Nevada Air Shows

Autumn aviation events are right at home in the Silver State’s wild blue yonder.

By NEVADA MAGAZINE | September/October 2012

Photo: Historic Wendover Air Show

Nevada’s boundless skies practically beg to be filled with barrel-rolling planes, crisscrossing contrails, and the roar of jet engines. From fly-ins and air races to open houses and air shows, Nevada is home to some of the country’s most unique and popular aviation events.

The Lyon County Fly-In, October 6-7 at Silver Springs Regional Airport, promotes aviation with an eye toward education and interaction between pilots and flight enthusiasts. In its 16th year, the fly-in is dedicated to antique aircraft and modern military and firefighting planes.

In 2011, the event was attended by thousands of spectators and more than 70 pilots, and 208 Young Eagles earned their wings by logging their first flights. Organizers expect the 2012 event to draw more than 5,000 people with a variety-filled schedule that includes demonstrations, the Young Eagles First Flight program, special NASA exhibits, live entertainment, food, crafts, raffles, and the largest array of flying machines in Northern Nevada.

The fly-in is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and the Air Ranch Breakfast is offered from 7-10 a.m. each day and is free to pilots who fly in. lyoncountyflyin.com, 775-887-1294

Reno’s National Championship Air Races and Air Show will take to the skies for its 49th year, September 12-16. The event, held at Reno Stead Airport, is the last of its kind and an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. High-flying action from a bygone era comes courtesy of six racing classes, the always-popular pit, static aircraft displays, and military and civilian flight demonstrations. There are three heats for each class daily. In between the heats is a world-class airshow. airraces.org, 775-972-6663

The Historic Wendover Airfield, once home to the World War II B-29 Bomber unit responsible for dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, hosts the annual Historic Wendover Air Show on Saturday, September 22. The schedule of events includes viewings of vintage WWII aircraft, aerial acrobatics, and performances by the Silver Wing Wingwalkers. wendoverairbase.com

Nellis Air Force Base calls its annual open house and air show one of the most diverse aviation events in America and one of the largest public events in Nevada. Aviation Nation, November 10-11, celebrates 71 years of airpower in Las Vegas and the Air Force’s accomplishments in air, space, and cyberspace. Several military air demonstration teams, including the world famous Thunderbirds, are scheduled to perform, and ground displays will depict the history of American aviation. nellis.af.mil/aviationnation, 702-652-1110