COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Air Show returns this weekend after a nearly 20-year absence.
What You Need To Know
- The Blue Angels headline with shows Saturday and Sunday at the Columbus Air Show
- The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron represents those who serve and have served in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps
- Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are sold out
The Columbus Air Show promises to bring shock, awe, and of course, plenty of speed. There will be a lot to see both on the ground and in the skies, but for many people, the main attraction will be the airborne acrobatics of the Blue Angels.
“It’s surreal at times,” said Lt. Commander Julius Bratton.
Bratton, known as Blue Angel no. 5, is in his fourth season flying for the Blue Angels, but the thrill has never worn off.
“I’ve wanted to fly since I was 5,” said Bratton. “I guess at 5-years-old, flying was probably the closest thing to having a superpower, and you know, who doesn’t like to say they can fly?”
He never imagined his dream would take off like this.
“I was fortunate enough to get selected,” said Bratton. “And fortunate enough to get selected to fly planes for the Navy and long story short, now I’m here.”
Bratton is now the lead solo pilot for the flight demonstrations.
When they fly by, Bratton and the Blue Angels bring their A-game, and show off their unique talents that require consider skill and speed.
“Far as flying goes, I mean, it’s going to be fast paced below the ground, exciting,” said Bratton. “You’re going to feel the power of the F-18.”
Bratton also wants to inspire other young dreamers like himself.
“I’m more excited to see little younger versions of myself asking the same questions that I was asking when I was their age and hopes of one day then replacing me in these shoes,” Bratton said.
Tickets are sold out for both Saturday and Sunday.
Organizers expect more than 100,000 people to attend.
