Last Updated on September 1, 2022 by Left Lane
The 2022 Wings Over Columbus Airshow put on a fearsome display of air might. Coming to Columbus Mississippi for just 2 days out the year. The Thunderbirds, and all the airshow teams put on an aerobatic display second to none. It was truly a privilege to witness some of the best pilots in the world letting their fuel drinking birds fly free in the sky.
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A Look Around The Airshow Grounds
Before I could make it all the way inside the entrance gate. The Airshow kicked off with an epic aerial parachuting display.
Top 15 Reasons You Should Visit the next Wings Over Columbus Airshow
Here’s the Top 15 Reasons you would enjoy the Columbus Air Force Airshow, and why you should plan on catching it the next time it’s in town:
1. Wings of Blue Parachute Team
Once the skydiver was in the air, a stunt plane circled the parachuter as he descended towards the ground.
After briefly pausing to watch the Wings of Blue Parachute Team kick things off at the Airshow. I resumed my walk across the parking area for the front gate.
2. Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy
Upon making it to the main gate finally, the first thing that catches, and holds your attention is the massive Lockheed C-5 Galaxy military cargo transport aircraft.
3. Food, and Drinks
Not long after entering the Airshow Gates, I located the Food Court, which was set up on base. Offering everything from Homemade Lemonade, to Funnel Cakes!
4. The Car Show
Once you were fed, and done snacking. You could ease over to the on-site Car Show.
5. The Helicopter, and Airplane Exhibit
They had variety of every sort of aircraft imaginable on exhibit for public viewing. Including both Military, and Civilian Aircraft.
6. The Boeing E3 Sentry
7. The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team
As the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team took to the air in their modified AT-6 Texan aircraft. Which was is famous World War 2 training prop plane. You could distinguish their unique sound, caused as the props turn at near supersonic speeds.
8. The A-10C Thunderbolt II
The A-10C Thunderbolt. can produce around 9000 pounds of thrust from its 2 Turbo Fan Engines. It’s built for durability in battle with Titanium Armor protecting the Aircraft.
An A-10 Thunderbolt is known as a Sub-Sonic plane. It can fly as fast as 450 mph, or lay attacks at speeds as slow as 90 mph, while still maintaining excellent maneuverability.
9. CAF Pacific Dogfight Demo
The F4U became known as one of the most fierce defenders of the United States during World War 2. When the Japanese attacked in their B5N Torpedo Bombers.
American Pilots in the F4U, also known as the Bent Wing Fighter responded at the Wars start. They were so effective in battle, they amassed an 11:1 kill ratio. It was one of the planes Japanese Pilots feared most during World War 2.
It’s fearsome effectiveness, earned it the nickname Whistling Death ☠️. Because of the sound created by it’s bent wing design when diving during an attack.
10. Boeing C-17 Globemaster
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster has set over 30 different World Records. It has a top speed of 350 mph. It’s also extremely quit for a plane of it’s size, for a tactical advantage when sneaking into enemy territory.
It has a Wingspan of over 170’ feet across, it’s tail, is over 4 Stories Tall. It’s capable of landing on all sorts of surfaces, including Sand, and Ice. It has successfully landed on all 7 continents.
Boeing C-17’s are also capable of landing at unsupported airfields, because the plane is capable of reversing under its own power. It can also land using less then 1000’ feet of runway.
11. Lockheed T-33
The Lockheed T-33 was developed from the Lockheed P-80. Which was one of the earliest U.S. Jets built in 1944. The T-33 has a Top Speed of around 623 mph.
Lockheed’s T-33 produces around 5600 Pounds of torque. With a height ceiling over 45,000’ feet. Another thing unique to the T-33 is the cockpit canopy is also the air brake for the plane, being opened after landing to help slow the jet.
Back in 1948 Lockheed was given just 150 days to create a new functioning Jet Fighter. They did it in just 143 days. The T-33 stayed in active duty around the world defending various countries until 2017.
12. The Phillips 66 Aerostars
Flying in their “Extra 300L” Aircraft the Phillips 66 Aerostars put on a show when they hit the skies above Columbus Air Force Base.
13. The All Veterans Parachute Team
The All Veterans Parachute Team showed their jumping, and parachute control skills. By gliding in on air columns with the grace of soaring eagles.
14. Rob Holland
Rob Holland isn’t just any run of the mill Pilot. He’s the 5 Time World Free Style Aerobatic Champion, 9 Time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, and the 10 Time U.S. National Freestyle Aerobatic Champion.
The plane that Rob Holland is flying in, is a MXS-RH Aircraft (there were maybe only 13 of them ever made in the whole world). The plane is made of Carbon Fiber, and producing 385 Hp. Rob is also an Honorary Blue Angel.
15. USAF Thunderbirds
Putting on a fearsome aerobatic display of air might, it was easy to see how excited the Thunderbirds had the crowd at Columbus Air Force Base.
All the way from Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. The USAF Thunderbirds wowed the audience in a deafening roar of power. The sound produced by their engines penetrates your bones, and causes the ground to vibrate under your feet.
The Thunderbirds are the Premier Demonstration Team for the United States Air Force. They have been show casing Military Jet Power for 69 years.
The Thunderbirds fly F-16 Supersonic Jets, made by Lockheed Martin. There also known as the Fighting Falcon. Their capable of climbing 30,000 feet in under a minute.
F-16 Fighting Falcons have a Top Speed of around 1500 mph. They can climb to altitudes over 50,000’ feet.
The Pilots of the Thunderbirds are active duty Air Force Pilots, and if the need arises. They can have their Supersonic Jets ready for battle in just 72 hours!
The Conclusion
After 5 hours of nonstop aerobatic action. The Wings Over Columbus 2022 Airshow came to a close. After thoroughly enjoying myself. I couldn’t help myself when I left the Air Force Base. I just had to walk through Fred one last Time 🤣.
What were the Top 15 reasons to attend the Airshow? Here’s a quick recap of all 15:
- 1. Wings of Blue Parachute Team
- 2. Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy
- 3. Food, and Drinks
- 4. The Car Show
- 5. The Helicopter, and Airplane Exhibit
- 6. The Boeing E3 Sentry
- 7. The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team
- 8. The A-10C Thunderbolt II
- 9. CAF Pacific Dogfight Demo
- 10. Boeing C-17 Globemaster
- 11. Lockheed T-33
- 12. The Phillips 66 Aerostars
- 13. The All Veterans Parachute Team
- 14. Rob Holland
- 15. USAF Thunderbirds
If all this Airplane talk has you ready to book your next Trip: Just Click Here to get all your required Travel Documents in one place!
The Roving Gypsy®
Thanks for reading my Travel Blog, I hope you enjoyed this photographic tour of the Columbus MS, Airshow as much as I did. Like what you read, and want more, or have a suggestion for me? Follow, Share, and Comment to let me know.
