Fly-by-Night Element Added to Annual El Toro Air Show

Nearly 2 million spectators are expected at this weekend’s 46th annual El Toro Air Show, which begins Friday with its first-ever twilight performance, which could cause a commuter nightmare.

“The traffic--as it’s been every year--will be a challenge,” said Marine Sgt. Barry Pawelek, air show spokesman.

The California Highway Patrol is advising motorists to stay away from the base area, if possible, to avoid adding to the congestion, Officer Angel Johnson said.

Southbound motorists not headed to the air show might consider the San Diego Freeway rather than the Santa Ana Freeway. Another road to take is Portola Parkway in Lake Forest, Johnson said.

Friday’s attendance is expected to be about 250,000 for two air shows, although only the twilight show is open to the public, Pawelek said. Another 1.6 million people are expected Saturday and Sunday, which is when the Blue Angels, the Navy’s precision flight demonstration team, perform.

On the ground, hundreds of aircraft will be on display, including the F-117 Stealth Fighter; the C-17 Globemaster, a long-range, heavy-cargo transport; and the C-5 Galaxy, one of the world’s largest cargo transports, capable of carrying 16 small trucks or six attack helicopters. Tanks and artillery pieces also will be available for close-up inspection.

The twilight air show will feature pilots using their aircraft’s afterburners and light demonstrations to illuminate the sky. It will end with a fireworks finale. The gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the show is 6:30 to 9 p.m.

The event is the largest air show in the United States and features three days of aerial acrobatics, an air expo and trade show and amusement rides for children.

Admission is free.

However, preferred seating is available and ranges in cost from $5 to $25 for children and from $10 to $40 for adults.

The gates open at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and will remain open until the beginning of the Blue Angels’ performance at 3 p.m.

The CHP said roadways will be blocked off at several streets to allow easy access and departure.

On Saturday and Sunday, Irvine Boulevard and Trabuco Road from Jeffrey Road will become one-way access roads into the base, Johnson said. Sand Canyon Avenue will be closed between Trabuco Road and Portola Parkway, and Jeffrey Road will be closed between Trabuco Road and Irvine Boulevard.

After the show’s finale, Irvine Boulevard and Trabuco Road will only allow traffic to leave the air base.

Johnson warned that officers will be citing motorists who park their vehicles on the shoulder of the freeway to watch the air show.

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Approach Control For The El Toro Air Show

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Essentials

Be prepared for heat, dust and crowds; temperatures on the airfield often reach the 90s. Refreshmentsand souvenirs can be purchased from vendors. ATM machines will be available, as will restrooms. What else you’ll need: lawn chairs or blankets, lightweight protective clothing, sunscreen, hearing protection, hats or visors, umbrella, water, camera, film.

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Where to Sit

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

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Preferred seating: $5 to $40. Lawn chairs, strollers and coolers are prohibited. To purchase tickets in advance, contact Ticketmaster, (714) 740-2000. Tickets may also be purchased at El Toro during the weekend.

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Traffic Control

* The highway advisory radio station, AM 530, will broadcast traffic conditions.

* Motorists are advised to take the Santa Ana Freeway because vehicles exiting at Sand Canyon Avenue from the San Diego Freeway will be directed by the California Highway Patrol to Irvine Center Drive and toward a rear gate off Alton Parkway.

* Irvine Boulevard and Trabbuco Road from Jeffrey Road will become one-way access roads into the base.

* Sand Canyon Avenue will be closed between Trabuco Road and Portola Parkway.

* Jeffrey Road will be closed between Trabuco Road and Irvine Boulevard.

After the Show’s Finale:

* Irvine Boulevard and Trabuco Road will only allow traffic to leave the air station.

Saturday and Sunday Road Closures

7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

* Barranca Parkway: Ada to Alton Parkway, both directions.

2:30 to 6 p.m.

* Sand Canyon Avenue: At Burt Road northbound.

* Irvine Boulevard: Alton Parkway to Sand Canyon, both directions.

3:15 to 6 p.m.

* Trabuco Road: Yale Avenue to Sand Canyon eastbound.

* Jeffrey Road: Walnut Avenue to Trabuco Road northbound.

* Santa Ana Freeway: Jeffrey Road northbound ramp.

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Twilight Hours

For the first time in the air show’s history, there will be a twilight performance. Here’s the schedule Friday only:

5:30 p.m.: Gates open.

6:30 p.m.: Marine Corps AV- 8B Harrier demonstration.

6:35 p.m.: Jim Franklin (WACO UPF- 7)

6:50 p.m.: Bret Willat (glider)

7 p.m.: Red Barons (A- 75)

7:15 p.m.: Steve Stavrakakis (Zlin 50 LS)

7:20 p.m.: Joann Osterud (Ultimate 10- 300S)

7:30 p.m.: Wayne Handley (Raven)

7:40 p.m.: Navy Leap Frog demonstration

7:52 p.m.: Marine Corps KC- 130 JATO takeoff demonstration

7:57 p.m.: Marine Corps. Explosive Ordinance Disposal wall of fire demonstration.

7:59 p.m.: Sean Tucker (Pitts S2S)

8:08 p.m.: Air Force F- 14 afterburner demonstration.

8:13 p.m.: Dan Buchanan (hang glider)

8:27 p.m.: Bill Reesman (MIG- 17)

8:40 p.m.: Southern California Dodge Dealers fireworks demonstration.

9 p.m.: Twilight air show concludes.

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And here’s the schedule for Saturday and Sunday:

7 a.m.: Gates open.

8:45 a.m.: Marine Corps AV- 8B Warbird Performance; John Collver (SNJ- %); Jan Collmer (Fina. Extra 300L); John Piggott (SU- 29); Steve Stavrakakis (Zlin 50 LS)

10 a.m.: Dan Buchanan (hang glider); Patty Wagstaff (BF Goodrich 300S); Bret Willat (glider); Jim Franklin and Lee Oman (WACO UPF- 7)

11 a.m.: Sean Tucker (Pitts S2S); UPS fly- by (727- QF); Team America (SIAI Marchetti); Air Force A-10 demonstration.

Noon: Welcome from commanding general; 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band performance; Navy Leap Frog demonstration; Marine Air / Ground Task Force demonstration.

1 p.m.: Joann Osterud (Ultimate 10- 300S); Bill Reesman (MiG- 17); Red Barons (A- 75); Wayne Handley (Raven)

2 p.m.: Sean Tucker and Patty Wagstaff Duo; Air Force F-16 demonstration; Sierra Aces (Pitts S2B); Marine Corps. AV- 8B Harrier demonstration.

3 p.m.: Navy Blue Angels (F /A -18)

4:14 p.m.: Air show concludes