News Summary
The Pacific Airshow is being held in Huntington Beach despite the absence of military participation due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Organizers have worked to ensure a successful event, attracting large crowds with a lineup of aerial performances, including various aircraft showcases. Attendees enjoyed the beautiful weather and a range of activities despite the challenges faced, including past cancellations. The airshow promises future collaborations with Canadian and British military teams for upcoming editions, highlighting community spirit and fun along the beach.
Huntington Beach is hosting the Pacific Airshow from Friday through Sunday, despite the absence of military participation due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. This shutdown results from a budget crisis affecting federal funding, which has led to the withdrawal of the U.S. Armed Forces from the event.
This last-minute cancellation is reminiscent of past events, particularly the 2013 MCAS Miramar Air Show, which faced similar disruptions. Despite this setback, the organizers and participants have worked diligently to deliver a successful airshow, attracting large crowds and providing an exciting experience.
The Pacific Airshow is touted as the largest air show in the U.S. by attendance, and attendees flocked to the event, many viewing the performances for free from the Huntington Beach Pier and surrounding areas. With beautiful weather enhancing the experience, spectators were able to engage in various activities including hospitality options, STEM exhibits, a Kids’ Zone, food stalls, and merchandise stands.
Friday’s schedule featured a variety of aerial performances, showcasing the skills of numerous pilots and their aircraft. Notable acts included:
- Anthony Oshinuga flying the Pitts S1.
- The Dawn Patrol RV Formation Demo with seven Vans RV aircraft.
- Aaron Fitzgerald performing with a Red Bull helicopter.
- Emma McDonald from Australia in the Extra 330L.
- The Goodyear Blimp.
- Luke Czepiela demonstrating a STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) airplane.
- A TBM-3E Avenger WWII torpedo bomber from Ace Maker Airshows.
- A North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco used by CAL FIRE.
- The Lyon Air Museum’s B-25J Mitchell WWII bomber.
- Undaunted Airshows’ Vans RV7 and RV8.
- Torry Ward with the Subsonex Microjet.
- The Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team.
- Greg Colyer in a T-33 Shooting Star.
- A Grumman Albatross simulating a water landing.
- Kirby Chambliss flying the Red Bull Air Force EDGE 540.
- John Collver piloting the T-6 Wardog.
- The grand finale featuring the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds.
However, not all scheduled aircraft were able to participate; the Scaled Composites Proteus and Sierra were grounded due to high winds.
The Pacific Airshow has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including a cancellation due to an oil spill in 2021 and visibility issues caused by fog the previous year. Organizers communicated the changes resulting from the government shutdown to the public via the Pacific Airshow website, expressing disappointment but also excitement over the remaining acts in the schedule.
Looking ahead, the Pacific Airshow has lined up Canadian and British military teams as well as private performers for the 2025 edition, in light of the absence of U.S. military assets. While the welcome ceremony initially planned for at the Joint Forces Training Base was also canceled due to the shutdown, the event continues to emphasize community camaraderie and a festive atmosphere by the beach.
Attendees and airshow enthusiasts can find details about future shows, including the upcoming 2026 edition, on the Pacific Airshow website, where they can stay informed about the latest developments and plans for next year’s lineup.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union Tribune
- CBS News
- KTLA
- Los Angeles Times
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Pacific Airshow
- Google Search: Huntington Beach Pacific Airshow
- Google Scholar: Huntington Beach Air Show
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pacific Airshow
- Google News: Huntington Beach Airshow
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COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
