon Air Museum [C-47 Willa Dean]

[CWS]

I am going to this show, I am looking to probably do the Friday as I'm hoping it will be quieter.

I have no prior knowledge though so I can't help with tips!

The line up looks classsss!

[Gripenfury]

Nice, we are going on the sunday on our way back from Hawaii and our honeymoon!

[Chris G]

That's a strong line up for a US show.

[CWS]

Also now looking like one of the last demos of the a-10!! Talk about timing

[Agg]

I went last year and it was alright, they were overselling it quite a bit though, with marketing such as "Forget everything you know about airshows! This is not an airshow, it's an experience!".

The show used to be free, but last year they started charging people to get in and I think that lead to a lot of people opting to watch the show from the outside. Granted, we only spent one day there, but there certainly wasn't anything near the 700 000 visitors reported by the organizers there on Saturday.

The line up was pretty good last year as well, with the US Navy showing off the F-35C, the Growler duo and the Super Hornet and the USAF/ANG participating with the F-22 and F-35A demo teams, as well as the Thunderbirds and an F-15C. Some of the American displays are pretty lacklustre compared to the European fast jet displays though.

If I was in the area, I would go again, but I wouldn't travel all the way to California just for the Pacific Airshow.

To sum up - if you don't mind seaside/beach shows and you can stand the near constant hollering of Americans, then it's worth a visit

[CWS]

Yep I'm ready to embrace the American Cheese, also some types we now rarely get to see in the UK so I am looking forward to it. Weird timing that we get to see the last ever demo of the Warthog as well. Plus sunny (hopefully) California in October ... rather than at work in England ... the countdown is on

[Agg]

I thought it was going to be warm and sunny too - and it was, for a good while, but in the afternoon some heavy rain clouds rolled in and coupled with the wind it got really chilly.

It was my first US show, so I'll admit I wasn't expecting the level of "American cheese" that we got - as we were queuing to get in we had to walk past some Americans who'd parked their pickup trucks, adorned with American- and "Trump 2024" flags, along the beach. As we were waiting a GA aircraft (I can't remember if it was a Cessna, Piper or whatever) passed by the beach towing an American flag - and of course the pickup guys go bananas, and start shouting "MERICA!!! "Well, there's no need for that" YEAH - RED, WHITE AND BLUE, BABY!!!". I shrugged it off thinking was a one time thing, but aall throughout the day there were Americans shouting and "wooing" as things would fly by

[CWS]

I thought it was going to be warm and sunny too - and it was, for a good while, but in the afternoon some heavy rain clouds rolled in and coupled with the wind it got really chilly.

It was my first US show, so I'll admit I wasn't expecting the level of "American cheese" that we got - as we were queuing to get in we had to walk past some Americans who'd parked their pickup trucks, adorned with American- and "Trump 2024" flags, along the beach. As we were waiting a GA aircraft (I can't remember if it was a Cessna, Piper or whatever) passed by the beach towing an American flag - and of course the pickup guys go bananas, and start shouting "MERICA!!! "Well, there's no need for that" YEAH - RED, WHITE AND BLUE, BABY!!!". I shrugged it off thinking was a one time thing, but aall throughout the day there were Americans shouting and "wooing" as things would fly by

Oh God
Yeah I'm just going to go with it lol

And interesting you mentioned the weather getting a bit nippy, thanks for the heads up!

Also a little off topic but it will be an interesting comparison with RIAT at both this show and miramar. Like you said there will be a lot of whooping and hollering and very exited people at anything Merica, yet when we have had the US demo teams over at RIAT, when the over the top commentator comes on we all chuckle and normally role our eyes

[bobby 1211]

Return flight from Heathrow (arriving Friday evening and leaving Sunday midday) + motel for two nights, came to a total of £800. A bit expensive but the A10 and F22 demos have been on the top of my wishlist for years.

[verreli]

I always fly into San Francisco, hire a car and drive. Flight is then only c.£500. It's a LONG flight for a weekend though and there's plenty to see and do over there. Weather is always el-scorchio when I go. I'm also far more respectful of the hosts then seems to be the sentiment above. It's their country / culture after all. We are their guests.

[CWS]

Yes which is why the comments above are just in jest, I have been to the states many times and always have a good time, normally very friendly people. Was just joking around

[Andyph]

Far better show at Reno same weekend!

[Gripenfury]

US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet West Coast Demo and US Navy Legacy Flight added.

[bobby 1211]

I managed to book a return flight from Gatwick to LA for £400. Now I only need to get a cheap motel in the area + car hire. Can't wait.

[Gripenfury]

Pacific Airshow just released the participants, see the first post for all new additions!

[CWS]

Blimey! This show is going to be fantastic, right at the end of my holiday.

[Gripenfury]

Updated the list.

Us Navy Legacy flight will consist of the F/A-18, F-35C and a F4F Wildcat.

[CWS]

very nice!

Both Heritage flights are looking very nice indeed

[astra]

very nice!

Both Heritage flights are looking very nice indeed

Two Brits here, might see you there.

Where do participants fly out of for the show, and what is arrival day please.

[Berf]

AIRPORT ORIGIN, AIRSHOW FLIGHT PATHS, AND AIRSHOW PERFORMANCE DURATION: As discussed above, future Airshows are anticipated to be held annually for three (3) days to up to five (5) days, generally Friday through Sunday or up to Wednesday through Sunday, with aircraft flight familiarization and flight practice flyovers beginning as early as Monday of the week of the Airshow. A majority of the aircraft originate from, but are not limited to, the Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos Airfield (KSLI) located in Los Alamitos, California (approximately 12 aircraft in 2023) and John Wayne Airport (SNA) located in Santa Ana, California (approximately 9 aircraft in 2023). Other airports to originate one to two aircraft are March Air Reserve Base (RIV) located Riverside County (approximately 2 aircraft for 2023), Fullerton Municipal Airport (FUL) located in Fullerton, California (1 aircraft for 2023), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) located in Los Angeles, California (1 aircraft for 2023), San Diego International Airport (SAN) located in San Diego, California (0 aircraft for 2023), Channel Islands Air National Guard Station located at Port Hueneme, California (1 aircraft for 2023), and Edwards Air Force Base (EDW) located in Kern County (1 aircraft for 2023). Many of the aircraft, particularly the larger ones, seldom fly over land and instead hold out over the water and only make a few passes in front of the Show Center Area before returning to their origin airports. Typically, the duration of the aircraft over the Show Center Area ranges between approximately two minutes to up to 45 minutes. The Airshow airport origins, Airshow flight paths, and Airshow performance durations are subject to change each year for the Airshow.

Above is from this https://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/busin ... 9_R321.php

[Gripenfury]

Updated the list of performers.

There are some that has been removed lately.

US Navy Leap Frogs
USAF KC-135 stratotanker demo
Franky Zapata - hooverboard & airscooter
Patriots Jet Team
The Horsemen P-51 x3

These are all no longer mentioned on the website.

Wonder if they will try and find some substitutes or if the program was already a bit too full from the beginning.

[Roger_Over]

From their website, the ANG C-130 water drop has been removed (not surprising given the wildfires), but on the bright side they've added a B-1 from Edwards and a Grumman Albatross for flypasts so swings and roundabouts really.

I only booked the flights last minute, looking forward to this one!

[CWS]

From their website, the ANG C-130 water drop has been removed (not surprising given the wildfires), but on the bright side they've added a B-1 from Edwards and a Grumman Albatross for flypasts so swings and roundabouts really.

I only booked the flights last minute, looking forward to this one!

Well if this trip couldn’t get any better … a flying b1 , USA USA USA

Can’t wait for tomorrow

[Roger_Over]

Friday schedule now online

https://pacificairshowusa.com/friday?ut ... YcNk%2B0oN