Pacific Airshow, celebrating 10 years, ready for takeoff in Huntington Beach
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Chris Hicks is a pilot for a major passenger airline. The weekend of the Pacific Airshow, however, is one that the Newport Beach resident typically takes off from his regular job.
Hicks will be in the skies over Huntington Beach this weekend — but it will be in a B-25 Mitchell bomber from 1944, which he’s flying at the show along with Steve Johnson of Santa Barbara.
Hicks said he appreciates the history of the B-25. Sixteen of the fighter planes were launched from the USS Hornet during World War II to carry out the surprise Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor bombing.
“Any time you get to go fly one of these old, classic war birds is one of the greatest days as a pilot,” he said. “Also, it’s just being around the world-class acts and just the world-class people at the Huntington Beach air show that run it, and also who show up to come watch the show.”
Civilian and military pilots alike are ready to take flight. The Pacific Airshow celebrates its 10th year when it launches near the Huntington Beach Pier Friday through Sunday.
Show director Kevin Elliott, the chief executive of Code Four, said at a press conference Thursday at Lyon Air Museum that he considers this the best show yet in terms of lineup. Last year, military planes could not participate, but familiar names like the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, F-22 Raptor and U.S. Navy F-35C demonstration teams are all in the lineup this year. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, cast into a headlining role last year, also return.
NASA has also brought some jets this year, with administrator Jared Isaacman flying his MiG-29 that’s known as the “Arctic Ghost.”
Officials said the Pacific Airshow is expected to bring more than a million guests, ticketed or not, to the beach to watch the action. It’s the largest air show in the United States in terms of attendance.
“I’m very honored to be a part of it,” Elliott said. “In spite of all of the headwinds, I think we’re continuing to put numbers on the board. We can’t control the weather, we can’t control the government shutdown, but you can see that the energy and the excitement for the show and the performers that are here continue to show up for us year on year. That’s a true honor, and a reason why I continue to fight the good fight and keep going.”
Elliott said that a special clothing patch, inspired by the recent historic olive ridley sea turtle nests found at the beach, will be available this weekend. Proceeds will benefit the Bolsa Chica Conservancy.
Huntington Beach Mayor Casey McKeon is a fan of the show. He said after getting married, his wife wanted to live in eastside Costa Mesa. But attending open houses during an air show weekend convinced her otherwise.
“We were driving down Victoria [Street] and the Thunderbirds are screaming over in the sky,” McKeon said. “We’re going to open houses, and people are having parties outside and drinking wine. She’s like, ‘All right, I’m convinced, this is it. I love Huntington Beach!’
“I always say that we’re the most patriotic city in America. We’re so proud of the air show.”
Tickets for the show are still available at pacificairshow.com. As in past years, the flight schedule for the day will be released each morning via email to newsletter subscribers.
