Nellis Air Force Base is in the final weeks of preparation for Aviation Nation 2010 to be held on November 13th and 14th. The event is a Las Vegas local favorite held every year and is the last performance of the year for the USAF Thunderbirds.
The action packed Aviation Nation is a Las Vegas tradition for families from around the Las Vegas Valley and attracts visitors from as far away as Canada and Australia every year. The price is right for the admission to Aviation Nation which is free. Aside from the performances of the United States Air Force precision flying team the Thunderbirds, there will be plenty of action throughout the day at Aviation Nation for children and adults alike.
Directions & Best Places to Park & Enter Aviation Nation on Nellis Air Force Base
Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be the main parking lot for visitors attending Aviation Nation. Everyone arriving from most areas of Las Vegas should use Interstate 15 and proceed to the Speedway Boulevard Exit. Once on Las Vegas Motor Speedway grounds there will be plenty of signs and Nevada Highway Patrolman directing traffic to the East side of the Speedway. Once in the parking lot, shuttles will transport Aviation Nation attendees to Nellis Air Force Base.
If at all possible do not arrive to the East Las Vegas Motor Speedway via Las Vegas Boulevard for Aviation Nation. This is for security reasons. The Nellis Air Force Base would like to keep much of the traffic flowing from interstate 15 to the Speedway Boulevard exit.
Schedule for Aviation Nation Shows & Demonstrations of Interest
8 a.m. Parking Lots Open at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
It is a good idea to arrive early. All parking for Aviation Nation will be located at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and shuttles will be provided. To avoid traffic delays plan on arriving early and leaving late.
9 a.m. Nellis Air Force Base Opens to the Publicfor Aviation Nation
Shuttles will begin taking Aviation Nation spectators to the front gates of Nellis Air Force Base at 8:45 AM. Plan the trip out to arrive for parking in the Las Vegas Speedway parking lot before 8 AM so it is possible to make it over to Nellis Air Force Base on one of the first shuttles to avoid much of the pedestrian traffic.
9:55 a.m. Opening Ceremonies for Aviation Nation with Wings of Blue Parachute Jump and Flyby
A spectacular parachute demonstration and a flyby that is unforgettable are worth the price of admission and getting out of bed early to see the opening of Aviation Nation.
10:30 a.m. Gregory Colyer T-33 Demo
This a demonstration from a flight training school that not only gives flying lessons but they also take up regular citizens for a flying experience. The name of the flying squad is Ace Makers and they will be performing a 10-15 minute routine while completing 9-10 passes. This begins the series of demonstrations for Aviation Nation.
10:40 a.m. Ed Hamill Demonstration
Ed Hamill is an air show veteran from Arizona that performs and average of 16 air shows a year. This year at Aviation he will performing two death defying acrobatic shows above the main tarmac and surrounding areas of Nellis Air Force Base. Hamill could be the civilian show stealer for Aviation Nation.
11 a.m. KC-135 Flyby
The KC-135 Strato Tanker is the key to getting Air Force fighter jets over long distances without stopping to refuel. The mammoth KC-135 Strato Tanker can take off at a weight of 322,500 pounds and is capable of refueling two jets in the air at once. When the gargantuan plane makes a low flyby along the deck at Aviation Nation be prepared for the ground to rumble. Always a favorite with the kids at Aviation Nation also.
12:10 p.m. U.S. Navy F/A-18C Demo
The F/A-18 Hornet is the country’s first strike-fighter and these sleek modern marvels of aviation are always a favorite of Aviation Nation attendees.The Navy fighters can land on a moving aircraft carrier deck in the dark as easily as they can target a 10 by 10 foot installation miles in the distance.The F/A Hornet Demonstration will be one of the Aviation Nation highlights.
12:35 p.m. Tim Weber Geico 300 Demonstration
Tim Weber is another air show veteran with a reputation for impressing crowds. Aviation Nation will be Tim Weber’s last performance of the 2010 air show season and he will no doubt pull out all the stops for this one.
1:10 p.m. U.S. Air Force F-22A Demonstration
The F-22A Raptor is the latest and great jet fighter in the United States military arsenal. The demonstration by the Air Force flight team is a can’t miss demonstration that is the last show before the pomp and circumstance of the USAF Thunderbirds ground show.
2:00 p.m. U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Ground Show
The final two shows of the USAF Thunderbirds for the 2010 air show season will begin with a the traditional ground show. Many Aviation Nation attendees may have never witnessed the ground show before and it is well worth the effort to watch near the tarmac.
2:30 p.m. U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Air Demonstration
Anyone that has not witnessed the USAF Thunderbirds breathtaking show will be in for a treat. The Thunderbirds are the unmistakable headliners of Aviation Nation. The acrobatic moves mere feet above the ground and the G force defying rolls into upper atmosphere create a show that will not be forgotten.
3:15 to 3:45 p.m. U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Autograph Session
A half hour autograph session featuring the Thunderbird pilots immediately follows the show and gives children and adults alike an opportunity to meet the Thunderbirds up close and personal. This is also a good way to avoid the crush of Aviation Nation attendees flooding into the shuttle buses.
4:00 p.m. Displays & Nellis Air Force Base Gates Closed
If not attending the autograph session head to the shuttle bus early. The parking lot will close at 5:00 p.m. at Las Vegas Motor Speedway but they will be lenient for those that Aviation Nation attendees that missed the early shuttle bus trips.
5:00 p.m. Las Vegas Motor Speedway Parking Lot Closes
sources:
www.nellis.af.mil
