Chicago Air and Water Show 2016 News and Events: Military and Civilian Aircrafts Showcase Daredevil Stunts; Aircrafts and TV Info
The skylines and waters will once again be abuzz on the weekends as the 2016 Chicago Air and Water Show takes place.
Preparations for the show
Performers and headliners are already performing test and practice flights in preparation for the event on Saturday and Sunday to be held on Lake Michigan. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the center of action for both days will be on the North Avenue Beach.
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Herb Hunter, who has been the show's announcer for the past two decades, will once again return to host the affair in front of an expected 2 million attendees (or even reaching 3 million in some years).
Showcasing aircrafts
Running from Fullerton and all the way to Oak Street, the Chicago Air and Water Show is a display of daredevil pilots, parachute teams, jets flying in formation, water skiing, and boat-jumping component.
The air show features both military and civilian aircrafts and pilots. The Gary/Chicago International Airport provide additional ground support for taking off and landing of aircraft.
As the show is visible from pretty much anywhere near the lakefront, spectators can watch from their own homes, atop of rooftops, on skyscrapers, or even the beach.
Headliners
Every year, dozens of military and civilian teams perform to dazzle the crowd with choreographed flight patterns and other stunts. For its 58th year, the Chicago Air and Water Show will feature the following performers, among others.
US Air Force Thunderbirds- The perennial performers represent all Airmen across the globe. The team is also composed of 120 personnel.
US Army Parachute Team Golden Knights- For almost half a century, the team has amazed crowds as they fly down from an aircraft at 12,500 feet high.
US Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs- Usually consisting of fourteen jumpers, the team wows spectators through their daredevil stunts and daring formations while on air.
F-35 Heritage Flight- The most anticipated to make its public debut after winning a coveted design prize among jet striker aircrafts.
Safety concerns
Several safety issues have been raised since the inception of the show as some residents and establishments feel the risk during the course of the event. For one, Master Sergeant Corey Hood died last year from injuries after colliding with a fellow parachutist.
Safety precautions observed by the show includes a so-called safe box in which pilots are limited to perform in. The organizers also work closely with air traffickers and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Airing
Play-by-play coverage of the show will be provided by WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9 FM on both days. WBBM Newsradio will also provide livestream coverage on their website.
