THEY’RE BA-A-A-CK : Air Showoffs

The 44th annual El Toro Air Show will include more than 160 types of aircraft, highlighted by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The show features flight demonstrations, sky-diving teams and hot-air balloon rides. General admission and parking are free.

Getting There

* Northbound Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) traffic exits Alton Parkway

* Southbound San Diego Freeway (I-405) traffic exits Sand Canyon Avenue

* The northbound Sand Canyon Avenue on-ramp and off-ramp from the Santa Ana Freeway will be closed from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Essentials

Be prepared for heat, as temperatures on the airfield often reach the 90s. Also be ready for dust and crowds. Bring money (no ATMs or check cashing services available). Refreshments and souvenirs can be purchased from vendors. More than 50 restrooms will be located throughout seating areas and at entrances. What else you’ll need: Lawn chairs or blankets, Lightweight protective clothing, Sunscreen, Hearing protection, Hats or visors, Umbrella, Water, Camera, Film.

Shuttle Service

Orange County Transit Authority will provide shuttle service Saturday and Sunday. Buses to the base will run between 8:30 a.m. and noon. Return trips will begin at 4:30 p.m., continuing throughout the day. Fare for each ride is $2. The two shuttle points are:

* Santa Ana Transit Terminal: 1000 E. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana

* Laguna Hills Transportation Center: Corner of Paseo de Valencia and Calle de los Caballeros,

Where to Sit

* General admission: Free. Grassy areas between airstrips. Lawn chairs, strollers and coolers, but no glass containers, are allowed.

* Preferred seating: $6 to $30. Lawn chairs, strollers, coolers are prohibited. To purchase tickets in advance, contact TicketMaster, (714) 740-2000. Tickets may also be purchased at El Toro during the weekend.

Seating: Flight line chalet

Cost: $30

What you get: Seating under tented area; lunch provided; restroom facilities

*

Seating: Flight line VIP

Cost: $30

What you get: Centerfield flight-path seating; plus flight line chalet amenities

*

Seating: Reserved box

Cost: $10

What you get: Ground level seating along flight line

*

Seating: Centerfield grandstand

Cost: $8

What you get: Reserved centerfield seating

Seating: General grandstand

Cost: $6

What you get: General admission seating along flight path

Schedule

7 a.m.: Gates open

9 a.m.: Air show begins

9 a.m. to noon: John Collver SNJ; Jim Franklin Waco Mystery Ship & Lori Lynn Rose Wingwalker; Warbirds; U.S. Navy Parachute Team “Leap Frogs”; Joann Osterud Ultimate 10-300S; John Piggot Sukhol-29; Bret Willat Glider; Rick Fessenden Berkut; G.I. Joe Skydiver Team; Dave “Hammer” Harris BD-5J Micro Jet; Patty Wagstaff EXTRA 300S; Sean D. Tucker Power Aerobatic Team; Marine Air Ground Task Force Demo Take-Off

Noon: Opening ceremonies; U.S. Navy Parachute Team “Leap Frogs”

12:30 p.m.: Marine Air Ground Task Force Demonstration

1 to 3 p.m.: Red Baron Stearman Squadron; McDonnel Douglas NOTAR Helicopter; USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon; Eagles Aerobatic Flight Team; Sean D. Tucker & Patty Wagstaff Duo; Wayne Handley RAVEN; Canadian CF-5 Freedom Fighter; Team America SIAI Marcheetti F-260; USMC AV-8 Harrier

3 to 4:15 p.m.: Blue Angels program

Military Planes

C-5 Galaxy, KC-10, B-52 Stratofortress, C-130 Hercules, C-21, F-15 Eagle, F-15A Strike Eagle, EA-6B Prowler, F-16 Falcon, F-16B, A-6 Intruder, UH-1H Huey, S-3B Viking, F-14 Tomcat, SH-60B Seahawk, HH-65 Dolphin, RF-4c Phantom/Weasel, T-34C Mentor, AH-64 Apache, HU-25 Guardian, UH-60 Blackhawk, OH-58 Kiawa, AH-1S Cobra, C-144, T-38, T-39 Sabreline, T-37 Tweety Bird, F-4G Weasel, F-16D, C-12 Super Kingair/Huron, T-1A, CF-188 (F-18), CF-116 (F-5) Freedom Fighter, CT-133 (T-37), CT-114, KC-135, A-10 Warthog, F-111 Aardvark

Civilian Planes

Constellation MATS, Constellation A/F, DC-3, Beech-3NM, C-46, Albatross, AN-2 Colt, P-38 Lightening, B-26 Martin Marauder, P-51 Mustang, P-51D, D-5, T-28A, T-28B, T-28, T-28D, Pitts Special, Cap 10, Bellanca, Tigermoth, Very Easy, Glassair, R-22, C-210, TBM Avenger, OY-1, Grumman S-2 Greyhound, Warrior, 1929 Fleet, 1939 Waco, 1939 Luscomb, 1941 Fleet, 1957 Cessna, 1947 Cessna, 1946 Cessna, Cessna 150, PT-17, Travel Air 4000, N2S3, Waco, Fairchild 24, Super Cub, SNJ-5.

Source: Marine Corps Air Station El Toro Air Show; Researched by APRIL JACKSON / Los Angeles Times