FAIRFIELD, Calif. — One of the best air show lineups in the country is coming to Travis Air Force Base for their 2019 show, “Thunder Over the Bay.”
“It’s going to be impossible to come to this show and not walk away inspired,” said Maj. Imran Khan, director for the Travis Air Show.
The event only comes around every few years. Here's what you need to know:
What is it?
Thunder Over the Bay is a two-day event highlighting aircraft and aircraft demonstrations. This year, however, Travis AFB will also be highlighting local heroes, like their local police, firefighters, teachers, nurses, and others that work to make the community better.
According to Khan, the show is expected to attract between 100,000 to 140,000 people over the two day weekend.
What are the attractions?
“If people go to one air show in their lifetime, I hope it’s this one,” added Khan.
While most air shows typically feature only one demonstration team, Thunder Over the Bay will feature four, including:
- USAF Thunderbirds
- The F-22 Raptor Demo Team, one of the most advanced fighter crafts in the world
- Patriots Jet Team, a local team made of former Thunderbird and Blue Angel pilots
- U.S. Army Golden Knights, a parachute jump team
“Something unique about our air show this year – we probably have the best lineup in the nation,” boasted Khan. “It’s one of the biggest shows we’ve had in years…”
Inclusive of the air show, there’ll also be about 36 ai craft that guests can look inside and touch. This will include crafts from the Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, World War II, and even three NASA aircraft.
Anything for the kids?
If your kids need something more to do during the show, there’ll be a kids' zone for them to play in. It features a bounce houses, zip lines, and some kid-oriented games.
Other activities include:
- Arts and crafts
- Corn Hole
- Flight Simulator
- Obstacle Course
- Rock wall
- Face Painting
- Inflatable Basketball Hoop
- Paintball Shooting Rang
- Air Jump
It’ll operate from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
When is it?
Thunder Over the Bay is a two-day event scheduled for March 30 and 31.
Showtime begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. The gate for entry will open at 9 a.m.
How much is it?
The event is free and open to the public.
Where is it?
The event is located at Travis Air Force Base, however, if you’re using a navigator to get you to the location, Khan suggests entering Travis Air Force Base Visitor’s Center to get you to the right place.
Air Show schedule
Morning performances feature:
- US Army Golden Knights
- Yuichi Takagi (Pitts S-25)
- C-130s Demo CRW Insertion
- Matt Chapman (Extra 330LX)
- C-17 Globemaster III Demo Team
- Bill Stein (Edge 540)
Afternoon performances feature:
- Patriots Jet Team (L-39 six-ship demo)
- Acemaker (T-33)
- Smoke and Thunder Jet Truck
- U-2 Flight Demo
- Jeff Boerboon (Yak-110)
- U-2/T-38 Formation Flyover
- Parade of Heavies (Showcasing Travis aircraft)
- F-22 Demo Team
- Heritage Flight (P-51, A-10, F-22)
- USAF Thunderbirds
Traffic
Estimates for attendance range from 50,000 to 70,000 people for both days. To monitor traffic impacts, view the Waze map below.
Plan on entering Travis AFB off of Air Base Parkway.
Starting at 8:30 a.m., an off base shuttle will also run from the Fairfield/Vacaville Train Station on the corner of Peabody Road and Vanden Road every 20 minutes.
Some FAQS
What’s allowed:
- Strollers
- Umbrellas
- Cell phones, cameras, video recorders
- Folding Chairs
- Purses and Fanny packs (less than 1 cubic foot)
- Clear beverages in clear see-thru plastic containers
- Medical, diaper, and/or camera bags (less than 1 cubic foot)
Banned items:
This list is not inclusive.
- Pets (with exceptions for trained and harnessed service animals)
- All bags over 1 cubic foot
- Camelback hydration packs
- Drugs, including marijuana
- All food items other than baby food
- Coolers, glass bottles, alcoholic drinks
If you're viewing on the ABC10 App, tap here for multimedia.
________________________________________________________________
WATCH ALSO: Taking Flight: Travis Embedded