On The Ground

Air Show fans will enjoy an action packed weekend both on the ground and in the air. Throughout the flight line, spectators will be able to explore static aircraft displays, interact with pilots and crew members and experience interactive attractions and educational exhibits designed to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

LOCKHEED MARTIN F-35 LIGHTING II

LOCKHEED MARTIN F-35 LIGHTNING II

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole fighters. The fifth-generation combat aircraft is designed to perform ground attack and air superiority missions. It has three main models: the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, the F-35B short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant, and the F-35C carrier-based Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery(CATOBAR) variant. On 31 July 2015, the United States Marines declared ready for deployment the first squadron of F-35B fighters after intensive testing. On 2 August 2016, the U.S. Air Force declared its first squadron of F-35A fighters combat-ready.

BiPOD FLYING CAR | SCALED COMPOSITES

BiPOD FLYING CAR - SCALED COMPOSITES

In the span of four months aerospace pioneer, Burt Rutan, decided to take on one last project. The project was Rutan’s farewell to a successful career and unconventional style. As the founder of Scaled Composites, he blazed the trail and set the mold for designing, building and testing the most technologically advanced aircrafts in an efficient timeframe. For the first time ever, Rutan’s “flying car” will be on display at the LA County Air Show. This extraordinary aircraft is a MUST-SEE attraction! Scaled Composites will be located at the air show and they’ll have experts on-hand to walk through the remarkable features and design challenges of “BiPod: Burt’s first and only flying car.”

THE ONLY FLYING LOCKHEED VEGA (1933)

DL1. DETROIT LOCKHEED, Duralumin full Monocoque fuselage with full cantilever wing. (Wooden composite)

It is owned and flown by John Magoffin, also flown by Buzz Hale. Be sure to catch their presentation at 9:30 a.m. at the Aviation Heroes and Legends History Panel tent on Sunday, March 25.

The Lockheed Vega is an American six-passenger high-wing monoplane airliner built by the Lockheed Corporation starting in 1927. It became famous for its use by a number of record-breaking pilots who were attracted to the rugged and very long-range design. Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly the Atlantic single-handedly in one, and Wiley Post used his to prove the existence of the jet stream after having flown around the world twice.

Designed by John Knudsen Northrop and Gerard Vultee, both of whom would later form their own companies, the aircraft was originally intended to serve with Lockheed's own airline routes. They set out to build a four-seat aircraft that was not only rugged but also one of the fastest aircraft of its era. Using a wooden monocoque fuselage, plywood-covered cantilever wings and the best engine available, the Vega delivered on the promise of speed.

The fuselage was built from sheets of plywood, skinned over wooden ribs. Using a large concrete mold, a single half of the fuselage shell was laminated in sections with glue between each layer and then a rubber bladder was lowered into the mold and inflated with air to compress the lamination into shape against the inside of the mold. The two fuselage halves were then nailed and glued over a separately constructed rib framework. With the fuselage constructed in this fashion, the wing spar couldn't cut through the fuselage, so the single spar cantilever wing was mounted atop the aircraft. Only the engine and landing gear remained essentially unstreamlined, and on the production versions the undercarriage had teardrop shaped "spats" covering the wheels, while only the earliest versions lacked NACA cowlings and had the engine cylinders exposed to the airstream. It was powered by the Wright Whirlwind air-cooled radial engine, which delivered 225 horsepower (168 kW).

Classic Warbirds of the Golden Age

Step back in time as you walk among meticulously restored warbirds that defined military aviation during World War II. These aircraft are not just static displays—they are living legends, each with a story of heroism and innovation. Visitors can often hear the rumble of radial engines as some of these planes take to the skies for heritage flights, offering a visceral connection to the past.

Among the highlights is the North American P-51 Mustang, a long-range fighter that escorted bombers deep into enemy territory and is often credited with helping secure air superiority. Nearby, the Boeing B-25 Mitchell medium bomber tells a tale of the daring Doolittle Raid, while the rugged Douglas C-47 Skytrain, the workhorse of the Allied airlift, reminds us of the logistical backbone that made victory possible.

Owners and restoration crews are often on hand to share technical details about these machines, from the supercharged Merlin engines to the intricacies of period-correct paint schemes. For aviation enthusiasts, walking this line is like flipping through a history book where every rivet has a pulse.

Modern Military Power

Adjacent to the heritage aircraft, the modern military display showcases the cutting edge of aerospace technology. The U.S. Air Force and Navy frequently contribute front-line fighters and support aircraft, giving the public an up-close look at the machines that defend the nation. These displays often include crew members who can explain the aircraft’s capabilities and mission profiles.

One common sight is the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a highly maneuverable multirole fighter known for its bubble canopy and fly-by-wire controls. Its sleek lines and impressive weapons loadouts draw crowds, especially when pilots discuss the aircraft’s performance envelope. Another frequent guest is the F/A-18 Hornet or Super Hornet, a carrier-based strike fighter that has seen service across the globe, from the deserts of the Middle East to the deck of an aircraft carrier.

These modern jets are often displayed with their weapon systems inert, but visitors can still appreciate the advanced avionics, radar arrays, and composite materials that make them lethal and survivable. For many young attendees, standing next to an F-35 or an F-16 is the spark that ignites a career in aerospace.

Aerobatic Champions

While the aerial performances take center stage in the sky, the aircraft that perform those gravity-defying routines are also on display on the ground. Aerobatic planes like the Extra 330, Edge 540, and Pitts Special are engineered for extreme maneuverability, with power-to-weight ratios that exceed many fighter jets. Their lightweight composite airframes and symmetrical wings allow pilots to execute snap rolls, hammerheads, and inverted flight with precision.

Visitors can walk around these brightly colored machines and speak with the pilots who push them to the limits. Often, the pilots will explain how they manage G-forces, the importance of energy management, and the rigorous training required to perform at airshows. Some displays include cutaway models or cockpit mockups, giving a pilot’s-eye view of the controls and instrumentation.

For those interested in the mechanics, these aircraft feature carbon-fiber spars, high-performance propellers, and smoke systems that trace the pilot’s path across the sky. The aerobatic area is a favorite for photographers, who can capture the vivid liveries and intricate details of these flying works of art.

Interactive STEM Zone

The LA County Air Show is committed to inspiring the next generation of aviators, engineers, and scientists, and the interactive STEM Zone is where that mission comes alive. This area is packed with hands-on activities that make science, technology, engineering, and mathematics tangible and fun. From building and launching paper rockets to programming small drones, there is something for every age and interest.

One popular exhibit is the flight simulator bank, where visitors can try their hand at flying a virtual aircraft, experiencing the challenges of takeoff, navigation, and landing. Another crowd-pleaser is the wind tunnel demonstration, where participants can test the aerodynamics of different shapes and learn about lift, drag, and stall. Local universities and aerospace companies often staff booths with interactive models, 3D printers, and robotics displays.

The STEM Zone also features a “Drone Zone” where certified pilots demonstrate the capabilities of small unmanned aircraft systems and explain the growing career opportunities in this field. For parents and educators, the area provides resources and ideas for continuing STEM learning at home or in the classroom. It’s a vibrant, noisy, and exciting part of the show that proves learning can be an adventure.

Aviation Heroes and Legends History Panel

Beyond the aircraft themselves, the LA County Air Show celebrates the people who made aviation history. The Aviation Heroes and Legends History Panel is a gathering of pilots, veterans, and aerospace pioneers who share first-hand accounts of their experiences. Held under a large tent near the main display line, these sessions offer a rare opportunity to hear stories that are often lost to time.

Past panels have featured combat veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and more recent conflicts, as well as test pilots, astronauts, and record-setters. The sessions are moderated and include Q&A, allowing the audience to ask questions about everything from flying techniques to personal reflections. The tent is usually packed, so arriving early is advisable.

On Sunday morning, as noted earlier, John Magoffin and Buzz Hale discuss the Lockheed Vega, but they are just one highlight among many. The panel schedule is posted on-site and in the show program, and it is included with general admission. These discussions add a deeply human dimension to the hardware on display, reminding us that every aircraft has a pilot and every innovation has a story.

Check the daily schedule for panel times and featured speakers.
Bring a notebook or recording device? Note: recording may be restricted; ask first.
Seating is limited; arrive 15 minutes early for popular sessions.