Every year I look forward to this air show, mark it on my calendar and make their website my browser homepage so I can check ticket release dates. Many say this air show is one of the top shows to see in the tri-state area of OH/PA/NY. Pittsburgh does run its own air show as well, but for the last 2 years we have not hosted one. Making the pilgrimage to Cleveland, one of our rival cities, does feel a little off. Upon arrival to the air show we were met with organized parking, entrance lines, security, food concessions, amenities, and of course the main event along with the very welcoming people of Cleveland. There were dozens of ground display aircraft you could walk through, and yes even see the cockpit first hand. These display aircraft included the C-5M Super Galaxy, C-130, A-10, B-25, B-17, C-17, KC-135 Stratotanker, MH-53 Sea Dragon with many others. Just as many aircraft on the ground as in the skies.

Once we found our seats and settled in, the show did not take long to get started. Attending air shows it pays in visual dividends to be as close to show center as possible. This is the general area most solo flights, acrobatic demonstrations and crossovers are performed. The beginning act for the afternoon was one I had been waiting all summer to see.

The soon to be 50 year old crafts approach was declared over show speakers by legendary air show announcer Danny Clisham. All around you could see other spectators looking in different directions trying to spot the Warthogs approach. Suddenly in unison, thousands of people were pointing to show right as a visual was made. One of the most telltale signs you're witnessing in an A-10 flyby is that you can only see it because the craft is very silent on its approach. The pilot took several passes during the demo flight allowing the crowd to view its slow but stable flight with very quick and accurate turning circles.

To cap off the demo the pilot flew practiced attack passes on the runway which held pyrotechnics to simulate firing of its GAU-8 Avenger 30mm main cannon. The heat from these pyros could be felt hundreds of yards away. It is said that this plane was built around its main cannon and the size of the weapon is relative to a 1960s VW Beetle.

A performance that I've heard about but never seen in action myself involves aircraft writing messages in the sky. The Geico Skytypers demo team put this technique on full display flying thousands of feet overhead writing out messages such as "Cleveland International Airshow". Once it came time for their demo to begin, they arrived from behind the crowd over show center drawing out the U.S. Flag directly overhead. The sound of all six T-6 Texans roaring overhead was pure joy. If you can imagine the stereotypical noise of a warbird beginning a steep dive, you are very close to their typical flight sound. Throughout the demonstration they showed formations for air to air combat and bombing runs. One of my favorite maneuvers involved a simulation of a T-6 Texan with an enemy on their tail. In this scenario they would force the enemy to fly past thus allowing them to get a gun on the enemy from behind.

As the show progressed we were delighted to watch the US Army Golden Knights parachute team. Each jumper wore a red smoke canister that traced out their flight paths high above. They performed several jumps showing amazing parachuting skills including head on passes, baton exchanges and formation flight while reaching a velocity of 150mph (240kph) using only hand signals.

Later on, the show had a real unexpected treat to witness. This was the first time the F-35A Lightning II had a demonstration in Cleveland and it was seen as a tie by many with the USAF Thunderbirds for heading the show. The aircraft had taken off across town from Cleveland Hopkins Airport to arrive at show center at Burke. I always find it fun to keep my eyes peeled to spot the arriving acts before it is announced. Sure enough the stealth fighter arrived from directly behind the crowd and shot over show center at a brisk pace. Most of the demo involved mind blowing acrobatic maneuvers that appeared as if the jet was hanging in one spot as if a helicopter. During some passes through show center the pilot appeared to fly under the downtown skyscrapers behind the crowd. I feel the pilot was enjoying his day just a bit too much as he performed two dazzling high-speed passes.

During the last high speed pass of the demonstration I was so excited to see this vapor cone envelop the aircraft. Usually while shooting fast objects like aircraft I tend to keep both eyes open. This is so I can watch the viewfinder and use my other eye to track moving targets. I had no idea until hours later I had captured these incredible photos. That evening I quickly posted them to my Instagram and Facebook pages. Through Instagram I was able to get a response from the F-35A Demo Team pilot Andy Olson regarding the speed he was cruising at during this frame and he responded with ".94 Mach, 720 mph".

After the F-35 Demo there was a heritage flight. This involved the A-10, F-35A and a P-51 Mustang. During the whole heritage flight I couldn't keep my eyes off the P-51 with its immaculate steel skin. After three or four passes in perfect formation only a few hundred feet above our heads they took turns showing off one at a time doing inverted passes and multi point rolls.

After a few hours had passed the final act was upon us.

Flying the F-16C Fighting Falcon with a gorgeous red and white upper with a blue painted Thunderbird on the lower half. Much of their demo performance involves close in formation flying with solo passes. The precision these pilots put on display is jaw dropping.

One of the always know but never expected portions of the demo is referred to as "the sneak pass". You must have your head on a swivel to predict this move. Most of the performing team will be in a tight formation going low and slow at show center. Meanwhile one of the solo pilots will perform a very high speed pass right over the crowd approaching 700mph. You can always tell when portions of the crowd are not expecting this as hundreds of observers will duck down just out of a pure "what was that?" reaction. If an aviation fan like myself could have a rock concert type moment of which rattled your body with pure power and adrenaline, these power moves would be at the top of the list.

Cleveland really hosts a first class show and I'm beyond impressed. Some of the best moments while attending these shows isn't only the aircraft in the air or on the ground, but the people. At these events I get to meet other photographers and exchange ideas, air show news, exchange cards or find each other online later on. It is such a joy to see people from all ages and backgrounds coming together for their interest in aviation. Even if you know someone who you wouldn't expect to like an air show, I challenge you to take them along and watch their eyes light up.