\u201cIt\u2019s the fastest, most maneuverable fighter jet in the world. It can supercruise at one and a half times the speed of sound without using fuel-consuming afterburner. It\u2019s really a crazy plane,\u201d said Chris Dirato, the show\u2019s director of public relations. \u201cWhat they do in the demo is just amazing. It almost stops in mid-air, somersaults and then goes back down and makes sharp, sudden turns.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dirato said not to sleep on the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet demo, which features dynamic maneuvers to highlight the aircraft\u2019s speed, agility and versatility. The Navy SEALs Leap Frogs will demonstrate elite skills through a high-altitude parachute demonstration with flawless timing and a precise landing.<\/p>\n
Stunt pilots include Galen Killam, Melissa Burns, the Racers Jet Team L-39 and John Black, who\u2019s based in Florida.<\/p>\n
![\"F\/A-18F](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/NPTWCF2PZRAKZBB6VSK7HE4G3Q.jpg\")
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John McCall \/ Sun Sentinel<\/p>\n
F\/A-18F Super Hornet performs during Fort Lauderdale Air Show at Fort Lauderdale Beach in 2018. (John McCall\/Sun Sentinel)<\/p>\n
Seeing performers from the U.S. Air Force and Navy can inspire pride in America among attendees at the family-friendly show.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe feeling of patriotism is very big. You\u2019re out there seeing folks who are protecting our freedom every day performing. They\u2019re showing the capabilities of these aircraft and the talented pilots that they are,\u201d Dirato said. \u201cIt\u2019s a great educational moment for kids. We consider our air shows family-friendly events, so we have tried to make it more of a festival-like atmosphere than just an air show.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"2016:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/7DNL44KZEFEIVPAPSSMRNQ3M6A.jpg\")
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Anthony Souffle\/Chicago Tribune<\/p>\n
Members of the Army Golden Knights and the Navy Leap Frogs parachute teams jump from a C-130 Hercules over North Avenue Beach as they perform in the annual Chicago Air and Water Show. (Anthony Souffle\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n
Another unique feature of the show is a drag race between the Air Dot Show Tour\u2019s custom high-performance Tesla Cybertruck and a P-51 Mustang, pitting electric torque against piston power.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, the Air Dot Show Tour kicked off in April at Cocoa Beach before heading to Fort Lauderdale in May and to the northern states this summer. Following the Orlando show, the tour heads to Atlanta and then returns to Florida for a special event at Kennedy Space Center Nov. 7-8.<\/p>\n
While the show is full of entertainment value, Dirato said it can also be an educational experience for visitors.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can be an educational moment for the kids because seeing an air show might inspire these kids to pursue a career in aviation or even the military. So I think that\u2019s very important,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Find me\u00a0@PConnPie on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or send me an email:\u00a0pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at\u00a0orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you go<\/p>\n The Orlando Air Show opens its gates at 9 a.m. on Sept. 26-27 at 1200 Red Cleveland Blvd. in \t\t\t
Sanford. Tickets start at $32 for general admission up to $179 for the Flight Line Club VIP section. The aerial portion of the show runs from noon-4 p.m. each day. Sunscreen, ear protection and up to one liter of sealed bottled water are allowed into the show, as well as chairs and a personal-sized umbrella for general admission. For more information about parking, what to bring and tickets, visit air.show<\/a>.<\/p>\n