Luke Days Air Show Returns for 2011

Ladies and gentlemen: mark your calendars! That's right, Luke Days Air Show and Open House will be returning to Luke Air Force Base for 2011! This bi-annual event features a whole weekend of fun and events for residents of the greater Phoenix area.

The last Open House event was held in 2009, and it was also the first time I attended. This year's open house will be a special one because it is the 70th Anniversary of the 56th Fighter Wing.So what can you expect to see at the show? Here is a quick list of things to see and do:

Aircraft on Display 
Military and aviation enthusiasts will definitely want to spend some time checking out the variety of flying machines on display at Luke Days. Patrons can get up close and personal with over 50 different types of aircraft including the F-16 and F-18 fighter jets, the C-5 and C-130 cargo planes, and the famous Bell UH-1 "Huey" helicopter. Historians will appreciate the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and the chance to see a Russian MiG-17 up close and personal.

Aerial Performances
While there will be plenty to see on the ground, the real action is up in the sky! This year's air show has scheduled performances from the USAF Thunderbirds, the USAF Golden Knights, and the Red Bull Aviation Stunt Plane.

There will also be demonstrations of the following aircraft: A-10 Warthog, F/A-18 fighter, the AV-8B Harrier jet, and my personal favorite, the F-22 Raptor. The 2009 show featured a stunning display of aerial maneuvering from the Raptor which I hope will be repeated at this year's show.

Finally, a collection of historic aircraft will be flying in "Heritage" formations. These include the F-4 Phantom, the P-40 Warhawk, and the Twin Beech 18.
 

Other Events 
As if that weren't enough, there will also be food and drink vendors, exhibits, and a Virtual Army Experience video game pavilion sponsored by the US Army.

If you're looking for a family-friendly event that's sure to dazzle your eyes and fill your heart with pride for the servicemen and women of the United States Air Force, the Luke Days Air Show and Open House is the place to be! Hope to see you out there! 

What: Air show and open house event
Where: Luke Air Force Base, Glendale, AZ
When: Saturday March 19th and Sunday March 20th, 2011, 9am to 4pm
Cost: FREE
Info: Luke Air Force Base official website