Valiant Air Command’s TICO Airshow Begins Friday, Will Run Through Sunday In Titusville

at Space Coast Regional Airport

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – Those magnificent men – and women – with their flying machines are back for the 39th annual version of Valiant Air Command’s Airshow at Space Coast Regional Airport.

The feats of flight begin Friday and run through Sunday, with formation flying that include an awesome foursome of T-6 trainers from the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team.

“They’re old girls dressed in new outfits,” said Aerobatic Team member Gene McNeely referring to the snappily painted former training aircraft from World War II.

Although more than 75 years old, the old girls still get plenty of air action doing loop-de-loops and barrels in close formation.

Always crowd pleasers, the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team will perform daily at the Airshow, with an additional twilight flight on Friday, when the first day of the show concludes with fireworks, pyrotechnics and live music.

Simulated dogfights, parachute jumps, static aircraft displays, military re-enactores, firepower demonstrations, flight simulators and even a display of ultra-cool cars such as vintage Lamborghinis are part of the fun that also includes a kids’ carnival zone, food vendors and gift shop.

Guests can actually fly aboard some of these true aircraft “heroes,” such as a 1968 Huey helicopter that took part in the Vietnam War. Like many of the lovingly restored aircraft, the Huey was saved from the scrap heap.

The copter is part of the fleet that the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation have restored. Pilots, who like Rich Willis, are Vietnam vets enjoying sharing their aircrafts’ amazing and heroic history.

“Countries are still using these helicopters,” said Willis. “You can’t ask for better.”

Gates open at noon on Friday and the show ends Friday at twilight. Saturday and Sunday hours begin at 8:30 a.m. with the air show from 1 to 5 p.m.

Admission is $20 in advance for the grownups and $5 for children five to 12. Tickets at the door are an additional $5 per guest.

For a special treat, upgrade to the $45 advance admission tickets to the show’s beer garden. This ticket includes reserved tented and open area viewing with chairs on the airshow line, two free drinks and light snacks.

For the ultimate show experience, spring for the $85 advance Executive Club Chalet tickets, which includes the gate ticket, premier viewing from tables and seats, morning pastries, lunch, dessert, and beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks throughout the day, not to mention upgraded rest rooms facilities, free parking and shuttle.

The Valiant Air Command Airshow is the largest fundraiser for the all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to preserving the rich history of aviation.

Hundreds of volunteers, some them members of the Greatest Generation, have given thousands of hours to save the old warbirds. Seeing them in flight, or better, flying in them, is truly soaring into the past.

For more information and ticket purchases, see ValiantAirCommand.com or call 321-268-1941.

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