Fasten your seatbelts: AIRSHO has arrived
If you are a gearhead and like loud, fast machines and seeing feats you never thought an airplane could pull off, then you’re going to love AIRSHO, according to Taylor Stevenson.
Stevenson will be among the Commemorative Air Force volunteer pilots who’ll take to the skies today and Sunday for the 31st running of AIRSHO at Midland International Air & Space Port. Tickets go for just $5, and general parking is $10.
“Or, if you’re like me, and you just love the history behind these aircraft, there is something for everyone out here, so I encourage everyone here in the Permian Basin to come out to the High Sky Wing AIRSHO,” Stevenson said.
Gates open on both days at 9 a.m., with the flying beginning at 11:15 a.m. and the show concluding at 3 p.m.
Russell Royce, aka the “Air Boss” who heads up the annual event, is encouraging West Texans to join the fun.
“You’re going to be seeing fast-moving jets, you’re going to be seeing vintage airplanes,” Royce said.
The PT-19 is one of Royce’s absolute favorites.
“There’s no gizmos or gadgets in it, it’s real flying, no computers, everything flown by hand,” Royce said. “You really got to fly the airplane.”
In addition to jets, there will be a jet car at AIRSHO that will go screaming down the runway at 300 mph, Royce said. There’ll be airplanes flying in formation, and stunt planes flipping upside down.
There’ll also be plenty to do on the ground, such as kids activities, a Chevron STEM Zone, exhibitors and vendors. The Midland Army Air Field Museum will be open.
“It is going to be an absolute blast,” he said.
Chevron is AIRSHO’s presenting sponsor this year. The event pays tribute to the rich history of aviation and innovation in the Permian Basin, a region that continues to play an important role in energizing the nation and world.
“We’re really excited to be the sponsor of this year’s AIRSHO,” said Ryder Booth, Vice President of the Mid-Continent Business Unit. “It’s just a great connection between the history of the Permian, the industry, and the war effort that took place. The pilots will tell you, high octane gas really led to an advantage during WWII.”
For more information, visit the AIRSHO website here.
