Aviation Nation Flies Into Las Vegas

Aviation Nation is one of the coolest events for any plane loving geek in Southern Nevada. Every year, Nellis Air Force Base opens up its doors for the public to see and experience what the Air Force does on a daily basis.

Nellis Air Force Base:

A very brief background. Here, pilots from all over the world (yes, world) train in a variety of aircraft and for a variety of missions- mostly in the desert. You can assume where they’re training to be deployed. It’s also home to the Air Force’s Weapon School. Think “Top Gun” of the Air Force. 

The Show:

Ok, now that we got that out of the way. Here’s how my day in the sun went down.

Walking off the bus and onto the flight line at the air show is awe inspiring. You see so many people, aircraft displays and shows of force (from the planes, not the people). The first plane you see is the Galaxy C-5. If you’ve never seen this plane up close then you’re missing out. Think of it as a 747 on steroids.

This year’s static displays selection included mostly military aircraft ranging from fighter jets, surveillance aircraft and trainers. There was a small selection of general aviation aircraft which is more my speed. But nothing other than the Air Force’s B-2 bomber made me drool. This stealth bomber comes with a cost of nearly a billion dollars a piece! It can carry all sorts of armament and is an aircraft that shows air superiority.  Here’s more about the B2.

The other half of Aviation Nation is dedicated to showing off what the Air Force can do. There were several demonstrations. The coolest one to me besides the Thunderbirds’ performance was a demo flight of the C-17. This high-wing cargo jet was put through its paces. Pilots completed a short field take off, high G turns, and a short field landing.  Other demonstrations showed off the capability of the A-10, F-15’s, and World War II vintage aircraft. The show comes to a flying end when the Air Force’s Thunderbirds take off and perform an arial display for all to admire.

I skipped out of last year’s Aviation Nation for what I’m sure was a valid reason then. Nellis Air Force Base is keeping things exciting though and I’m excited to see what next year brings.

Click here to see more pictures from 2011 Aviation Nation posted on my flikr site.