There’s bad luck and then there’s really bad luck. Sadly, such has been true yet again for the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach. However, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the three-day airshow went on nevertheless. Huge credit must be given to the organizers and the participants for what turned out to be a great, world-class airshow, despite the last-minute withdrawal from the show of the U.S. Armed Forces, due to the shutdown of the Federal Government over yet another budget crisis (this was also the reason for the cancellation of the 2013 MCAS Miramar Air Show, the day before it was scheduled to begin).
I attended the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach on Friday — the first day of this three-day event. The weather was absolutely beautiful, as was the setting for the show —the Pacific Ocean and the beach, by the Huntington Beach Pier. The audience — including many who watched the event for free on the shoreline — was spread out along the beach, which provided great views of the airshow.
Lyon Air Museum’s B-25J Mitchell “Guardian of Freedom” WWII bomber
(Jan Wagner)
In addition to a variety of hospitality options, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) and other exhibits, a Kids’ Zone, food, merchandise, and chilling on the beach and in the ocean, Friday’s full schedule of aerobatic performers included: Anthony Oshinuga, flying the Pitts S1; the Dawn Patrol RV Formation Demo, flying seven Vans RV aircraft; Aaron Fitzgerald, flying the Red Bull helicopter; Emma McDonald from Australia, flying the Extra 330L; The Goodyear Blimp; Luke Czepiela from Poland, demonstrating the unbelievable ability of his STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) airplane to land on and takeoff from an extremely short stretch of beach; a TBM-3E Avenger WWII torpedo bomber, from Ace Maker Airshows; a North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco, once a light attack and observation aircraft and now used by CAL FIRE for firefighting; Lyon Air Museum’s B-25J Mitchell “Guardian of Freedom” WWII bomber; Undaunted Airshows’ Vans RV7 and Vans RV8; Torry Ward, flying the Subsonex Microjet; the Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team; Greg Colyer, flying a T-33 Shooting Star; a Grumman Albatross, that simulated a water landing with a touch-and-go; Kirby Chambliss, flying a Red Bull Air Force EDGE 540 (see previous coverage in “AutoMatters & More” of Kirby Chambliss flying years ago in San Diego in the Red Bull Air Race: https://automatters.net/red-bull-air-race-world-championship-returns-to-san-diego/ and https://automatters.net/2007-red-bull-air-race-world-series-round-9-san-diego-ca/); John Collver, flying the T-6 Wardog; and, for the grand finale, the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds demonstration team, performing awe-inspiring aerobatics.
Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team
(Jan Wagner)
Unfortunately, the Scaled Composites Proteus and Sierra could not fly as scheduled on Friday, due to the wind.
As mentioned in my introduction, this airshow has had more than its fair share of setbacks over the years. The Sunday portion of the 2021 Huntington Beach Airshow was cancelled at the last-minute, due to an oil spill off of the Huntington Beach coast.
Then last year, in 2024, very low cloud cover over the airshow prevented most of the aircraft from flying — because their aerobatics would not have been seen. Nevertheless, the USAF Thunderbirds flew over the cloud layer. I heard that people inland were able to see and enjoy their performance.
Grumman Albatross water landing
(Jan Wagner)
With regards to the changes to this year’s airshow, this announcement was published on the Pacific Airshow website:
“Dear Fans of Pacific Airshow,With the current U.S. Government shutdown, we have been advised that U.S. military assets will not be able to participate in this year’s event. While this is certainly disappointing news, we are excited to share that Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach will continue as scheduled this Friday through Sunday with an outstanding lineup of world-class domestic and international performances.
“This year’s show will feature the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Royal Air Force Falcons (UK), Aaron Fitzgerald flying the Red Bull BO-105, the historic B-29 “Doc,” Emma McDonald (Australia), Luke Czepiela, and many others.
“Fans can look forward to full days of thrilling performances, exciting activations, and the one-of-a-kind camaraderie and beach party atmosphere that Pacific Airshow is known for. We can’t wait to welcome you to the beach for another unforgettable weekend.Very Truly Yours,
Kevin Elliott”
Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds
(Jan Wagner)
To learn more about the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach, and to watch for announcements about the 2026 show, visit https://pacificairshowusa.com.
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