The CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show 2025

Story and photos by Shawn Byers

I had not been to the Dayton Air Show in many years but it has always been on the radar, so to speak. It is within driving distance, but maybe a bit far for just a weekend at 8 hours. I decided to go for it and combine a visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force while I was there.

Dayton, famous for being the Birthplace of Aviation, held the 51st edition of the annual air show on June 21st and 22nd, 2025. Located in the city of Vandalia, the air show is held at Dayton International Airport. Dayton has three air carrier runways, 06L/24R, the longest at 10,900 feet, 18/36, and 06R/24L, the shortest at 7,285 feet.

The air show footprint utilizes the ramp of some midfield fixed base operators and extends across closed Runway 18/36 onto some green painted pavement used for a large display of static aircraft. Then the crowd line and chalets align the runway. Two of my favorite announcers, Ric Peterson and Matt Jolley combined on the call.

I was at the show from Thursday through Saturday. On Thursday, I covered Dream Flights for area veterans before the weather took a turn. I did run to catch a particular arrival. The DC-8, “Samaritan’s Purchase” arrived Thursday for static display. The airframe is so rare and it is being retired this year so it was worth the chase. Later that evening, a monster thunderstorm rolled through with a 70mph peak wind gust at the airport. No serious damage was suffered but a tent or two blew down and the grounds were wet in places.

On Friday, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds got the flying started with a practice at 1130am. Prior to the flight, area police motorcycle officers posed for a group photo in front of the Boss’s jet.

After that practice, the Marine Corps CH-53 Helicopter performed a demonstration. I heard that it broke on Saturday and did not perform the rest of the weekend. I am glad I had a chance to catch it.

The Golden Knights dropped in with an air show Banner. On Saturday, I had the privilege of being onboard with the Golden Knights for their jump. Unfortunately, I had the second worst seat on the plane. Nonetheless, it was an opportunity of a lifetime and a pleasure to be embedded with the team for a bit.

Before the flight, we were in close proximity to the Sky Soldiers helicopter rides. Only armed with a short lens, they were in perfect range for some photographs.

When we landed and parked, the Goodyear Blimp was airborne in celebration of 100 years of operation. Still armed with only a short lens, the blimp is huge and was within photo range.

We were shuttled back to the main ramp and I settled in for the rest of the show. Tom Larkin was just finishing up his routine in the Mini Jet.

Third Strike Wingwalking performed the first of their two demonstrations. In a red Stearman, two wingwalkers pose for flybys. The aircraft and a single wingwalker would return later in the afternoon.

The Beechcraft T-34 Association had a number of formation flybys before landing in front of the crowd. I think I counted 16 aircraft.

The exciting, Red Bull Air Force took the stage with the BO105 helicopter flown by Aaron Fitzgerald, an aerobatic Extra 300 flown by Kevin Coleman, and two parachutists, one of which wore a wingsuit. The opening act was for a parachutist, who was speaking live with the air show announcers, to exit the helicopter while Coleman flies under it.

Bob Carlton performed in his Salto sail plane with twin jet assist. Using numerous streams of smoke, he made some great circles in the air.

B-29, “DOC” made a few passes, one of which occurred with a wall of fire, courtesy of Firewalkers International, that no one knew was coming and “DOC” was on the other side of it. An OOOH moment, but not a good photo opportunity.

The Fighter Jets Demonstration Team is a trio of Mig 17s. This was the performance that really sold me on making it to this show. Seeing three Migs in formation was something I had to capture. Randy Ball, Bill Culberson and Michael Terfehr fly the Migs in tight formation and also break away for some high-speed passes.

Brian Correll flew a great demonstration in his yellow Pitts biplane.

The C-17 Demonstration Team was scheduled to appear but did not fly.

The Thunderbirds then concluded the show.

Notable static displays featured two F-16s, one a color bird from the “Stingers” of the Ohio Air National Guard out of Toledo, two T-38s, one in blue splinter scheme from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, two F-35As from Luke AFB, an Airbus 400M from the German Luftwaffe, a WC-135 Constant Phoenix air sampling aircraft from Offutt AFB, a colorful T-1A from Vance AFB, the aforementioned Samaritan’s Purse DC-8, and one Goodyear Blimp.

I had a great time in Dayton and I wish to thank Sheila Wallace for the amazing opportunities she afforded me as a media member. Additionally, those on her staff that I interacted with and who carried on after Sheila had an unfortunate accident that precluded her from being at the show the rest of the weekend.