St Louis Air Show Pics

[RhondaHonda]

Got back from a work trip last week and was excited to see a Blue Angel F-18 and a couple F-22s parked at the FBO.

We were parked really close to the F-18 and I was shocked by the size of that aircraft up close.

The F-22s are awesome too but I didn’t get as close.

The air show was great, I live close to KSUS so they fly right over while I hang in the pool. The next time it’s here I’ll buy tickets and take the kids.

 

[Astro14]

Pictures look great. I’m sorry that you have to buy tickets.

The Oceana airshow in Virginia Beach is free and open to the public.

Parking can be a bit challenging, as tens of thousands of people arrive on base that morning, but it doesn’t cost you anything

 

[97prizm]

Got back from a work trip last week and was excited to see a Blue Angel F-18 and a couple F-22s parked at the FBO.

We were parked really close to the F-18 and I was shocked by the size of that aircraft up close.

The F-22s are awesome too but I didn’t get as close.

The air show was great, I live close to KSUS so they fly right over while I hang in the pool. The next time it’s here I’ll buy tickets and take the kids.View attachment 342727View attachment 342728View attachment 342729

I'm not sure how airshows can charge the public and still get the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds. I set up an airshow for my local town in 2024 and the website states specifically that it must be free to the public. They also require all of their fuel bill to be covered and hotels for two nights. The FA/-18's don't look big on an aircraft carrier but are much bigger in person. That's a great Picture of the F-22.

 

[RhondaHonda]

I'm not sure how airshows can charge the public and still get the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds. I set up an airshow for my local town in 2024 and the website states specifically that it must be free to the public. They also require all of their fuel bill to be covered and hotels for two nights. The FA/-18's don't look big on an aircraft carrier but are much bigger in person. That's a great Picture of the F-22.

It sells out but there are tons of people that just park in nearby parking lots or setup on the levee and still get a great view.

They sell out of tickets every time. It’s worth buying an all-inclusive ticket if it’s hot as you get tent access and shade. General admission pricing…

 

[MolaKule]

Ok, this was at the Spirit of St.Louis airport in Chesterfield Mo. They're probably charging for parking and security, etc.

I know this airport well as my wife was a flying nurse who flew out of there frequently.

https://spirit-airshow.com/stem-expo-exhibitors/

"About Us
The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo® is a financially self-sufficient nonprofit organization that relies on ticket sales, corporate sales, donations and community support to offset cost of producing the event.

The Air Show has a positive impact on the City of Chesterfield, St. Louis County and the state of Missouri.

On behalf of the Spirit of St. Louis® Executive Committee, we would like to thank all of our sponsors, vendors, dedicated volunteers and fans for the continued support and patronage. It is their efforts and community involvement that keeps the air show flying."

 

[RhondaHonda]

Ok, this was at the Spirit of St.Louis airport in Chesterfield Mo. They're probably charging for parking and security, etc.

I know this airport well as my wife was a flying nurse who flew out of there frequently.

https://spirit-airshow.com/stem-expo-exhibitors/

"About Us
The Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo® is a financially self-sufficient nonprofit organization that relies on ticket sales, corporate sales, donations and community support to offset cost of producing the event.

The Air Show has a positive impact on the City of Chesterfield, St. Louis County and the state of Missouri.

On behalf of the Spirit of St. Louis® Executive Committee, we would like to thank all of our sponsors, vendors, dedicated volunteers and fans for the continued support and patronage. It is their efforts and community involvement that keeps the air show flying."

Yep. They’ve had one across the river at Scott Air Force Base in the past that we’ve gone to. I don’t remember if they charge or not for that.

Some of our friends live up on the ridge that overlooks Spirit and they have great views from their yards.

 

[Dave Hess]

Dang.

40+ years going to air shows and never paid for a ticket.

Nice photos.

 

[Marcozi]

Got back from a work trip last week and was excited to see a Blue Angel F-18 and a couple F-22s parked at the FBO.

We were parked really close to the F-18 and I was shocked by the size of that aircraft up close.

The F-22s are awesome too but I didn’t get as close.

The air show was great, I live close to KSUS so they fly right over while I hang in the pool. The next time it’s here I’ll buy tickets and take the kids.View attachment 342727View attachment 342728View attachment 342729

I remember the first time I saw an F14 in person. I was at NAS Oceana (Virginia Beach, VA) and I walked into one of the hangars. Holy XXXXXXXX! It was YUGE!

 

[y_p_w]

Dang.

40+ years going to air shows and never paid for a ticket.

Nice photos.

Only paid once. California International Airshow in Salinas in the late 90s. Wasn’t heavily attended, but the Blue Angels were featured. Also various static displays including the Royal Canadian Air Force with CF-18s. Still a fun show.

Everything else has been open. Mostly San Francisco Fleet Week, which is out in the public. Also some at military bases, which are almost always free to attend.

 

[rszappa1]

Yep. They’ve had one across the river at Scott Air Force Base in the past that we’ve gone to. I don’t remember if they charge or not for that.

Some of our friends live up on the ridge that overlooks Spirit and they have great views from their yards.

Scott AFB next air show is June 12-13th 2027...the Thunderbirds are expected..

 

[Astro14]

I remember the first time I saw an F14 in person. I was at NAS Oceana (Virginia Beach, VA) and I walked into one of the hangars. Holy XXXXXXXX! It was YUGE!

Yeah, it’s a big fighter. Like a muscle car from the 1960s - too big, too powerful, too hard to fly, but in the hands of the right driver - it was awesome.