July 13 & 14 will pay tribute to the 80th anniversary of D-Day
Don’t miss the return showing by the F-22 Raptor !!
From the National Warplane Museum,
The National Warplane Museum’s 43rd annual airshow in Geneseo, NY, also called “The Greatest Show on Turf” is prepared for another exciting weekend July 13th and 14th! This year they are celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the largest combination airborne and seaborne invasion in history. “Operation Overlord” as it was called, began the liberation of France, and led to the Allied victory on the Western Front during WWII.
Thunder will return to the valley as Geneseo welcomes back the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter aircraft for an encore performance. Its performance was a big hit with the Geneseo crowd in 2022. You will be amazed at what this aircraft can do!
The 5 Time World Freestyle Aerobatic Champion, 12 Time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, and 13 Time U.S. National Freestyle Aerobatic Champion Rob Holland will again be performing in his MXS-RH. The MXS-RH is a one-of-a-kind, all carbon-fiber, American made aerobatic airplane. Trevor Rafferty will also be on hand to captivate you with his combination of precision aerobatics and daredevil maneuvers in his hand-built Pitts Model 12.
Other highlights of the airshow will be the National Warplane Museum’s C-47A, “Whiskey 7”. “Whiskey 7” was the lead ship of the second wave of C-47’s dropping paratroopers early in the morning of D-Day, June 6, 1944. The target was St-Mere-Eglise, France. On June 6, 2014 “Whiskey 7” reenacted this mission some 70 years later. Also appearing will be the C-47 “Placid Lassie”. On D-Day, “Placid Lassie” towed gliders carrying members of the 101st Airborne into Normandy. During the airshow, members of the “Round Canopy Parachute Team” will perform round canopy commemorative airborne demonstrations, jumping from these C-47’s.
P-51 fighters will fill the sky during the airshow, as many will be in attendance. Lou Horschel, with “Mad Max”, and Scott Yoak, with “Quicksilver”, will be gracing the skies. Pete Zeliff’s “Crazy Horse II” will be on static Display. Other World War II fighters will include Thom Richard’s P-40 “American Dream” and the Vintage Wings of Canada’s Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX and their Hawker Hurricane Mk XII. Lou Horschel doubles up, as he is also bringing his FG-1D Corsair. B-25 Mitchell bombers “Panchito” and “Take Off Time” will be present and will be taking part in watermelon bombing runs.
Historic trainers will be on the ticket. The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association’s Formation Team will be performing. Skipper Hyle will perform in his 1943 Stearman PT-17, “Matt’s Batt”. Rob Gilman’s BT-13 Vultee “Valiant” and Steve Nesbit’s Fairchild PT-26 Cornell” will also be in the air.
For those interested in WWI aircraft, JB Allred’s Fokker DR.1 triplane and Jeff Brooks Fokker D.VII will be flying and on display.
The National Warplane Museum will be celebrating the return of the Beech Staggerwing to Geneseo during the airshow, now a part of the museum’s amazing fleet!
Many World War II era re-enactors will be on the field to provide a glimpse into the past. The authentic uniforms, equipment and weapons will give the term “living history” real meaning. Visit their encampment, ask questions, take pictures, and step back in time. The reenactors will be taking part in 80th Anniversary of the D-Day battle.
Ending the performances each day will be the “Geronimo Skydiving Team”. This civilian skydiving performance will be sure to entertain young and old!
The Future Aviators Kids Zone (sponsored by SaveOnSP) returns this year, alongside our new STEM Experience Tent (sponsored by MOOG). Kids of all ages should enjoy the Rochester Lego Users Group exhibit in the long hangar. And of course while you are there, make sure to visit the plentiful hangar exhibits and interact with all of their performers. You can also purchase rides on one of their many flying airplanes. These are all opportunities you won’t get elsewhere!
Experience the legacy of aviation on their turf runway and visit the open flightline offering an unforgettable up close and personal experience with both aircraft and pilots. Walk among history and the airplanes that were a part of it all. Be immersed in the experience. This is a happening that will form memories for a lifetime!
Admission tickets will be available at the front gates that open at 8:30 AM both Saturday and Sundy. But their suggestion is for everyone to purchase tickets online as several ticket options are available. For more information visit NationalWarplaneMuseum.com.
