Canadian Snowbirds Join Blue Angels for 2009 Miramar Air Show

It's one of San Diego's most beloved events and traditions. And if power, speed and patriotism are your turn-ons, then what better place to satisfy them than at the annual Miramar Air Show, Oct. 2,3,4. This year's Miramar Air Show features the Blue Angels in "A Salute to Teamwork." The Blue Angels will be joined by the Canadian Snowbirds, a 24-member show team that is the only one in North America to perform with nine jets flying in close formation. The show also features military and civilian jets, propeller planes, old warbirds, a sailplane, hang glider and jet truck.

This year’s air show takes place Oct. 2, 3, and 4, with a twilight air show Oct. 3. And as always, admission is free.

The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels are among the most popular aviation acts in the world, entertaining 15 million people last air show season. Since they were formed in 1946, they have performed for more than 427 million people.

The Snowbirds, a Canadian military jet team, fly the CT-114 Tutor. The Tutor is a trainer jet built by Canadair in the 1960s, used for pilot training in Canada until 2000. A robust and maneuverable aircraft, the CT-114 Tutor jet is ideally suited to formation and aerobatic flying. The team is scheduled to perform at approximately 10:45 a.m. each day.

Originally a Navy production, the Marine Corps took over the show after they arrived in 1998. The show includes aircraft from all branches of service, in both static and active roles.

One of San Diego's biggest and best known public events, the Miramar Air Show offers three matinee shows from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Saturday Twilight Show, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Gates will be open to the public at 8 a.m. daily. A radio-controlled aircraft demonstration takes place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Day Show performances start at 9:30 a.m. and continue until the Blue Angels performance is over, about 4 to 4:30 p.m. The Twilight Air Show is from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday evening only.

The MCAS Miramar Air Show will present the Blue Angels during its three daytime shows, on Oct. 2, 3, and 4. At the Twilight Show Oct. 3, “Fat Albert” from the Blue Angels will fly a dynamic jet-assisted takeoff at dusk.

The Twilight Show will also feature illuminated night-flying aircraft as the sky is filled with flares. The show ends with a fireworks display, climaxed by the Great Wall of Fire.

The Miramar Air Show is open to the public. Parking, admission and blanket seating are free. Upgraded preferred seating options including exclusive catered seating areas, are available. For preferred seating information, go to the Miramar Air Show website and click on 'tickets' call 1-877-772-5425.

Note: Parking is on the base and you must enter specific entrances. Please check the Miramar Air Show website for parking instructions and FAQs.