Sequence of Events
2018 Schedule Shown
Aviation History Panels - Saturday
Col. Joe Kittinger (USAF Ret), First World Altitude Record 1960-2012
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Performers
IN THE AIR*USAF F-22 Raptor Demo Team USMC MV-22 Osprey DemoLockheed U-2 Dragon Lady Fly-By - Beale Red Bull Kirby Chambliss – Edge 540Red Bull Aerobatic Helicopter – BO-105 – Aaron FitzgeraldRed Bull Swoopers – Jump TeamLockheed T-33 Ace Maker – Gregory “Wired” ColyerVampire De Havilland British Jet Display – Jerry ConleyKent Pietsch Aerobatics Interstate Cadet – Jelly BellyBill Stein Aerobatics – Zivko Edge 540Chuck Coleman Aerobatics – Extra 300LJim Peitz Aerosports – F33C BonanzaAnthony Oshinuga – Pitts Special S-1Patriot Parachute TeamBoeing B-17G Flying FortressNorth American P-51 Mustang – Camarillo CAFGrumman F8F Bearcat – Camarillo CAFSupermarine Spitfire Mk XIV – Camarillo CAFVought F4U-1 Corsair – Planes of FameNorth American F-86F Sabre – Planes of Fame Air MuseumMikoyan-Gurevich Fagot Mig-15 – Planes of Fame Air MuseumLockheed P-38 Lightning – CollingsLockheed P-38J Lightning – Planes of Fame Air MuseumNorth American B-25J Mitchell – Photo Fanny – Planes of Fame Air MuseumPyrotechnicsON THE GROUND*Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II – AF-1McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle – NASAThe Only Flying Lockheed Vega 1933Cessna 182 – Civil Air PatrolDreamBig – A7 Cockpit Photo OpportunitiesHoward DGALockheed Martin X-44 – Skunk Works Demonstrator VehicleLockheed Martin Advanced UAV Model – Skunk WorksBell Boeing MV-22B OspreyFairchild PT-23RV-10 ExplorersScaled BaseBiPod Flying Car – Scaled CompositesLASD – BlackhawkT-34 Mentor – NASAUSAF Rapid Strike SimulatorPrecision Exotic SportscarsSTEM ExpoHeroes and Legends History Panelsand so much more!!*All subject to change without notice.
STEM Activities are scheduled all day long on both Saturday and Sunday!
Navigating the Sequence of Events
The Sequence of Events is your daily guide to everything happening at the Los Angeles County Air Show, from the first morning briefing to the final aerobatic performance. The schedule is divided into two primary categories: In the Air and On the Ground. Acts listed under "In the Air" include all flying demonstrations, fly-bys, and aerial performances, while "On the Ground" encompasses static displays, interactive exhibits, and ground-based activities. Because weather, mechanical readiness, and operational requirements can affect timing, all listed times are approximate and subject to change without notice. We encourage you to check the schedule boards located throughout the venue and follow our official social media channels for real-time updates.
To make the most of your day, review the sequence in advance and plan which performances you most want to see. Some acts, like the Red Bull Air Force and military demonstration teams, typically perform once per day, while warbird fly-bys may occur multiple times. If you're attending with family, consider balancing high-energy aerial displays with quieter moments exploring static aircraft and the STEM Expo. For practical advice on arrival, seating, and managing your time, visit our Air Show Tips page.
How the Show Unfolds
A typical day at the air show follows a natural rhythm. Gates open in the morning, giving you time to browse ground displays, visit vendor booths, and secure a good viewing spot before flying begins. The Aviation History Panels, such as the Saturday session featuring Col. Joe Kittinger, are scheduled in the morning, offering a more intimate and educational experience. As the day progresses, aerial performances build in intensity, often culminating with the most dramatic acts—like the USAF F-22 Raptor Demo Team or the Red Bull aerobatics—later in the afternoon.
Note that while some performers appear both days, others are scheduled for Saturday or Sunday only. The sequence you see here reflects the 2018 schedule shown, but the pattern remains similar year to year: morning panels, midday military demonstrations, and afternoon warbird and civilian aerobatics. Because flying schedules can shift due to air traffic control or weather, we recommend arriving early and staying flexible. A printed program or mobile schedule is a handy reference, but always double-check with venue announcements for the latest changes.
Featured Aerial Performers and Military Demonstrations
The aerial lineup is designed to showcase the breadth of aviation, from cutting-edge military jets to vintage warbirds and gravity-defying aerobatics. Modern military demonstrations, such as the USAF F-22 Raptor Demo Team and the USMC MV-22 Osprey Demo, offer a rare opportunity to see these aircraft perform maneuvers that highlight their capabilities. The Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady fly-by from Beale Air Force Base is another crowd favorite, providing a glimpse of a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft that is rarely seen at public events.
Civilian aerobatic performers bring a different kind of excitement. Red Bull athletes like Kirby Chambliss in his Edge 540 and Aaron Fitzgerald in the BO-105 helicopter push the limits of what aircraft can do. The Red Bull Swoopers, a paramotor jump team, adds a human element to the sky. Meanwhile, historic warbirds—including the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, North American P-51 Mustang, and Supermarine Spitfire—provide a living history lesson, often flying in formation to represent different eras of military aviation. Each act is subject to change, but the diversity ensures there is something for every aviation enthusiast.
On the Ground: Static Displays and Exhibits
Between aerial performances, the ground displays offer an up-close look at aircraft you might never see elsewhere. The Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II, McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle from NASA, and the Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey are just a few of the modern military and research aircraft on display. For those who appreciate aviation history, the lineup includes the only flying Lockheed Vega from 1933, a variety of trainers like the Fairchild PT-23 and T-34 Mentor, and even experimental vehicles from Scaled Composites, including the BiPod flying car.
Many static displays are staffed by pilots and crew who are happy to answer questions and share their experiences. Photo opportunities abound, from climbing into cockpit mock-ups to posing beside legendary warbirds. To help you navigate the extensive ground area, download our Exhibitor & Attractions Map before you arrive. The map highlights the locations of static aircraft, vendor booths, food courts, and restrooms, ensuring you don't miss your must-see exhibits.
STEM Education and Family Activities
The Los Angeles County Air Show is not just a spectacle—it's also a living classroom. The STEM Expo, running all day on both Saturday and Sunday, features hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, and educational booths designed to inspire the next generation of aviators, engineers, and scientists. From build-and-fly model aircraft to flight simulators and robotics displays, there is something for curious minds of all ages. The Heroes and Legends History Panels add a human dimension, allowing attendees to hear first-person accounts from aviation pioneers and decorated veterans.
Families will find the STEM activities particularly valuable, as they blend learning with fun. Many exhibits are designed to be accessible to children as young as elementary school, while still engaging teenagers and adults. Because STEM activities are scheduled continuously, you can drop in whenever you need a break from the sun or the roar of jets. For more information on what to expect, including specific booth locations and age recommendations, visit our Event Information hub or check the FAQ page.
Staying Updated and Making the Most of Your Visit
Air shows are dynamic events, and the sequence of events is always subject to change without notice. To stay informed, we recommend checking the official website regularly in the days leading up to your visit, and following our social media channels for last-minute updates. On the day of the show, announcements over the public address system will alert you to any schedule adjustments, performer substitutions, or weather-related delays. Keep an eye on the large schedule boards located near the entrance and main viewing areas.
Before heading to the event, review our Permitted/Prohibited Items list to ensure you pack appropriately—items like folding chairs, sunscreen, and ear protection are often allowed, while drones and large coolers are not. Familiarize yourself with Event Parking and shuttle options to avoid delays. If you have specific questions, the FAQ page covers everything from ticketing to accessibility. With a little planning, you can maximize your time and enjoy every moment of this unforgettable aviation celebration.