Florida International Air Show: Pilot Lineups and Logistics for Punta Gorda Weekend
Clear skies forecast for two days of aerobatic displays at Punta Gorda Airport, where proceeds support local nonprofits.
By Alessia Desai ·
Approximately 500 volunteers are coordinating logistics for the Florida International Air Show, which returns to the Punta Gorda Airport on Saturday and Sunday. The event features nine performers, a shift from its former format that centered on military jet teams.
Steve Lineberry, the media and public relations director for the Florida International Air Show, stated that the current roster consists of civilian pilots performing aviation stunts. He described the change as a move from a single military demonstration to a diverse lineup of nine acts.
The event schedule begins with gates opening at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Military recruits will take their oaths of enlistment at 11 a.m. on that day. Aerobatic performances are scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Organizers have designated three parking areas for attendees. The purple lot, situated between Airport Road and Piper Road, serves as the general parking area. The brown lot at 26300 Airport Road is reserved for accessible parking and requires a valid placard. The pink lot on Challenger Blvd. is available for sponsors and holders of preferred parking passes. Ticket prices include parking costs and remain fixed at the gate.
Adult admission is priced at $50.77, while children pay $18.33. Veterans and active duty military members pay $43.20, and seniors aged 62 and older pay $45.37. General and premium tickets are available on the FIAS website. Proceeds from the event will go to local nonprofits.
The performance roster includes Bill Culberson in a MiG-17 620, a fighter jet developed during the Cold War. Jeff Linebaugh, a former U.S. Air Force trainer, will fly a Socata TB-30 Epsilon, a French training aircraft. Aarron Deliu will pilot an Extra 330SC. The lineup also features Red Bull pilot Kevin Coleman, the Chuters Jump Team, and the Franklins Flying Circus.
On the ground, attendees can visit the Innovation STEM Pavilion, which hosts booths from local schools, colleges, and businesses. Deelynn Bennett, the STEM Pavilion coordinator, noted that high school students will assist younger visitors with flight simulators. Other attractions include a Ninja Nation obstacle course, Precision Exotics supercars, and static displays of aircraft such as the Mooney Anomaly, Alenia C-27J Spartan, Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk, and T-6A Texan II. Fifteen food trucks will be present to serve the crowd.
Clear skies are expected for the weekend, prompting organizers to advise attendees to apply sunscreen and insect repellent before boarding the airport shuttles. Water is recommended for hydration, though multiple food trucks and booths will sell drinks. Tents provide shade, and airflow-friendly clothing is suggested for the outdoor grass setting. The event location is 28000 A-1 Airport Road.
