When do the Air Force Thunderbirds arrive in Dayton?

The Air Force Thunderbirds performing at the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show in 2021. MARSHALL GORBY/STAFF

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The Air Force Thunderbirds performing at the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show in 2021. MARSHALL GORBY/STAFF

The world famous Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration squadron are scheduled to arrive at the east side of Dayton International Airport Wednesday afternoon.

Pilots and crew members will be preparing for their performance headlining the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Flying the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Thunderbirds have six pilots and more than 120 enlisted members supporting them.

United States Air Force Thunderbird Pilot Maj. Kyle Oliver from Beavercreek greeted friends and family after his performance at the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Saturday July 10, 2021. MARSHALL GORBY\STAFF

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Weather and conditions permitting, spectators on the east side of the airport should expect to see them arrive at or about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Be aware that rain, maintenance issues and conditions may alter the schedule. Cloud cover could affect visibility.

The Thunderbirds perform in 65 to 75 shows on more than 200 days per year, and they have long performed in Dayton, one of the air shows that will reliably draw the Navy’s Blue Angels one year and the Thunderbirds the next, year in and year out.

Spectators often congregate along McCauley and North Dixie Drive in Vandalia to watch the jets arrive. But residents across the Dayton area may be able to see and hear the single-engine jets.

Members of the Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform a high show demonstration in Reno, Nevada, Sept. 19, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicolas Myers)

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Credit: Air Force Thunderbirds

This year’s air show is Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. both days. Look for performances generally to start around 11 a.m., weather and conditions permitting.

Visit daytonairshow.com for ticket information.

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