AirFest cleared for takeoff
Grounded after 9/11, the MacDill exhibition goes full throttle this weekend to awe spectators and even make a few grown men cry.
The AirFest will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call (813) 828-4163. Here's the schedule (subject to change) for both days:
8 a.m. Gates open
8-8:40 a.m. Radio control model aircraft demonstration
9 a.m. U.S. Special Operations jump/opening ceremonies
9:05 a.m. National anthem
9:20 a.m. KC-135 flyby, 6th Air Mobility Wing welcome
9:50-10:20 a.m. Joint Communication Support Element static line jump
10:30-10:45 a.m. Sailplane demonstration
10:45-11:00 a.m. T-6 demonstration
11-11:15 a.m. B-25 flyover
11:15-11:30 a.m. F-104 demonstration
11:35-11:45 a.m. F-14 demonstration
11:45-Noon F-16 demonstration
Noon-12:20 p.m. P-51 demonstration
12:20-12:35 p.m. F-15 demonstration
12:35-12:45 p.m. F-16, P-51, F-15 heritage flyby
12:45-1 p.m. Pitts Special demonstration
1:10-1:25 p.m. Extra 300 demonstration
1:25-1:40 p.m. SU-31 demonstration
1:40-2 p.m. B-2, F-117 flyover
2-2:15 p.m. Cyclone demonstration
2:15-2:45 p.m. U.S. Special Operations Command jump
3-5 p.m. Blue Angels demonstration
VISITOR TIPS
OH, BEHAVE! This is the first time MacDill has been open to the general public since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Plus, the AirFest is extremely popular, usually attracting crowds of about a half-million people. So between the security and the crowds, you'll need your patience and good humor.
GETTING IN: All visitors must use either the MacDill or Dale Mabry gates. The Bayshore Boulevard gate is open only to base personnel and housing residents. Drivers must have a valid driver's license. All vehicles entering the event may be searched.
WHAT NOT TO BRING: No coolers and no weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, are permitted. Pets, other than guide dogs for the blind, are not allowed. Scooters, skates, skateboards, bikes or remote-controlled vehicles or toys are not permitted.
WHAT TO BRING: Backpacks, purses and bags are allowed, but they will be searched. There's no shade out there, so bring water and sunscreen and wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Smoking is allowed, but not within 50 feet of aircraft. You may bring folding chairs and regular-sized umbrellas, but not big beach umbrellas.
WHAT YOU CAN BUY: Food, drinks and souvenirs will be for sale on site. Bring cash; there are no ATMs on the base.
BOATERS ALERT: Thinking of taking in the show by water? Remember the 1,000-foot buffer zone in Tampa Bay around the base, which will be enforced by numerous patrol boats.
