Going Places with Dina Guzzardo
The Atlantic City Air Show, otherwise known as “Thunder Over the Boardwalk”, has been one of the highlights of the year since it first started back in 2003. It has now become one of the biggest airshows in North America, and it is famous for the fact it takes place over our amazing boardwalk and is usually on a Wednesday. This year’s show is set to take place on Wednesday August 24th, starting at 11am. The theme is “A Salute to Those Who Serve”, and the organizers have an exciting line up of experienced aviation professionals to showcase a myriad of incredible aerial stunts.
This year’s lineup begins with third-generation pilot, Chris Thomas, who has been piloting planes since he was 17 years old. Now, he has more than 20,000 hours of logged flight time in over 105 different types of aircraft. Chris flies a 1941 North American SNJ-2, an aircraft with substantial historical significance because it was used as an advanced trainer by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corp to train “The Greatest Generation” during WWII and the Korean War. Only 61 of these models were ever made, and fewer than 10 are still flying today around the world.
The Full Throttle Formationteam from Atlanta, Georgia, are the largest precision formation air show team in America and are performing at this year’s AC Air Show. The pilots boast more than 300,000 hours of combined flight experience in military and commercial aircrafts. They ultimately want to inspire a new generation of aviation enthusiasts to become pilots, and they provide education to those wanting to pursue aviation careers.
Another impressive vessel to be in attendance will be the F/A-18F Super Hornet, a twin engine, carrier capable, multirole fighter aircraft. Its original vessel was designed and initially produced by McDonnell Douglas and first flew in 1995. After McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing in 1997, it entered fleet service with the U.S. Navy in 1999. The Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron 106 is the Navy’s East Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron, and they will be bringing two F/A-18s to AC to demonstrate maneuvers used in training and combat flights.
Dougherty Airshows are led by Paul Dougherty, a pilot who has been flying in airshows since 1998 with over 23,000 logged hours. He flies a 230 horsepower Christen Eagle or 1930 Great Lakes while playing modern tunes and performing torque rolls, tails slides, and tumbles. His operation would not be possible without his personal announcer and daughter, Caroline. The father-daughter duo love interacting with crowds and answering questions before and after every performance and are a performance not to be missed!
Jim Beasley is a seasoned pilot who will be bringing a P-51 Mustang, an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fight bomber that was used during World War II, the Korean War, and other conflicts. Beasley is a plaintiff attorney, M.D, and motocross racer as well as a very skilled pilot. He is one of the highest time current Mustang pilots in the world, and it is an absolute treat that we will get to see him display his talent on August 24th.
One of the most anticipated acts of the day will undoubtedly be the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, or the Thunderbirds. They plan and present precision aerial maneuvers to exhibit the capabilities of modern, high-performance aircraft and the high degree of professional skill required to operate them. They fly a Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon which is one of the world’s best precision tactical bombers and air-to-air combat aircraft. A Thunderbirds air demonstration comprises a mix of formation flying and solo routines.
Finally, The Golden Knights, who have conducted more than 16,000 shows in 50 states and 48 countries, are one of only three Department of Defense-sanctioned aerial demonstration teams. They perform impressive skydiving displays, often enlisting soldiers, celebrities, and heads of state to accompany them. The team, comprising approximately 95 people, perform at more than 100 events per year.
The event can be seen from all beaches along Atlantic City, and parking is available in various locations across the city. More information can be found at: https://airshow.acchamber.com/airshow-parking/. There are also several premium viewing locations with unique vantage points. Only seats in The Vue at the Claridge Hotel (starting at $59 and including an all you can eat buffet) and The Flightline Club ($75 including unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and an all you can eat lunch). More information and links to buy tickets can be found at: https://airshow.acchamber.com/premium-viewing-areas/.
This show is great for everyone, not just aviation lovers. The skill that is required of these pilots is something that can be admired by all, and it is a great way to spend the day with family before the end of the summer break.
Dina Guzzardo is the President and Executive Promoter of Dina Media Group LLC. Dina Media Group is an innovative cutting edge event production and marketing company that produces and promotes large events as well as a talent agency that manages some incredible talent.www.dinamediagroup.com
