MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Aviation events in the United States and Canada
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Wes_Howes
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MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by Wes_Howes »

As I'm planning to attend this one, I thought I'd post the info for it.

Quite a short show, starting at 10.30 and finished by 1.30 but what a line-up!

https://www.yumaairshow.com/information/schedule

The highlights for me being the Marine Aviation Capabilities demo, especially if the CH-53K that's listed materialises, the USMC F-5N demo, and the CAFs A6M3 Zero.



I've picked out the aviation elements of the schedule below

Military Free Fall School skydiving demo (6 jumpers) w/Redline Air Shows (2 x RV-8s)

USMC Marine Aviation Capabilities (MAC) Demo w/pyro (AH-1Z, CH-53K, F-35B, F/A-18C, KC-130J, MV-22B, UH-1Y)

Commemorative Air Force (CAF) SoCal Wing Warbird demo w/pyro (PBJ-1J Mitchell, F6F Hellcat, A6M3 Zero, Spitfire Mk XIV, Mig-17)

USMC F-5N demo

Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) AT-6 demo & exhibit

USMC Fat Albert Flyby (C-130J)

Jim Peitz Aerosports (Beechcraft F33C Bonanza)

USMC MV-22B demo

Redline Air Shows (2 x RV-8s)

USN F/A-18E/F demo

USAF C-17A demo

USAF F-16 demo & P-40N Heritage Flight w/pyro

USMC F-35B demo w/pyro

Patriots Jet Team demo (6 x L-39s) w/pyro

Cheers

Wes
Last edited by Wes_Howes on Sun 29 Dec 2024, 4:26 pm, edited 3 times in total.

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Wes_Howes
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by Wes_Howes »

As per the ACC demo schedule, the F-22 has been replaced by the Viper demo

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spellow3010
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by spellow3010 »

If you've not been to a USMC show before, leave plenty of time to get in and be processed as a non-US citizen. Be prepared to wear your special 'alien guest' lanyard at all times, and watch the snipers on the roof, poised to tag you if you step out of line.

Other than that, Yuma shaping up to be a good show again. :wink:
Now officially qualifies as a 'regular' at Famous Dave's - El Centro

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CWS
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by CWS »

Yeah Miramar was interesting to get in! To be fair once I got into the alien line and they saw my British passport they were fine lol. Had a nice chat in the end and I didn't risk taking off that awful lanyard just incase !

The show was great, I'm sure Yuma will be similar ... a great spectacle

Enjoy!
Airshows 2025 - RIAT | Malta

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Wes_Howes
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by Wes_Howes »

I went to Iwakuni last year and went through the vetting process there (and saw one chap being escorted out!), although we didn't have to wear lanyards.

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Wes_Howes
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by Wes_Howes »

According to the Yuma Airshow Instagram account the F-22 is flying the heritage flight along with a P-38J and the Viper is displaying solo.

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Wes_Howes
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by Wes_Howes »

To those that have visited before, could you help with a query? On the website in the information section, it states "Only clear bags are pemitted on the flight line. Clear bags will be available for purchase in the parking area". Does that mean it's not possible to take camera bags in? Thanks

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PeteFenwick
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by PeteFenwick »

I have been to this Airshow several times, the last time in 2023. In my experience the security teams (generally just ordinary US Marines) are strict about the no camera bags/rucsacs. I purchased a clear bag ( shoulder beach bag) here in the UK and no problem with that and carrying 2 camera bodies and lenses.
The recent change to security for non US citizens is another matter and a pain in the proverbial. In 2023 non US had to stand in a separate line and wait for a bus, just the one, to take us to the main gate to be questioned and fingerprinted- get there early and get in the early car queue
Enjoy

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Wes_Howes
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by Wes_Howes »

Thanks Pete, I appreciate your quick reply!

Tangoringo
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by Tangoringo »

PeteFenwick wrote:
Mon 16 Dec 2024, 12:51 pm
I have been to this Airshow several times, the last time in 2023. In my experience the security teams (generally just ordinary US Marines) are strict about the no camera bags/rucsacs. I purchased a clear bag ( shoulder beach bag) here in the UK and no problem with that and carrying 2 camera bodies and lenses.
The recent change to security for non US citizens is another matter and a pain in the proverbial. In 2023 non US had to stand in a separate line and wait for a bus, just the one, to take us to the main gate to be questioned and fingerprinted- get there early and get in the early car queue
Enjoy
A bit of a PITA I agree but the Homeland Security bods were pleasant enough and tbf didnt take very long when we went. Concur wholeheartedly about getting a clear bag before you go..... and dont forget your passport.
One other thing. I dont think it applies this year but keep an eye on timezone changes if driving over from California. I cant remember whether winter or summer but for 1/2 the year Yuma is on -7 from GMT and not -8 like Cali. Bizarre arriving with what you think is plenty of time to find your 1 1/2hr in the static preshow has been shortened somewhat!!

Tangoringo
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by Tangoringo »

Wes_Howes wrote:
Mon 09 Dec 2024, 10:05 am
As I'm planning to attend this one, I thought I'd post the info for it.

Quite a short show, starting at 10.30 and finished by 1.30 but what a line-up!

https://www.yumaairshow.com/information/schedule

The highlights for me being the Marine Aviation Capabilities demo, especially if the CH-53K that's listed materialises, the USMC F-5N demo, and the CAFs A6M3 Zero.



I've picked out the aviation elements of the schedule below

Military Free Fall School skydiving demo (6 jumpers) w/Redline Air Shows (2 x RV-8s)

USMC Marine Aviation Capabilities (MAC) Demo w/pyro (AH-1Z, CH-53K, F-35B, F/A-18C, KC-130J, MV-22B, UH-1Y)

Commemorative Air Force (CAF) SoCal Wing Warbird demo w/pyro (PBJ-1J Mitchell, F6F Hellcat, A6M3 Zero, Spitfire Mk XIV, Mig-17)

USMC F-5N demo

Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) AT-6 demo & exhibit

USMC Fat Albert Flyby (C-130J)

Jim Peitz Aerosports (Beechcraft F33C Bonanza)

USMC MV-22B demo

Redline Air Shows (2 x RV-8s)

USN F/A-18E/F demo

USAF C-17A demo

USAF F-16 demo & P-40N Heritage Flight w/pyro

USMC F-35B demo w/pyro

Patriots Jet Team demo (6 x L-39s) w/pyro

Cheers

Wes
Oh, BTW 10.30 to 3pm now. Its filled out a bit compared to the last event which was done by 1'ish like you said.

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Wes_Howes
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by Wes_Howes »

Tangoringo wrote:
Sun 26 Jan 2025, 6:11 pm
PeteFenwick wrote:
Mon 16 Dec 2024, 12:51 pm
I have been to this Airshow several times, the last time in 2023. In my experience the security teams (generally just ordinary US Marines) are strict about the no camera bags/rucsacs. I purchased a clear bag ( shoulder beach bag) here in the UK and no problem with that and carrying 2 camera bodies and lenses.
The recent change to security for non US citizens is another matter and a pain in the proverbial. In 2023 non US had to stand in a separate line and wait for a bus, just the one, to take us to the main gate to be questioned and fingerprinted- get there early and get in the early car queue
Enjoy
A bit of a PITA I agree but the Homeland Security bods were pleasant enough and tbf didnt take very long when we went. Concur wholeheartedly about getting a clear bag before you go..... and dont forget your passport.
One other thing. I dont think it applies this year but keep an eye on timezone changes if driving over from California. I cant remember whether winter or summer but for 1/2 the year Yuma is on -7 from GMT and not -8 like Cali. Bizarre arriving with what you think is plenty of time to find your 1 1/2hr in the static preshow has been shortened somewhat!!
Thank you! Noted!

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capercaillie
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by capercaillie »

Weird.

I remember attending the 1997 show with Geoff (st24) which was in April, and we seemed to get the time out of kilter having come from LA, but we arrived on base just after the big sun had risen over the desert. We parked on base and must have looked really strange to all the crews setting up as we had the place nearly to ourselves for best part of an hour before the general public started tyurning up!
"The surrogate voice of st24"

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Wes_Howes
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by Wes_Howes »

We're stopping in Yuma the night before so it shouldn't be too much of a problem, but I'll probably set my alarm an hour earlier just in case :wink:

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st24
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by st24 »

capercaillie wrote:
Wed 29 Jan 2025, 11:19 am
Weird.

I remember attending the 1997 show with Geoff (st24) which was in April, and we seemed to get the time out of kilter having come from LA, but we arrived on base just after the big sun had risen over the desert. We parked on base and must have looked really strange to all the crews setting up as we had the place nearly to ourselves for best part of an hour before the general public started tyurning up!
Aah that's because you were with the eminent Mr Stickle!!
Yes I recall that, weren't we there at 6am or something, thinking it was 7 (which even then was very early ?!?) Damn daylight saving....
You caaan't trust the system... Maaan!

OliverMalik
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Re: MCAS Yuma 15th March 2025

Post by OliverMalik »

I was there 2019, but only for the training day.

It was kind of a nice spot at the main road at the end of the runway. (There is a big public parking area.)
AV-8B, F-35B hovered several times over that spot into the base at their rehearsals. Also an A-10 and the Aggressor-Tigers flew.

I only went the training day because at that time I also was at the base in ElCentro daily for the BlueAngels winter training.

Afaik this year the ElCentro Airshow and Yuma Airshow will be the same day.

Also it's pretty cool if you drive to Yuma coming from the west, it's basically a city in the desert. Sometimes the landscape changes rapidly every few miles.

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