Parades, Planes, Playgrounds, And More At The 2018 Wings Over North Georgia Air Show

  • Thursday, September 27, 2018
C-17
C-17

The seventh annual Wings Over North Georgia Air Show is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Air show performances will include 70-year old warbirds, a fifth-generation fighter jet, skydivers, jet cars, world-renowned aerobatic performers, and a 45-minute reenactment of the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. The air show will be Oct. 13-14, in Rome, Ga.

 

On the ground, there is even more to enjoy. One of the favorite activities each year is the static display area.  Kids of all ages will have the opportunity to view, tour, and learn more about military and personal aircraft.  Spectators will be able to walk through and around multiple aircraft large enough to transport a school bus or even multiple buses.  The static aircraft display area will serve as a temporary museum showcasing more than 50 aircraft on the hot ramp and fan areas. The oldest aircraft date back to WWII and will be joined by a few behemoth current military transporters.

 

There is a sense of amazement when standing inside a 450,000 lb. Lockheed C-5 Galaxy transporter.  Specializing in transporting oversized loads, the C-5 is the largest military aircraft in the world and is rarely on display outside of military base events.  Air show fans can’t help but be overwhelmed as they enter the bay door at the tail of the aircraft and walk almost 250 feet to reach the exit at the nose of the plane.  

 

Also manufactured by Lockheed, the slightly older and much leaner C-130 Hercules will be available for tours.  Weighing in at a mere 115,000 pounds (operational weight) the 97-foot-long aircraft is one of the most versatile workhorses. It is used as a military gunship, for aerial refueling, search and rescue missions, and aerial firefighting.  

 

Not to be outdone by Lockheed, Boeing enters the mix of giant aircraft on display with the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.  One of the more recently designed tactical airlifters , the C-17 commonly performs tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world, medical evacuations, and airdrop duties.  The aircraft is nearly as wide (169.8 ft wingspan) as it is long (174 ft), yet cruises along at speeds exceeding 500 mph.  

The newest and most powerful participant in the display area won’t arrive from the air as it is a land-bound powerhouse TUG ALPHA 4.  The state-of-the-art tractor will be a critical element in pushing and towing the giant military aircraft to construct the display area.  The ALPHA 4 was designed to move large aircraft including the Airbus A340 and Boeing 747.  The design focuses on serviceability and safety while simplifying operations.  The elevating front cab includes windows on all sides and above the swiveling driver’s seat a to offer full range visibility. 

In addition to touring the display area, daily armbands are available for youngsters wishing to spend time in the Kids Zone. For a low flat-rate cost, kids can enjoy endless bouncing, climbing and riding activities in the aviation-themed play area.  For those who enjoy shopping, a number of vendors and sponsors will be onsite during the show.  

 

The highlight for the show is JLC AirShow Management’s signature event, the Veterans Parade of Honor.  Veterans and active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces will be honored in a military tribute parade on Saturday and Sunday just prior to the demonstrations for the F-22 Raptor, A-10 Warthog, and re-enactment of the Pearl Harbor attack by Tora! Tora! Tora!.  

 

Officials said, “We hosted our first Veteran’s Tribute Parade in 2014.  We’ve been amazed at how much this event has grown over the years.  More than 500 former and active-duty members across all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces marched in front of more than 80,000 cheering spectators during the 2017 air show.  We make a special effort to honor and show our appreciation for those who sacrifice so much for our country and for our freedom.”

 

For those interested in arriving early and enjoying both days of flying action, onsite camping options are available.  Premium seating and advance tickets for the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show can also be purchased online at www.WingsOverNorthGeorgia.com. There are also options for on-site reserved airport parking, family four-packs of tickets, box seating, patio seating, and chalet experiences.  Airport and remote parking lots will open at 8 a.m. with the gates opening to guests at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  The opening ceremonies will kick-off each day at noon and will be followed by the first flying performances at 12:30 p.m.

Latest Headlines
Travel
Tennessee RiverLine Announces 3 New Communities Enrolled In Tennessee RiverTowns Program
  • 2/23/2024

The Tennessee RiverLine announced Lawrence County, Al.; Calloway County, Ky.; and Dayton, Tn., as the 2024 cohort of the Tennessee RiverTowns Program. Now comprised of 22 enrolled communities, ... more

The Facts About New Lookout Mountain Hotel At McLemore Development
  • 2/22/2024

The Official Name: is Cloudland Lookout Mountain a Curio Collection by Hilton; however, it is shortened in regular use to Cloudland at McLemore Resort or Cloudland. Amenities: 245-room ... more

National Geographic Photo Ark Exhibition Coming To The Tennessee Aquarium March 1
  • 2/21/2024

When it comes to their names, some animals could use a better publicist because, to the unfamiliar ear,there’s little about “River Chub” or “Least Rasbora” that spurs the imagination or sparks ... more