A Look at the 2021 Florida International Air Show


In just a few short weeks, the sound of aircraft will fill the air over Southwest Florida as the Florida International Air Show returns to the Punta Gorda Airport.  To help kick off the FIAS season, the board of directors hosted a celebration for sponsors and media to give a look at what this year's show has to offer.   Celebrating it's 40th anniversary, the 2021 Florida International Air Show will feature a star studded lineup featuring headliners from the US Air Force as well as top civilian acts.  

The main event of the show will be the F-16 Viper Demo team.  Based out of Shaw Air Force Base and piloted by Major Garret "Toro" Schmitz, the demo features the F-16 Fighting Falcon showcasing the speed and maneuverability of the Air Force's fighter.  Reaching speeds of Mach 2, the F-16 has been a major contributor to the air superiority since its introduction in 1979.  In addition to being part of the single ship demo team, the F-16 is also the aircraft used by the US Air Force Thunderbirds.


Also performing over Punta Gorda will be the C-17 East Coast Demo team.  Based out of Joint Base Charleston, the C-17 Globemaster III is a workhorse of the Air Mobility Command.  With a payload capacity of 170,990 the C-17 is a heavy lifter, moving crews and equipment across the globe to support the mission of the United States military.  With the ability to refuel mid-air, the range of the C-17 is truly global.  Mid-air refueling is also where the C-17 gets its nickname the Moose thanks to the sound made while refueling that resembles a moose.

Rounding out the military performers is the Special Operations Command Parachute Demo team.  Based at nearby MacDill Air Force Base, the paratroopers of the team represent the special operations divisions of all branches of the armed services.  The team performs in events across the globe showing the precision of the nation's special operators.


On the civilian performers side of the show, there are some of the best in the circuit performing at this year's show.  Scott Farnsworth will provide some jet noise as he performs in the L-29 Delphin, a jet trainer capable of reaching speeds of 500 miles per hour.  If you are looking for aerial acrobatics, Patty Wagstaff, Chef Pitts and Jim Pietz have you covered as they showcase some amazing acrobatics.  Rounding out the aerial performers are a few warbirds including the T-28 Trojan, FG1D Corsair and the SDB Dauntless.

In addition to the show in the air, there is also plenty to do on the ground.  The show will feature plenty of static displays, a kids area, lots of aviation themed shopping opportunities and great food including a food truck rally.

The 2021 Florida International Air Show will take place on October 16 and 17 at the Punta Gorda Airport. Tickets to the show can be purchased in advance and you can learn more about the show and its performers on the air shows website at www.floridaairshow.com.

As in year's past, I will be providing photos from the show so check back later for photos from the show.  This will be the tenth year we have provided photos from the show and I am looking forward to another great show!
Location: Punta Gorda Airport, 28000 A-1, Airport Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982, USA

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