APPLE VALLEY – The 19th Annual Apple Valley Airshow, held Oct. 8, drew over 10,000 spectators to the Apple Valley Airport – making it “one of the most exciting family events in the Victor Valley.” 

“The Apple Valley Airport is a community airport. There’s so much history,” said Apple Valley Airshow featured pilot Chuck Coleman. “It’s great to come out to the airport and see World War II planes, jets, my aerobatic plane.”

Coleman was the flight instructor for the recently released Top Gun Maverick movie starring Tom Cruise. Coleman performed tumbles, loops and rolls while pulling 10 Gs in his Extra 300L composite airplane.

Another feature of this year’s airshow was a flyby from Edwards Air Force Base pilots in the F-16 Vipers – the airplane flown by the Thunderbirds. 

Pilot Jerod Flohr showcased the A-4 Skyhawk jet as a tribute to veterans.

“We showcase the mighty A-4 Skyhawk and wish to honor the veterans who flew these machines into combat as well as give their friends, family, and loved ones a glimpse of what it looked like and sounded like for them to be in the air in one of these amazing aircraft,” said Flohr. 

RELATED: VIDEO – Top Gun flight instructor performing at the Apple Valley Airshow Oct. 8

New to the show was Paratroopers US Jump team and Undaunted Airshows who performed formation aerobatics. Other notable performances included Dawn Patrol RV Formation Team, Air Racer Tony Higa in the Pitts, aerobatics pilot Vicky Benzing in her 1940 Boeing Stearman biplane. 

The STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Expo tent had interactive activities where families could learn to fly a plane, build an airplane or a rocket.

Plans are already in the works for next year’s airshow scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023.

For more information about the Apple Valley Airshow visit https://applevalleyairshow.com/.