FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. \u2014 The Fort Lauderdale Air Dot Show is underway, with locals and visitors ready for the action. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe kids love it. I used to come when I was a kid. I wanted to bring them so they can see,\u201d said South Florida resident Michael Dorry.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll hear the jets before you ever see them.<\/p>\n
The fast-moving fighters roar overhead, racing across the sky.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe planes are too fast to record. You got to keep up with them big time,\u201d said local Courtney Cardozo.<\/p>\n
When they finally come into view, it\u2019s nothing short of spectacular.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the first Thunderbirds, I think there were six of them. I think there was the Raptor jets, I think. It was pretty cool,\u201d Dorry said.<\/p>\n
Also on the program is a squad of Navy pilots flying F\/A-18 Super Hornets.<\/p>\n
Clifton \u201cMarv\u201d Helterbran, a South Florida native, is taking part in the air show for the first time. Helterbran will be calling the shots over the radio as a weapons specialist operator.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeed, a lot of speed, a lot of noise. It\u2019s great enthusiasm. Every single one of us loves what we do. That\u2019s why we\u2019re out here,\u201d Helterbran said.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s that enthusiasm \u2014 and speed \u2014 that drew families out a day early.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve enjoyed it. A little loud for the little one. They\u2019ve enjoyed it. It\u2019s a cool show for the little one,\u201d Dorry said.<\/p>\n
Local 10 spoke with Fort Lauderdale Air Dot Show spokesman Chris Dorado, who says crowds will be massive over the weekend.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I mean tens of thousands actually over the next, each day, both Saturday and Sunday,\u201d Dorado said. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be terrific event. You know, the weather is cooperating thanks to you meteorologists, so they performed the magic touch.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dorado highlighted the headlining acts, including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we\u2019re going to have a great event, you know, of course the headliners, US Air Force Thunderbirds, and that\u2019s everybody\u2019s fan favorite. They fly 18 inches apart in formation flying, so there\u2019s something to behold,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Local 10\u2019s Gabrielle Arzola pointed to the speed of the aircraft on display.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll actually hear them before you see them. And let\u2019s also keep in mind, fun fact, I looked this up, that F-18 can go a little over 11,100 mph.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dorado said the event carries added meaning this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I mean, and that\u2019s a big thing, you know, we have a heavy military flavor as a result of that, America\u2019s 250th birthday. It\u2019s a signature event and we\u2019re so happy to bring this great show to the fans of Fort Lauderdale and South Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also pointed to other aircraft in the lineup.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you know we have the F-22 Raptor, and they are. Maneuverable, the fastest and maneuverable fighter jet in the world,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd we have the F\/A-18 Super Hornet with the Navy, so the Red Bull Air Force is here. We have a little bit of everything for everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n
On viewing access, Dorado said beachgoers will have options.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, yeah, south of Sunrise, and you know premium viewing tickets are available,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo to the website and check out and see what\u2019s what\u2019s suitable for your budget or go on the free side of the beach and you know the beaches are going to be packed so it\u2019s going to be hot today. Make sure you hydrate, bring suntan lotion, but you\u2019re gonna have a great day watching these talented aviators,\u201d Dorado added. <\/p>\n