After coming off the high of AirVenture, where airshows feel like the ultimate way to recreate, it’s hard to imagine anything better than balmy nights, the wonder of flight, and cheese curd tacos. For many of us, the airshow season is a time to embrace the camaraderie, spectacle, and pure joy that flying brings.
Here in Texas, we’re right in the thick of local airshow season. A couple of weeks ago, we helped host Dove Fest at TX88, our home airfield. With three well-maintained grass runways, the turnout was exceptional. Even better, we raised $20,000 for the Rising Star Volunteer Fire Department. This small-town team of heroes has been pivotal in helping the community through fires, floods, and even rescuing cats from trees. In recent years, with devastating fires and floods, they’ve been the glue holding the community together.
Up Next: 17th Annual Ranger’s Old School Fly-In & Airshow
Next on the calendar is the 17th Annual Ranger’s Old School Fly-In & Airshow from October 4-6. The Airspace crew will be there, and we’re excited for another unforgettable weekend. The event promises three days of classic and modern aircraft, regional food vendors, and some of the best performers in the area.
Saturday evening’s fire pit gathering is always a highlight—bring your favorite drink and relax with a few hundred of your fellow pilots. For those flying in, entry is free. If you’re driving, there’s a small fee, but kids always get in for free. If you plan to camp in an RV, be sure to contact the airfield ahead of time to secure a spot.
Aerobatic Displays: The Ultimate Airshow Experience
While we all love flying in and catching up with friends old and new, for many attendees, especially kids, the real highlight is the aerobatic displays. These performers and their aircraft have reached cult status among fans. Pilots who can master the 10G’s of these incredible machines are truly in a league of their own.
We recently sold a Gamebird GB1, the only certified aerobatic composite aircraft. It’s a hand-built engineering marvel capable of both cross-country adventures and high-performance aerobatics. It’s part of a very small class of elite aerobatic aircraft, with only a handful ever made. In the coming weeks, a Giles G-202 and the only flying Extra 260 in the USA will join the market plus another GB1. And don’t overlook versatile aircraft like the Yak 18, which isn’t built solely for aerobatics but can perform them with ease.
Be a Part of the Cult Icon Status
If you want to inspire the next generation and maybe even join the ranks of aerobatic legends in the eyes of kids, pursuing aerobatics is the way to go. Better yet, bring your children to a local airshow. It’s the perfect environment to plant the seeds of a lifelong love of aviation. With each loop, roll, and dive, you’re inspiring future aviators.
As airshow season winds down, there’s no better time to enjoy the final events, make memories with fellow aviators, and inspire the next wave of aviation enthusiasts.