LA County Air Show: Packed Schedule This Weekend

Ready for the Weekend with Packed Schedule

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The Los Angeles County Air Show is ready for the weekend with a packed “In the Air” and “On the Ground” schedule

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 9, 2018) – The Los Angeles County Air Show presented by Lockheed Martin is ready for the weekend. Aircraft and displays have been arriving on a daily basis at Fox Field. The weather is going to be perfect and the action-packed weekend promises fun for everyone.

The headliner this year, Maj Paul “Loco” Lopez performing with the USAF F-22 Raptor Demo Team, something you don’t want to miss. It’s their first-time appearance at the LA County Air Show.

In addition to the headliner, spectators will enjoy the weekend with accomplished aerobatic performers, WWII warbirds, skydivers / swoopers, pyrotechnics, and an impressive static display including one if not the largest STEM Exhibition and Heroes and Legends Historical Panels you won’t see anywhere else.

Get there early, so you can enjoy on the ground displays with never seen rare displays. Some of these include:

Allan Lockheed Jr.: Grandson of one of the founders of Lockheed Company

General admission gates open at 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25, 2018 at General William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster. Aerial performances are from approximately noon to 3:30 p.m. each day of the two-day show.

For more information on the Los Angeles County Air Show, STEM Expo, Heroes and Legends History Panels and tickets, please visit www.lacountyairshow.com. Kids six and under free admission, military discounts, family packs, weekend and parking passes available online. Follow the Los Angeles County Air Show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates and announcements as schedules and acts are subject to change.

A Legacy of Aviation Excellence

The Los Angeles County Air Show has grown from a regional gathering into one of Southern California's premier aviation events, drawing tens of thousands of spectators each year to the high desert of Lancaster. Rooted in the rich aerospace heritage of the Antelope Valley—often called Aerospace Valley—the show celebrates both the history and the future of flight. From the pioneering days of the Lockheed brothers to the cutting-edge technology of today's military and civilian aircraft, the event honors the men and women who have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the skies.

Since its inception, the air show has been a collaborative effort between community leaders, aviation enthusiasts, and industry partners such as Lockheed Martin. The show's mission extends beyond entertainment; it aims to inspire the next generation of engineers, pilots, and innovators through its extensive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programming. Each year, the event features not only thrilling aerobatic performances but also interactive exhibits that bring aerospace concepts to life for students and families.

Highlights of the 2018 Aerial Performances

Headlining the 2018 show, Major Paul "Loco" Lopez and the USAF F-22 Raptor Demo Team delivered a breathtaking display of power and precision, marking their inaugural appearance at the Los Angeles County Air Show. The F-22's thrust-vectoring capabilities and supercruise performance were on full display as Major Lopez pushed the aircraft through a series of high-G maneuvers that left audiences in awe. This demonstration underscored the United States Air Force's commitment to air superiority and provided a rare up-close look at the world's most advanced fighter jet.

Complementing the F-22 were a host of accomplished aerobatic performers, including veteran civilian pilots whose routines have thrilled crowds across the nation. WWII warbirds took to the skies in tribute to the heroes of the past, while modern military aircraft demonstrated the evolution of aviation technology. The show also featured skydivers and swoopers, whose precision canopy control added a vertical dimension to the aerial entertainment. Pyrotechnics punctuated key moments, creating a multisensory experience that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

In honor of the Skunk Works® 75th Anniversary, special aerial tributes highlighted Lockheed Martin's legendary advanced development programs. From the P-38 Lightning to the SR-71 Blackbird, the Skunk Works has produced some of the most iconic aircraft in history, and the 2018 air show paid fitting homage to that legacy. Visitors had the opportunity to see rare aircraft from various eras, bridging the gap between the past and the future of aerospace innovation. For more details on the anniversary celebrations, see March 24 & 25, 2018 - Air Show to Honor Skunk Works® 75th Anniversary.

On the Ground: Static Displays and Interactive Exhibits

Beyond the aerial performances, the Los Angeles County Air Show offered an expansive ground experience that catered to aviation buffs and families alike. Static displays lined the tarmac, featuring aircraft from military, civilian, and historic collections. Among the rarities was a display hosted by Allan Lockheed Jr., grandson of one of the founders of the Lockheed Company, who shared personal stories and artifacts from the early days of aviation. Attendees could walk right up to many of the aircraft, peer into cockpits, and speak with the pilots and crew members who operate them.

The STEM Exhibition, one of the largest of its kind at any air show, occupied a significant portion of the grounds. Interactive booths and hands-on activities allowed children and teenagers to explore the principles of flight, rocketry, and engineering. From building and launching paper rockets to experimenting with drone technology, the STEM area was designed to ignite curiosity and encourage students to pursue careers in technical fields. Local schools and aerospace companies participated, providing demonstrations and mentorship opportunities.

Another major draw was the Heroes and Legends History Panels, a series of engaging discussions featuring veterans, test pilots, and aerospace pioneers. These panels offered a unique chance to hear firsthand accounts of historic missions and technological breakthroughs. Moderated by aviation historians, the sessions covered topics from the development of stealth technology to the human stories behind the space race. For a deeper look at these panels, visit Heroes and Legends Aviation History Panels.

Plan Your Visit: Practical Information for Attendees

To make the most of the air show experience, attendees were encouraged to arrive early and plan their day. General admission gates opened at 9 a.m., with aerial performances running from approximately noon to 3:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Parking passes were available online in advance, and clear signage directed visitors to designated lots at General William J. Fox Airfield. A variety of food and beverage vendors were on-site, offering everything from classic fair fare to local specialties, ensuring that families could refuel without missing the action.

Given the high desert location, attendees were advised to dress in layers and prepare for sunny, potentially warm conditions. Sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes were essential, as much of the event took place on open tarmac. Ear protection, especially for young children, was recommended due to the noise of jet engines. Seating was not provided in general admission areas, so visitors were welcome to bring folding chairs or blankets to enjoy the aerial performances from the flight line.

Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the flight line.
Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sun protection.
Wear ear protection, particularly for children and those sensitive to loud noise.
Stay hydrated: water stations were available, but bringing a refillable bottle was helpful.
Check the schedule of events upon arrival to plan your day around performances and panels.

Community Impact and Educational Outreach

The Los Angeles County Air Show is more than a weekend of entertainment; it is a catalyst for education and economic growth in the Antelope Valley. Proceeds from the event support STEM education initiatives in local schools, funding scholarships, classroom grants, and aviation-focused programs. The show's organizers work year-round with educators and industry partners to develop curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities that align with the needs of the aerospace workforce. This commitment to education ensures that the excitement of the air show translates into lasting benefits for the region's youth.

Moreover, the air show strengthens ties between the community and the nearby aerospace facilities, including Edwards Air Force Base and the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center. By showcasing the achievements of these institutions, the event fosters a sense of pride and possibility among residents. Partnerships with organizations like Lockheed Martin demonstrate a shared investment in the future of aviation, from the next generation of aircraft to the people who will design and fly them. For information on the show's partnership with Edwards Air Force Base, see Partners With Edwards Air Force Base.