Airshows are a fun event for everyone. Sure, airshows have plenty for you if you own or repair planes, but they also typically feature fun components like stunt shows, too.
Airshows are popular in the U.S., so you’ll likely be able to find one near you. Check out our list below of the best U.S. airshows, or look for others near you.
But don’t worry: you don’t have to go to an airshow to get information about aircraft propeller repair service. From basic maintenance to a complete overhaul, Stockton Propeller can help with it all.
Reno Air Races
The Reno Air Races have been held in Reno, Nevada, for 48 years. They feature different races and performances.
There are also vendors and exhibitors. You can find information on things like flight schools and aircraft manufacturing, as well as purchase items related to aircraft.
One of the most exciting things? The Reno Air Races is the location of the National Championship Air Races, so there are six different classes of aircraft at the event: Formula 1, T6 Class, Biplane, Sport, Unlimited, and Jet.
You can see both racing and acrobatics. The aircraft race on three- to eight-mile courses. Pilots can be civilian, ex-military, or amateur.
In between races, acrobatic pilots perform. Other times, you’ll notice military fly-bys or demonstrations.
This combination makes it an excellent place for a pilot or enthusiast to bring the family. You get to enjoy the specialty, vintage, and modified aircraft, while the kids get to enjoy the acrobatics or military aeronautical technology on display.
So whether you like to watch the speed-of-sound-breaking jets or the vintage and stock propeller aircraft, you’ll find it at the Reno Air Races!
Want a tip? Sunday is the busiest day, so to beat the crowds, go earlier. However, if you want to see the final races, the Unlimited Gold Race, you’ll have to join the crowds on Sunday.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
There’s a reason the EAA AirVenture is known as The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration. This weeklong event is the largest airshow with an attendance of over 500,000.
There are also more than 10,000 aircraft, and you’ll see all kinds, like vintage craft, homebuilts, ultralights, and warbirds if you make the trip to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for this incredible event.
But wait, there’s more! It’s not just aerial performances and static aircraft on the ground at AirVenture. There’s plenty for kids or family members who aren’t pilots or aircraft enthusiasts.
For example, there are films, pyrotechnics, demonstrations, workshops, and kid-specific activities. And if you’re looking for a career path in aviation, you can attend the Aviation Job Fair to meet with employers.
Have a lot of kids? This might be the airshow for you: youth aged 18 and under get in free in efforts to introduce more young people to the joys of aviation.
The EAA AirVenture is also committed to encouraging females in aviation. There is a three-day EAA GirlVenture Camp during the airshow and a female-focused gathering called EAA WomenVenture, where women can network, build camaraderie, and enjoy special events.
Los Angeles County Air Show
The L.A. Air Show is a two-day event in almost always sunny Southern California. But don’t let the brevity of this airshow dissuade you: it’s full of impressive air performances as well as plenty of ground exhibits.
If you’re looking for daring and spectacular aerial displays, you’ll want to check out this show. If you wish to see Air Force fighter crafts blazing through the skies with precise movements or propeller planes executing acrobatics and stunts — or both! — you’ll find it here.
The L.A. Air Show also features a historical performance of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, complete with flaming pyrotechnic effects. But it’s not all serious: There’s a humorous skit involving a “stolen” 1946 Piper J-3 Cub that will have everyone laughing.
Educating and inspiring young people is a mission for this air show, so they have a STEM program included in the event. There are high school robotics teams in attendance, displaying their creations.
There are also hands-on exhibits where attendees can test out robots, and a new drone exhibit, too.
The event also has multiple panels. Speakers may include former war pilots or current aerospace industry workers.
If I can only go to one airshow, which one should I attend?
It’s hard to pick just one, and, of course, your location and availability might affect your decision, but the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the largest and highest attended.
If you want to go where everyone else is going and see most people and events possible, it’s probably the airshow for you.
However, if your focus is interacting with other pilots or enthusiasts, or exploring exhibits and vendors for information about aircraft propeller repair service, for example, you might be better off finding an airshow near you.
At a local airshow, even if it’s several hours away from you, you’re more likely to find other flight enthusiasts who live near you and aviation industry services in your area.
What’s the best airshow to take kids to?
For most kids, especially younger ones, the Reno Air Races and the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh are both excellent choices. However, most air shows these days have special areas or events for youth.
All three air shows featured on this page have STEM zones and drone zones. Both of these features will be big hits with tweens and teens.
The EAA AirVenture has a section called KidVenture, which not only has fun, hands-on activities but includes instruction areas where children can log actual flight simulation instruction with a certified instructor or earn official FAA credit.
If you’ve got a future pilot on your hands, EAA AirVenture’s KidVenture is a great place.
Whether you’re interested in repairing or maintaining a propeller because it’s less expensive than replacing it or because the propeller you need is hard to find, Stockton Propeller can help you out.
They’ll also work with you to modify stock propellers for experimental aircraft or better performance. Contact Stockton Propeller today to find out how they can help you.